Review Board News March 29, 2013
Published on Mar 29, 2013
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- PRIVATE JOBS AT RECORD IN STATE – Times Union ( Albany, NY) Website
Reporter Eric Anderson reports that New York state had a record number of private-sector jobs in January, but a separate report on underemployed workers continues to be troubling.
- EMS VOLUNTEER NUMBERS PLUMMET IN WARREN, WASHINGTON COS – NCPR.org ( Canton, NY) Website
Reporter Jon Alexander reports that the number of volunteers at fire departments and EMS squads in Warren and Washington counties is dropping below levels where departments are able to sustain themselves.
- STATE TO REIMBURSE EMPLOYERS WITH TAX CREDITS TO OFFSET BURDEN OF MINIMUM WAGE HIKE – Daily Courier-Observer ( Massena, NY) Website
Reporter Ted Booker reports that New York’s new budget will reimburse employers that hire teenage workers who are students.
- NY PASSES A BUDGET ON TIME FOR 3RD TIME IN A ROW – Times Union ( Albany, NY) Website
Reporter Michael Gormley reports that the state Assembly has adopted the state budget passed by the state Senate, one that is the third on-time budget in three years, but one that includes more taxes.
- NEW YORK IS THE NANNY STATE WITH THE LEAST FREEDOMS: NATIONAL STUDY – New York Post ( New York, NY) Website
Reporter Carl Campanile reports that New York state is the worst in the nation in terms of personal liberties. The university found New York’s government slams citizens from every angle — from huge taxes to tight controls on business to myriad rules on all kinds of fun.
- TUG HILL CONFERENCE GIVES LEADERS TOOLS FOR THE CHALLENGES AHEAD – Watertown Daily Times ( Watertown, NY) Website
Reporter Daniel Flatley reports that government challenges facing local leaders in the Tug Hill area can best be met by banding together, embracing new technology and encouraging the next generation of leaders to step up.
Review Board News March 28, 2013
Published on Mar 28, 2013
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- CUOMO-INITIATED PLANS FOR EXPANDING THE STATE PARTY’S REACH – Capital New York ( New York, NY) Website
Reporter Azi Paybarah reports that two new campaign committees have been formed as part of a plan by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to strengthen the Democratic Party’s reach and infrastructure, and will focus on issues, not specific policies. The committees are New Yorkers for Gun Safety and New Yorkers for Creating Jobs & Cutting Taxes.
- ORDA REBUTS DATA IN STATE REPORT – Press-Republican ( Plattsburgh, NY) Website
Reporter Kim Smith Dedam reports that ORDA CEO Ted Blazer is questioning the state comptroller’s audit and rebutted the state’s data.
- DIRECTOR OF ASSOCIATION OF TOWNS KICKS OFF TUG HILL?S 24TH ANNUAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONFERENCE – Watertown Daily Times ( Watertown, NY) Website
Reporter Daniel Flatley reports that the executive director of the New York Association of Towns kicked off the 24th annual Tug Hill Local Government Conference – a gathering of more than 600 local officials come to Watertown for a day of training and networking.
- MOHAWKS, INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURERS REACH SETTLEMENT ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION – Daily Courier-Observer ( Massena, NY) Website
Reporter Tim Fenster reports that the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe and New York state attorney general have reached a $19.4 million settlement with Alcoa and Reynolds Metals to help correct the environmental damage caused by the release of contaminants. That settlement will be added to $1.8 million from the 2011 bankruptcy settlement from GM to restore local fisheries, protect the area environment and restore aspects of Mohawk Indian heritage that were impacted by the decades-long fishing ban. Of note: Times Union of Albany, Post-Star of Glens Falls and Press-Republican of Plattsburgh ran versions of this story.
- WARREN COUNTY SUPERVISORS WANT ANNUAL BUDGET ITEM FOR INVASIVE SPECIES FIGHT – Post-Star ( Glens Falls, NY) Website
Reporter Don Lehman reports that the Invasive Species Subcommittee of the Warren County Board of Supervisors is asking for a permanent line item in the county budget to pay for invasive species control and prevention efforts.
Review Board News March 27, 2013
Published on Mar 27, 2013
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- LEGISLATURE SET TO PASS BUDGET AND EXTEND ON-TIME STREAK TO 3RD YEAR – The New York Times ( New York, NY) Website
Reporter Thomas Kaplan reports on some of the highlights of the Senate-approved state budget, including taxes, local governments, and the minimum wage.
- ADIRONDACK AIRPORT SEES AIR TRAVEL, USAGE INCREASE – Press-Republican ( Plattsburgh, NY) Website
Reporter Denise Raymo reports that the Adirondack Regional Airport has seen an increase in passengers, updated infrastructure and added Army helicopter training, making for a busy year.
- AROUND 4:30 A.M., SENATE PASSES STATE BUDGET – Journal News: Politics on the Hudson ( White Plains, NY) Website
Reporter Jon Campbell reports that the state Senate passed the bills making up the $135 billion state budget overnight, finishing at 4:32 a.m. The state Assembly is expected to begin passing the budget bills on Thursday morning.
- RESIDENTS SPEAK UP ABOUT LAKE GEORGE ZONING CHANGES – Post-Star ( Glens Falls, NY) Website
Reporter Jamie Munks reports that a proposal to change zoning rules in the Village of Lake George to increase maximum building height brought out residents and businesses to discuss how that would affect the character of the village.
Review Board News March 26, 2013
Published on Mar 26, 2013
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- STATE BOOSTS HIGHWAY FUNDING FOR NNY COUNTIES – Watertown Daily Times ( Watertown, NY) Website
Reporter Gordon Block reports that Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Lewis counties will all see increases in highway improvement funding of more than 20 percent in the state budget.
- COUNTIES CONSIDER REGIONAL CONTROLS ON WATER-BORNE INVASIVES – NCPR.org ( Canton, NY) Website
A staff report notes that Washington and Essex counties are considering enacting a ban regarding transporting invasive species by boats that are trailered from one body of water to another.
- NEWTON FALLS SALE AS INTACT PAPER MILL FAILS – Watertown Daily Times ( Watertown, NY) Website
Reporter Martha Ellen reports that the intact sale of the Newton Falls paper mill has fallen through and the owners are now planning to liquidate the assets.
- HOLY DAYS DOT CALENDAR, STATE BUDGET MUST WAIT – The New York Times ( New York, NY) Website
Reporter Thomas Kaplan reports that officials trying to build a budget agreement are first trying to negotiate meetings and discussions around Holy Days, holidays and school vacations.
- ASSEMBLY PANEL TO REVIEW DEAL ON LUXURY SUITE – The New York Times ( New York, NY) Website
Reporter Danny Hakim reports that an Assembly committee will review the decision by Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s administration to negotiate itself a luxury suite at the stadium where the Buffalo Bills play.
- DECISIONS COMING ON USE OF FINCH PRUYN ADIRONDACK TRACTS – NCPR.org ( Canton, NY) Website
Reporter Chris Knight reports that three parcels of former Finch land are expected to be evaluated, classified and added to the Adirondack Forest Preserve very soon.
Review Board News March 25, 2013
Published on Mar 25, 2013
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Review Board News March 22, 2013
Published on Mar 22, 2013
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Review Board News March 21, 2013
Published on Mar 21, 2013
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Review Board News March 20, 2013
Published on Mar 20, 2013
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Review Board News March 19, 2013
Published on Mar 19, 2013
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Review Board News March 18, 2013
Published on Mar 18, 2013
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Review Board News March 15, 2013
Published on Mar 15, 2013
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- POPULATION LOSSES CONTINUE IN UPSTATE NY – Journal News: Politics on the Hudson ( White Plains, NY) Website
Reporter Joseph Spector reports that according to the US Census Bureau, 35 counties in Upstate New York lost population between 2010 and 2012.
- ADIRONDACK COOPERATIVE ECONOMY OFFERS ?ADIRONDACK BUCKS? – Adirondack Almanack ( ) Website
A staff report notes that the Adirondack Cooperative Economy is inviting everyone to a presentation and conversation about the need for, and path to, a sustainable, steady-state economy in the Adirondacks.
- STATISTICS CHALLENGE CUOMO’S CLAIM OF RECORD JOB GROWTH – The New York Times ( New York, NY) Website
Reporter Danny Hakim reports that New York under Gov. Andrew Cuomo has slightly trailed the nation in private-sector job growth during his first two years.
- APA COMMITTEE OKS HERBICIDE USE IN LAKE – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) Website
Reporter Chris Knight reports that an APA committe has approved the use of an herbicide to kill invasive milfoil in Loon Lake.
- BUDGET BEGINS TO TAKE SHAPE – Times Union ( Albany, NY) Website
Reporter Jimmy Vielkind reports that New York state officials are expecting to have a $136 billion state budget plan in place before the end of next week. Of note: A minimum wage increase is still being discussed.
- ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY PUSHES TO INCREASE SALES TAX – NCPR.org ( Canton, NY) Website
Reporter Julie Grant reports that legislators in St. Lawrence County are pushing to raise the county sales tax in order to reduce the property tax on residents.
- LOON LAKE SUFFERS AS APA STILL DELAYS (Letter) – Post-Star ( Glens Falls, NY) Website
Letter writer Edward Griesmer, president of the Loon Lake Park District Association, writes that the APA’s delay in approving a chemical to kill milfoil will cause more serious consequences, making it more difficult to control the spread of the invasive species.
- WITH EMS SQUADS IN JEOPARDY, WARREN CO. MULLS ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT ‘FLY CARS’ – Adirondack Almanack ( Warrensburg, NY) Website
Reporter Thom Randall reports that because local rescue squads are having problems staying afloat, Warren County is considering developing Advanced Life Support cars to be deployed throughout the rural areas of the county.
- KILLING NATURE TO SAVE IT (Column) – Post-Star ( Glens Falls, NY) Website
Writer Will Doolittle writes about the difficulty for environmentalists — do they join the fight against invasives or not?
Review Board News March 13, 2013
Published on Mar 13, 2013
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Review Board News March 12, 2013
Published on Mar 12, 2013
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Review Board News March 11, 2013
Published on Mar 11, 2013
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- DEC: REMOVE ICE FISHING SHANTIES THIS WEEK – Times Union ( Albany, NY) Website
A staff report notes that the DEC is calling for ice fishing shanties to be removed from lakes this week.
- ADK HEALTH LOOKS TO CUT LAKE PLACID HOSPITAL – NCPR.org ( Canton, NY) Website
Reporter Chris Knight reports that Adirondack Health is looking at moving, shutting down or cutting the hours of the emergency room at its Lake Placid hospital, citing a growing financial crunch.
- BROADBAND COMPANY TO USE NEW "WHITE SPACE" TECH IN ADIRONDACK TOWN – NCPR.org ( Canton, NY) Website
Reporter Brian Mann reports that the town of Thurman will be one of the first communities in the US to use "white space" broadband internet technology, which can penetrate trees and travel up to a few miles through the woods.
- TOP ENVIRONMENTAL, ENERGY OFFICIAL OUT OF CUOMO ADMINISTRATION – Times Union ( Albany, NY) Website
Reporter Brian Nearing reports that Robert Hallman is leaving as the state’s top environmental and energy advisor to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
- POLL: CUOMO?S POPULARITY CONTINUES TO SLIDE – Journal News: Politics on the Hudson ( White Plains, NY) Website
Reporter Joseph Spector reports that a new Siena College poll has found Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s favorability rating at its lowest point since taking office in 2011.
- FORESTRY PRESENTATIONS HIGHLIGHT APA AGENDA – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) Website
A staff report notes that the APA will hear a pair of forestry-related presentations during their monthly meeting this week.
Review Board News March 9, 2013
Published on Mar 9, 2013
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Review Board News March 7, 2013
Published on Mar 7, 2013
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Review Board News March 6, 2013
Published on Mar 6, 2013
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- E.J. NOBLE STARTS FRESH – Watertown Daily Times ( Watertown, NY) Website
Reporter Martha Ellen reports that with a new board, a new administrator, an infusion of money and a management agreement with Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Potsdam, EJ Noble Hospital in Gouverneur has a new beginning as a critical access hospital.
- NORTH COUNTRY BROADBAND PROJECTS WIN BIG – Press-Republican ( Plattsburgh, NY) Website
Reporter Dan Heath reports that towns of Bellmont, Dannemora, Schroon, North Hudson, Jay and Wilmington are being awarded grants to bring broadband Internet to the communities.
- FRACKING BAN GAINS SUPPORT – Times Union ( Albany, NY) Website
Reporter Casey Seiler reports that the Independent Democratic Conference is proposing a two-year hydrofracking ban in order to put the science first and allow numerous studies to be completed. The Assembly has a similar proposal.
- OWENS SUPPORTS REGIONAL FUNDING BILL – Watertown Daily Times ( Watertown, NY) Website
A staff report notes that Rep. William L. Owens, D-Plattsburgh is co-sponsoring legislation that would extend the authorization for the Northern Border Regional Commision for an additional five years. Money from the commision went toward extending a CSX rail spur into Massena.
- FESTIVAL SPACE AT LAKE GEORGE PARK TO OPEN IN 2014 – Post-Star ( Glens Falls, NY) Website
Reporter Don Lehman reports that the municipally operated "festival space" in Lake George will see construction begin this summer and will be completed by late 2014.
Review Board News March 5, 2013
Published on Mar 5, 2013
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Review Board News March 1, 2013
Published on Mar 1, 2013
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- AREA OUTDOOR SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS MEET LICENSING CHANGES WITH SKEPTICISM – Watertown Daily Times ( Watertown, NY) Website
Reporter Daniel Flatley reports that outdoor enthusiasts offered mixed reviews on Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposed changes to hunting and fishing licenses.
- TUPPER LAKE PLANNING BOARD OKS FIRST PHASE OF RESORT – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) Website
Reporter Jessica Collier reports that the Tupper Lake Planning Board approved the first phase of the Adirondack Club and Resort. The first phase includes the development of all the project’s large "great camp" lots and some of the small ones.
- SNOWMOBILE TRAIL IS A GOOD ONE (Letter) – Adirondack Daily Enterprise ( Saranac Lake, NY) Website
Letter writer Dominic Jacangelo, executive director of the New York State Snowmobile Association, writes that the multi-use snowmobile trail from Moose River Plains to Raquette Lake was built carefully so it would in no way look like a road, but would wind through the forest, respecting sensitive regulations.
- ALL LAKES NEED PRECAUTIONS (Letter) – Times Union ( Albany, NY) Website
Letter writer Carl Heiner writes that other lakes need to be protected from invasive species as much as Lake George. The state needs to act now to protect all waterways.
- BACKCOUNTRY: A NEW STATE LAND DESIGNATION? – Adirondack Almanack ( ) Website
Writer Bill Ingersoll, publisher of the Discover the Adirondacks guidebook series, offers a suggestion for the classification of the new land purchased by the state: a semi-primitive non-motorized designation that would accomplish many of the same preservation goals as Wilderness, but provide an alternate set of management guidelines — called Backcountry.
- STORY 2.0: PADDLERS CRACK OPEN MORE ROUTES IN ADKS – NCPR.org ( Canton, NY) Website
Reporter Brian Man interviews Phil Brown about his court case that opened waterways through private land to paddlers.