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OPINION: Delaying congestion pricing is a big win for New Yorkers
Delaying congestion pricing [which would have charged drivers a $15 fee to drive into the central business district of Manhattan] is a victory for hardworking New Yorkers and small businesses that would have borne the brunt of this costly policy. When we hear Gov. Kathy Hochul say we must focus on “putting money back in […]
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Delaying congestion pricing [which would have charged drivers a $15 fee to drive into the central business district of Manhattan] is a victory for hardworking New Yorkers and small businesses that would have borne the brunt of this costly policy.
When we hear Gov. Kathy Hochul say we must focus on “putting money back in people’s pockets,” it sounds as if she is finally listening to the calls of New York Republicans, who for years have been railing against the congestion-pricing scheme.
But as the governor stated, “let’s be real.” This sudden heel-turn is because the political ramifications of congestion pricing would have hurt Democrats in upcoming congressional races. This was not a decision to do right by the people or to manage our cost-of-living crisis. This was a calculated maneuver to avoid a political disaster.
Delaying congestion pricing should only be the beginning of a 180-degree course correction for this state. While the governor may think “circumstances have changed,” the fact is many New Yorkers are desperately struggling financially thanks to the endless spending habits of Democrats in Albany.
William (Will) A. Barclay, 55, Republican, is the New York Assembly minority leader and represents the 120th New York Assembly District, which encompasses all of Oswego County, as well as parts of Jefferson and Cayuga counties. This article is drawn from a statement that Barclay issued on June 5.
OPINION: The U.S. is no longer the dominant superpower
It was an article of faith, through most of my life, that the United States was the world’s dominant power. We had the most powerful
Oneida County and sheriff’s office reach collective-bargaining agreement
UTICA, N.Y. — Oneida County has reached a collective bargaining agreement with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and Police Benevolent Association, Inc. (PBA) that includes pay increases and an expansion of health insurance for retirees, Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. announced in a press release. “I’m very pleased that we came to an
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UTICA, N.Y. — Oneida County has reached a collective bargaining agreement with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and Police Benevolent Association, Inc. (PBA) that includes pay increases and an expansion of health insurance for retirees, Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. announced in a press release.
“I’m very pleased that we came to an agreement that is advantageous to our employees and our taxpayers,” Picente said in the release. “I believe this contract is fair to all sides involved. It gives the valued members of the sheriff’s office road patrol unit and our 911 center employees the compensation and benefits they deserve for keeping this community safe.”
The eight-year agreement covers January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2028, and includes the implementation of a new wage scale and additional annual increases and an increase to shift differential, field training officer, cell phone, and SWAT team pay.
There will be one-time lump sum payments, an increase in meal and uniform allowance and reimbursement, and an expansion of retiree health insurance coverage.
“This is a great day for the road patrol division of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Robert Maciol said, adding the new contract will help the county attract and retain deputies.
Negotiations began in 2021 before proceeding to interest arbitration. That was withdrawn and concluded with the voluntary agreement. PBA membership, which includes the road patrol division and the 911 center, approved the agreement on June 10 with a vote of 107-2. The Oneida County Board of Legislators approved the agreement at a meeting June 12.
The county’s negotiation team included Picente, Maciol, Oneida County Attorney Amanda Cortese-Kolasz, and attorney James Roemer.
When Can an Employer Request an Applicant’s or Employee’s Salary History?
In a tight labor market, many employers struggle to provide the most competitive employment offers, including competitive salaries and wages. Are employers permitted to request
Auburn Community Hospital, Upstate Cancer Center formally open new cancer center in Auburn
AUBURN, N.Y. — Auburn Community Hospital (ACH), in partnership with the Upstate Cancer Center in Syracuse, on Wednesday formally opened a $15 million cancer center in Auburn. The treatment facility is called the Upstate Cancer Center at Auburn Community Hospital, which is located at the intersection of Lansing and North streets. The center includes radiation
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AUBURN, N.Y. — Auburn Community Hospital (ACH), in partnership with the Upstate Cancer Center in Syracuse, on Wednesday formally opened a $15 million cancer center in Auburn.
The treatment facility is called the Upstate Cancer Center at Auburn Community Hospital, which is located at the intersection of Lansing and North streets.
The center includes radiation technology, software, and patient setup facilities. Auburn Community Hospital describes it as a “beacon of hope for individuals requiring advanced treatment.”
Cancer patients in Cayuga County previously had limited local options, often needing to travel to Rochester or Syracuse for such specialized care, the hospital noted.
“Inaugurating the cancer center underscores our commitment to delivering world-class healthcare to Auburn and Cayuga County,” Scott Berlucchi, president and CEO of Auburn Community Hospital, said in the announcement.
Berlucchi also noted that Auburn Community Hospital has evolved from a 99-bed hospital to a “comprehensive rural integrated delivery system.”
Others attending the formal-opening ceremony included Dr. Robert Corona, president of Upstate University Hospital; Dr. Thomas Vandermeer, director of the Upstate Cancer Center; Dr. Komal Akhtar, director of the Upstate Cancer Center at Auburn Community Hospital; New York State Senator Rachel May (D–Syracuse); and Auburn Mayor James Giannettino.
Onondaga County launches 10th year of Onondaga Grown campaign
SKANEATELES, N.Y. — The “Buy Local. Buy Onondaga Grown” campaign is now in its 10th year and encourages the public to choose food and products grown in Onondaga County by more than 570 farm families. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and the Onondaga County Agriculture Council on Tuesday launched this year’s campaign during a visit
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SKANEATELES, N.Y. — The “Buy Local. Buy Onondaga Grown” campaign is now in its 10th year and encourages the public to choose food and products grown in Onondaga County by more than 570 farm families.
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and the Onondaga County Agriculture Council on Tuesday launched this year’s campaign during a visit to Anyela’s Vineyards in the town of Skaneateles.
Anyela’s Vineyards is also one of the 12 locations opening for a day of agritourism at the 8th annual Harvey Skeele ON Farm Fest, which is set for Sept. 21, officials announced during Tuesday’s event.
The full list of locations is available at: http://onondagagrown.com
Both McMahon and David Knapp, Onondaga County Legislator and chair of the Onondaga County Agriculture Council, discussed the importance of connecting the public with their food producers:
“This year’s campaign highlights the importance of connecting the public directly with their food producers. That connection happens daily at farmers markets, local stores and farmstands, and in many cases — right at the farm in the form of agritourism.” McMahon said in a county news release. “Onondaga County is focused on expanding and strengthening our local agricultural community. Through a multi-media campaign and the ON Farm Fest event, our goal is to inform the public of all the amazing products and experiences available thanks to their local farmer”
The “Buy Local. Buy Onondaga Grown.” campaign seeks to educate the community on the health and economic benefits of purchasing in-season produce and other local products. Through radio and TV commercials, social-media posts, and signage, the campaign also highlights specific producers from within Onondaga County, per the announcement.
The Onondaga Grown campaign continues to include a regular feature on The Local Show on WSYR Radio (AM 570 and 106.9 FM) on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 7 a.m. The feature involves farmers and businesses discussing the “Buy Local” movement.
Study launched on Utica Thruway exit and surrounding roads
UTICA, N.Y. — The Herkimer Oneida County Transportation Council (HOCTC) is launching a study and website to improve the connectivity and safety of the I-90
Genius NY program selects semifinalists as 8th round of accelerator continues
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — CenterState CEO announces 14 companies have been named semifinalists for the 8th cohort of the Genius NY program at the Syracuse Tech Garden. Genius NY is short for Growing ENtrepreneurs & Innovators in UpState New York. It is described as the world’s largest accelerator focused on uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and advanced
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — CenterState CEO announces 14 companies have been named semifinalists for the 8th cohort of the Genius NY program at the Syracuse Tech Garden.
Genius NY is short for Growing ENtrepreneurs & Innovators in UpState New York. It is described as the world’s largest accelerator focused on uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM) technologies.
The semifinalists will now compete to see which five are selected for the one-year program at the Tech Garden. A team of 50 evaluators reviewed 80 applications for semifinalist selection.
More than half of the companies in the applicant pool were from outside of the U.S., and most applicants identified as being in the “validation” phase.
Of the 14 semifinalists selected from that pool, eight are international teams and three identified as minority and women-owned business enterprises. Two teams are from New York state.
Finalists will be announced in early July. In August, the five finalists will arrive in Central New York to begin the program.
Finalists will compete for the grand prize at Innovation Night this fall, where they’ll pitch to a panel of judges and the audience. Each team will have five minutes to make the case for their product. The winner will receive a $1 million investment, and the four remaining teams will each receive a $500,000 investment.
“The pool of applicants we receive for the Genius NY program becomes more impressive and competitive each year. More than half of the selected semi-finalists are in the commercialization phase, and the others are well on their next step. Additionally, around half of the semi-finalist teams are focused on defense applications or detect and avoid technology, complimenting the regional ecosystem of defense manufacturers and initiatives,” Kara Jones, director of Genius NY, said in the announcement. “The advisors will now make the tough decisions on which companies will be our five finalists this year. I’m looking forward to another year of the Genius NY program during this exciting time in Central New York.”
Semifinalists
Route 11 bridge project begins in Whitney Point
WHITNEY POINT, N.Y. — A $21.2 million project to replace the U.S. Route 11 bridge over the Tioughnioga River, install one and a half miles of accessible sidewalks along Main Street, and new crosswalks at Whitney Point Middle School and the Broome County Fairgrounds has begun in Whitney Point. As part of the project, the
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WHITNEY POINT, N.Y. — A $21.2 million project to replace the U.S. Route 11 bridge over the Tioughnioga River, install one and a half miles of accessible sidewalks along Main Street, and new crosswalks at Whitney Point Middle School and the Broome County Fairgrounds has begun in Whitney Point.
As part of the project, the New York State Department of Transportation is working with KLAW Industries to integrate recycled glass into the concrete, increasing the concrete’s strength while lowering the cement content and carbon emissions.
“This project, which enhances safety and walkability while replacing a 77-year-old bridge, is a solid investment in the future of Whitney Point, which is home to one of the best county fairs in the entire Empire State,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a press release. “Coupled with innovations in new technology that will lower carbon emissions, this project will not only shore up the village’s infrastructure, but make it a more resilient place to live, work, and raise a family.”
The U.S. Route 11 bridge provides a connection not only to businesses, recreational opportunities, and community facilities, but also provides access to Interstate 81 and state routes 26, 79, and 206. The average annual daily traffic count within the project limits is more than 11,000 vehicles per day.
The existing bridge is a three-span steel thru-girder structure built in 1947 that is approaching the end of its service life. It is on the state’s high-risk flood-watch list, which requires 24/7 monitoring when water levels reach a certain level.
It will be replaced with a multi-girder bridge less prone to the impacts of flooding, which will move it off the high-risk list. The design of the new bridge will visually complement an adjacent bridge reconstructed in 2017.
Work on the project will last until late 2026. A temporary bridge will be built adjacent to the existing bridge to accommodate pedestrian, two-way vehicle, and bicycle traffic during construction. Lane shifts on U.S. Route 11 will be necessary to build new sidewalks and crosswalks.
“This project underscores our commitment to sustainability by incorporating recycled glass into concrete, reducing carbon emissions, and increasing its strength,” Whitney Point Mayor Jason Somers said in the release. “The new bridge will provide a more resilient connection for our residents, our school’s students, and visitors ensuring safer and more efficient travel throughout our region. This development is a significant step forward for Whitney Point, reinforcing our position as a vital crossroads in the Southern Tier and Central New York.”
KLAW Industries was formed in 2019 by Binghamton University students and operates from the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator.
Court Street Apartments project in Binghamton celebrates groundbreaking
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Officials broke ground June 11 on a project in Binghamton to transform a vacant warehouse and office building into 111 affordable apartments, with more than half reserved for homeless veterans and other vulnerable populations in need of supportive services to live independently, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced. The Court Street Apartments project will
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BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Officials broke ground June 11 on a project in Binghamton to transform a vacant warehouse and office building into 111 affordable apartments, with more than half reserved for homeless veterans and other vulnerable populations in need of supportive services to live independently, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced.
The Court Street Apartments project will include 80 rehabilitated apartments as part of the adaptive reuse of the former Sheltered Workshop for the Disabled building, which provided job training and medical care to local residents with physical and mental disabilities from 1947-2011. There will also be 31 newly constructed apartments as an addition to the building. All units will be reserved for households earning at or below 60 percent of the area median income.
“Court Street Apartments will ensure that more than 100 families and veterans can afford to stay in Binghamton while also repurposing vacant spaces that support the city’s continued revitalization efforts,” Hochul said in a statement. “This project illustrates how Binghamton, one of the first Pro-Housing Communities in New York, is continuing to support affordable housing. Together, we can create innovative developments that boost the supply of new homes, support vulnerable populations, and bring sustainable, energy-efficient buildings to our downtowns.”
The all-electric project meets the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) sustainability guidelines for new construction projects. Energy-efficient measures include a central energy recovery ventilation system for heating and cooling, electric heat pumps, and added insulation to improve air quality and reduce exposure to pollutants.
According to a press release from Rochester–based contractor Christa Construction, amenities will include a community room, exterior recreation space, and a fitness center. Inside, lounges, laundry rooms, and trash rooms will be located on each floor.
Helio Health owns the building and Passero Associates, which has several offices in New York, served as the project architect, according to the project fact sheet on the Christa Construction website.
The project has an estimated cost of $24.5 million and an anticipated completion date in the third quarter of 2025.
In all, 60 apartments will be set aside for homeless veterans and those who suffer from substance-use disorders or mental illness as part of the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative with on-site supportive services such as case management, assistance in stabilizing medical or substance-use disorder challenges, developing goals for employment or education, and becoming more independent.
Financial support for the project includes HCR’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, which will generate equity of about $14.9 million, along with $14.8 million from HCR’s Supportive Housing Opportunity Program, $6 million from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, $1.2 million from the Clean Energy Initiative, and $700,000 permanent tax-exempt bonds.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation facilitated the use of federal and state historic rehabilitation tax credits estimated to provide nearly $6.4 million in equity.
Over the past five years, HCR has created or preserved more than 3,400 affordable homes in the Southern Tier. Its Pro-Housing Communities program recognizes municipalities for their commitment to housing growth, and certification as a Pro-Housing Community is a requirement for municipalities to receive up to $650 million in state discretionary funding.
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