By AMEARA DITSCHE
Arts Editor
Since he’s been elected, approximately one year and nine months ago, Councilman Owusu Anane has held a “Corner Council” on the corner of Hudson and Quail in the Pine Hills neighborhood. He comes prepared with many different forms and resources for constituents, encouraging them to utilize them, and urges residents to register to vote, know their rights as tenants, and be active in their community.
Anane offered a simple explanation as to why he started holding Corner Council.
“I want to meet the neighbors to listen to their concerns and issues,” said Anane.
According to Anane, many problems have been solved by the Corner Council. Residents will contact him to be connected to relevant sources. Many people who stopped by already knew Anane and had a prior established repore with him.
Sharon Grippen, a 71-year-old resident of Hudson Ave., is the only private owner on the block. The rest of the residents appear to be college students renting apartments. Grippen expressed disdain towards a sign that some students had hung from their balcony. The banner read “Sluts drink 4 free,” and Grippen saw this as a quality of life issue. Anane agreed, and told her he would attempt to find a way to handle it.
Grippen said that Anane is often helpful in bringing issues to city officials, but that the city often doesn’t do anything. “The students bring in a lot of money to Albany. The city wants the economy, so they won’t do anything unless people are getting hurt.” said Grippen.
Lawrence Frederick Kauffman, a former University at Albany student and fraternity member, is upset at the state of fraternities in the neighborhood. As members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kauffman and his brothers focused on community service and brotherhood. Now, he says, they focus on partying and, most dangerously so, hazing. Kauffman’s goal is to get more involved in the Albany community again and help to reinstate a better Greek life.
“What I’m looking to do is get a foot in the door of the student district and help them,” said Kauffman. He and Anane shared ideas on how to help the neighborhood grow. “I’m really grateful you’re here and for what it will lead to,” said Kauffman to Anane.
Nate Ensel is the local “beat cop,” Ensel stopped by to catch up with Owusu and they briefed each other on what they had seen going on around the neighborhood recently.
Early in Tuesday’s Corner Council, Anane was joined by Bororo Efekoro, the Democratic candidate for Albany county legislature.
“I’m glad the community has someone who isn’t scared to be there for them.” said Efekoro.
Overall, Anane was a familiar face to many members of the community. They all appeared comfortable with him and seemed willing to utilize the resources he offered. Anane talked to a diverse range of people, from young, white, college students to older residents of color, and he was willing to be a friendly face to all.
“I appreciate everything he is doing,” said Alanzo Jones of the Pine Hills neighborhood.
