It's too bad that the actions of an obnoxious neighbor led to someone's death. It's too bad it wasn't the obnoxious neighbor who lost her life. It's too bad there isn't more done to stop people from harming others' quality of life with their own selfish behavior. Unfortunately calling the police to handle noisy neighbors is seldom effective. If the police show up, they usually do nothing to prevent the noise from happening again. Consequently the situation escalates. Perhaps there should be a law that allows harassed neighbors to exterminate their harassers.

I'm still trying to figure out why the parade date was changed. If something's not broke why fix it?? It actually hurts retail business on Saturdays as most regular customers stay away from the downtown craziness. After 2pm the only people who come in my store are gangs of troublemaking kids. I thought the date was changed to accommodate a show at Proctors, so I remain confused. And frustrated.

I'm sorry but Don Rittner did not do much as a historian for the city or the county. The things listed in the editorial have almost nothing to do with the history of the city or the county, and it's doubtful that Mr Rittner even did some of the things listed.

What monthly arts night did he start? It sure wasn't Art Night, I don't recall Mr Rittner being at any of the initial Art Night meetings. Art Night was started by Mitch Messmore. What ongoing guided tours did Mr Rittner implement? What has the Onrust done for the city or the county? And Mr Rittner certainly was not instrumental in bringing the Gosling/Cooper movie to the city - that was clearly stated in a Times Union article. Rittner knew nothing about it.

I thought the Gazette was more intelligent than this editorial reveals. Rittner is a big talker who likes to get others to do work for him, and then he takes the credit. To compare him to Larry Hart is a big horrible mistake. Mr Hart must be rolling in his grave.

Kudos to the county for this good move.

time to start shooting the stupid people, not the bears

it's time to end the teen mom/welfare for life cycle. sterilize, don't pamper them.

Great statement "...slight little carrots to entice you to stay on the end of the leash.” Go Carl! Go Vince!

i'm sure the mother in this case is absolutely wonderful and can't be blamed in any way.

It has been very bad living in downtown for the past few years. The noise from the bars, and from the drunken bar patrons, makes it impossible to sleep some nights. The drunks also vandalize properties surrounding the bars, and of course pee on nearby properties. They fight and yell and have no regard for nearby residents.

The city council made a big mistake when they changed the noise ordinance to 1am on weekends. There's nothing wrong with bars staying open late, as long as noise and rowdy behavior is kept to a minimum.

However, part of the responsibility falls on the bars to keep their patrons in check. For example, Pinhead Susan's is a very responsible bar, whereas a neighboring bar a few buildings away, 20 N Broadway, is responsible for much noise and rowdiness, and the owners do not adhere to even the 1am noise ordinance.

There can be a balance between nightlife and quality of life. If local leaders can't figure it out, I suggest they look at cities like Atlanta or Chicago, where there is a successful balance, and see how it's done.

wow - it's going to ruin a kid's life not to have the beach open??

Denise the dog owner doesn't want to have to get her own insurance.