Wednesday, December 8, 2010

She was the Corner Market

On the corner of Douw Street and Sixth Avenue sits one of the oldest buildings in Uptown. Originally serving the neighborhood as a Butcher’s shop, it’s now home to the Troy Police Department’s North Central Sub-Station. It’s a bit strange for me walking into the building these days. For me it will always be Ursula’s, one of three corner markets that operated at this corner in the ’60’s and ’70’s.

Velotti’s Market operated for decades in that building and the business was a stabilizing force in the neighborhood. Many families in our neighborhood depended on the store for their daily supper and oft times were a little shy on cash. Her proprietor Ursula had a heart of gold. Rather than see families go hungry, she would extend credit by running a tab that the families would settle once a month. Ursula took care of her neighbors and I believe she’d be thrilled by our efforts to Revitalize Uptown Troy.

The members of the CDC (Capital District Causes) have extended honorary membership to Hannah’s Hope. Please join us in supporting the efforts of our neighbors in Clifton Park with one of your remaining 9 votes today.

Please continue supporting The Uptown Initiative’s efforts and those of our CDC Partners: Albany Jewish Community Center, Project Hope/Fort Edward, WSW Art Farm, Encore Theater and Palace Performing Arts Center. We hope to add more CDC members soon. If you know of a worthy Upstate NY Project, leave a comment on our page when you vote with some info.

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