TROY — On the eve of political change, a Democratic councilwoman broke ranks to allow the city to finance up to $6 million for Frear Park improvements.
Councilwoman Katie Spain McLaren on Tuesday joined four Republicans during a special meeting to pass the Republican administration’s bonding measure two days before Democrats seized complete control of the City Council. McLaren’s vote was consequential, as all bonding votes require a two-thirds majority to pass.
The timing of the 5-2 vote during a transitional period and the lack of site plans presented by Mayor Carmella Mantello’s administration concerned McLaren and her two Democratic colleagues. But for McLaren, those factors didn’t outweigh the potential long-term community benefits of the project.
“I was comfortable with my decision and I guess I’m just hoping that I don’t regret it even though it’s certainly going to anger a lot of people,” said McLaren, who represents the park area in District 3. “I’m hoping that it will also turn out to be something that is very good for Troy.”…