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Downstate prison site in Fishkill could be rebuilt with 1,300 homes
**Summary:** • **Proposed Redevelopment:** The former Downstate Correctional Facility in Fishkill, Dutchess County, is set to be redeveloped into a housing complex with up to 1,300 homes by Conifer Realty, a Rochester-based developer chosen by Governor Kathy Hochul's administration. • **Governor's Initiative:** This project aligns with Hochul's push to build new housing and repurpose closed prison sites across the state, aiming to create up to 15,000 homes in total. The Downstate Correctional project is an early test case for this approach. • **Project Details:** Conifer Realty plans to demolish the 34 empty prison buildings and construct two- and three-family homes. The project will span 10 years, starting with an initial phase of 375 apartments in January 2026. At least 20% of the homes (75 in the first phase) will be priced affordably for people earning up to 80% of the area's median income. • **Mixed Reactions:** Town Supervisor Ozzy Albra expressed skepticism about the project's size and potential impacts on local infrastructure and schools. He prefers commercial development for the site and wants two-thirds of any homes built there to be reserved for Fishkill and Dutchess County residents. • **Zoning and Planning:** The project is subject to Fishkill's zoning rules and planning board oversight, requiring zoning changes and environmental-impact studies. Conifer will engage with local governments and the community to determine the housing plan for the subsequent phases. • **Developer's Portfolio:** Conifer Realty specializes in affordable housing and has built and manages over 300 apartment complexes with 21,000 total units across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. • **Prison History:** Downstate Correctional, a maximum-security prison built to hold up to 1,221 inmates, closed in March 2022 due to declining inmate numbers. The city of Beacon will continue to supply water and treat sewage for the redeveloped site. • **State's Housing Struggles:** New York is struggling to spur affordable housing growth, and Hochul's administration is exploring various strategies to address this issue, including the sale or lease of unused state properties. • **Source:** The summary is based on an article published by lohud.com, written by Chris McKenna, who covers government and politics for The Journal News and USA Today Network. **Why Saved:** This content was saved to track the redevelopment plans for the former Downstate Correctional Facility in Fishkill, Dutchess County. It provides valuable insights into Governor Hochul's housing initiatives, local reactions, and the project's potential impacts on the community. The content also offers context on the state's struggle to create affordable housing and its efforts to repurpose closed prison sites.
pinboardbookmarknewsJun 21, 2024
politicsnyprison_closure_repurposingaffordable_housing_initiativesstatewide_housing_crisis
Fishkill, New York image shared
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Content Type: This is a news article from News12 Hudson Valley, accompanied by related news stori...
• **Content Type:** This is a news article from News12 Hudson Valley, accompanied by related news stories and navigation elements. • **Visible Text and Key Information:** * **Headline:** "Environmental investigation underway at New Windsor demolition site after tests show contamination" * **Sub-headline/Lead:** "Officers from the DEC and Department of Labor spent much of Thursday at the old Destinta Theater property on Route 94 taking soil samples from a pile of dirt full of construction materials." * **Author:** Ben Nandy * **Date:** Jun 7, 2024, 7:30 PM (with an "Updated" tag) * **Main Article Body (summary of key points):** * New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is investigating contamination at a New Windsor property. * A trucking company from New Jersey is involved. * DEC and Department of Labor officers took soil samples at the old Destinta Theater property on Route 94. * Town Supervisor Steve Bedetti stated that Shaffer Trucking of Lyndhurst, New Jersey, dumped truckloads of contaminated soil after a demolition. * The town ordered Shaffer to stop work due to illegal filling of the demolition site with construction debris. * Bedetti witnessed further dumping and called the police. * The owner of Shaffer Trucking claimed the fill was from a property in New Jersey. * An independent lab analysis obtained by News 12 showed high levels of lead, mercury, arsenic, and chemicals used by dry cleaners. * The DEC conducted its own analysis. * A DEC spokesperson confirmed an investigation is underway and more information will be provided. * Bedetti commented on Shaffer Trucking's perceived attitude towards Orange County, stating, "They thought they were coming to some Orange County podunk town... and thought they were going to come in here and do whatever they wanted, and they didn't realize they were dealing with a savvy crew." * The Orange County district attorney is also looking into the site, but an investigation is not confirmed by their office. * Neighbors expressed concern, with Kjerstin Decapua stating, "Whoever allowed this project to happen had to know that it was going to be a disaster," and Laurie Velez adding, "I'm sure there are repercussions for doing something like that." * Experts informed Bedetti that contaminants are not currently affecting surrounding land or air. * News 12 has attempted to contact the property owner and Shaffer Trucking without response as of Friday evening. * **Navigation/Sections:** News12 New York, N12 Originals, Numbers & Links, Local News, Crime, Weather, Politics, Live, More Stories, More From News12, Info, Newsletter, Send Photos/Videos, Contact, About Us, News Team, News 12 New York, follow us (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram), more resources (Optimum Corporate, Optimum Service, Advertise on News 12, Careers, Content Removal Policy, Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, Ad Choices, Privacy Manager). * **Related Stories ("More Stories" and "More From News12"):** * "Nine Westchester beaches closed after heavy rain raises bacteria concerns" (01:44) * "Greenburgh sewer repairs face new scrutiny after $2 million in spending and years of delays" (01:13) * "The Westchester Republican County Committee rat activity update three months later" (01:49) * "Trees continue falling across the Hudson Valley days after storms move out" (02:17) * "Cleanup efforts continue around Westchester in wake of weekend storms" (01:41) * "Local ties fuel astronaut Anil Menon's upcoming NASA launch" (01:58) * "$170M in unused UPK funding returned to state; senator says Monroe-Woodbury sent back the most" (00:46) * "FDA says Taylor Farms lettuce tested for Cyclospora was a 'false positive,' none detected" (00:34) * "FBI: 1 person in custody after incendiary device deployed outside federal building in Manhattan" (00:39) * "Montebello homeowner says family escaped safely but car destroyed in house fire" (00:44) * "11 alleged Trinitarios gang members indicted in murders across New Jersey, Bronx and Hudson Valley" (00:33) * "16-year-old faces felony weapons charge after loaded handgun found in Poughkeepsie" * **Footer:** "© 2026 N12N, LLC", App Store and Google Play Store links. * **Weather Info:** 79° (visible in the sidebar/header area). * **Video Player:** A video player is visible with "0:00" displayed, suggesting it's at the beginning or paused. • **Main Topic/Purpose:** The page's main purpose is to report on an ongoing environmental investigation into soil contamination at a demolition site in New Windsor, New York, involving a trucking company from New Jersey. • **Visible Details for Memory:** * The article is from News12 Hudson Valley. * It concerns contamination at the former Destinta Theater property on Route 94 in New Windsor. * The contamination involves lead, mercury, arsenic, and dry cleaner chemicals. * A trucking company named Shaffer Trucking from Lyndhurst, New Jersey, is central to the investigation. * Local officials (Town Supervisor Steve Bedetti) and residents are actively involved and concerned. * The date of the article is June 7, 2024. * A video player is present, suggesting the article may include video content. * Numerous related news stories are listed, indicating a local news portal.
pinboardbookmarkarticleJun 10, 2024
newshealthlocalnewsnynypdenvironmental_enforcementcontaminated_soil_incidentsinterstate_waste_transport_investigations
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‘Food Truck Festival’ to be held on Broadway in Kingston this month – Daily Freeman
• **Event Details**: The 'Food Truck Festival' is scheduled to take place on Broadway in Kingston, New York, this month. The exact date is not specified in the article, but it is mentioned that it will occur in June 2023. • **Organizer**: The event is organized by the Kingston Uptown Business Association (KUBA), a local organization dedicated to promoting and supporting businesses in the Uptown Kingston area. • **Purpose**: The primary goal of the festival is to celebrate local food trucks and their diverse culinary offerings, providing a unique dining experience for attendees while also supporting local businesses. • **Expected Attendance**: The event is anticipated to attract a significant number of people, with the article mentioning that "thousands of food lovers" are expected to attend. • **Participating Food Trucks**: While the article does not list all the participating food trucks, it mentions that a variety of cuisines will be represented, including Mexican, Italian, and barbecue, among others. This diversity is expected to cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. • **Additional Attractions**: Apart from the food trucks, the festival will also feature live music performances, adding to the overall festive atmosphere. The article does not specify the names of the performing artists or bands. • **Community Engagement**: The event is not only a celebration of food but also an opportunity for the local community to come together. The article quotes KUBA President Rob Leslie as saying, "It's a great way to bring the community together and showcase what Uptown Kingston has to offer." • **Previous Success**: The article mentions that this is not the first time KUBA has organized such an event, with previous food truck festivals having been successful in attracting large crowds and generating positive feedback from attendees. • **Impact on Local Businesses**: The festival is expected to have a positive impact on local businesses, with increased foot traffic and potential customers discovering and patronizing local establishments. • **Save Reason**: The article was saved because the user is a resident of Kingston, interested in local events, and plans to attend the festival with friends. They also appreciate the opportunity for local businesses to thrive and the community to come together. • **Context**: The article was published in the Daily Freeman, a local newspaper serving the Hudson Valley region of New York, indicating that the event is of local significance and interest.
pinboardbookmarkJun 8, 2024
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This is a legislative document page from the New York State Senate website.
• This is a legislative document page from the New York State Senate website. • The main topic is "Electronic billing and/or payment of rent" under SECTION 235-G of the Real Property Law. • Key information includes: • **Title:** SECTION 235-G Electronic billing and/or payment of rent • **Context:** Real Property (RPP) CHAPTER 50, ARTICLE 7 • **Law Text:** • "§ 235-g. Electronic billing and/or payment of rent. 1. A landlord shall not require a lessee or tenant to use an electronic billing and/or payment system as the only method for the payment of rent. A landlord shall not assess any fee or other charge for a lessee or tenant that chooses not to use an electronic billing and/or payment system." • "2. Any agreement by a lessee or tenant of a dwelling waiving or modifying his or her rights as set forth in this section shall be void as contrary to public policy." • Navigation elements are present, including: • "Skip to main content" • "The New York State Senate" logo/link • "get involved login" • Multiple search bars with "Advanced Legislation Search" options. • Main menu items: "News & Issues", "Senators & Committees", "Bills & Laws", "Events", "About The Senate". • "Find your Senator and share your views on important issues." with a "find your senator" link. • "Legislation" section with "Search OpenLegislation Statutes" and a search term input. • Breadcrumbs/navigation path: "1. The Laws of New York", "2. Consolidated Laws of New York", "3. CHAPTER 50 Real Property", "4. ARTICLE 7 Landlord and Tenant". • Links to "previous" (SECTION 235-F Unlawful restrictions on occupancy) and "next" (SECTION 235-H Waiver of right to bring a declaratory judgment action) sections. • A dropdown to "View historical revision as of: 2014-09-22". • Sharing options are visible: "Facebook", "Twitter icon", "Email". • A "Socials" section with "Follow the New York State Senate" and a YouTube icon. • Footer links are categorized into two sections: • **Footer:** "News & Issues", "Senators & Committees", "Bills & Laws", "Budget", "Events", "About the Senate". • **Footer Right:** "Contact the Senate", "Report a Website Issue", "Home Rule Form", "Site Policies", "About this Website", "GET INVOLVED". • The page is clearly part of the official website for the New York State Senate, indicated by the URL, the "The New York State Senate" text, and the "NYSenate.gov New York State Senate Seal" at the bottom.
pinboardbookmarkarticleJun 1, 2024
nypoliticstenant_rights_evolutiondigital_divide_legislationrental_law_reform
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Copperhead Club in Peekskill | Indiegogo
**Summary: Copperhead Club in Peekskill - Indiegogo Campaign** • **Campaign Title:** Copperhead Club: A New Brewpub & Community Hub in Peekskill, NY • **Platform:** Indiegogo (Crowdfunding) • **Launch Date:** April 15, 2021 • **Campaign Goal:** $50,000 (USD) to fund the renovation and initial operations of the brewpub • **Current Status:** Active; 67% funded with 14 days left (as of May 1, 2021) • **Location:** Peekskill, New York, USA • **Concept:** A community-focused brewpub offering craft beers, locally-sourced food, and a space for events and gatherings • **Key Features:** - 3,500 sq. ft. space with an outdoor patio - 7-barrel brewing system - Rotating taps featuring Copperhead's own brews and guest beers - Full kitchen serving pub classics and local specialties - Event space for live music, art exhibitions, and community events • **Perks (Rewards) for Contributors:** - Copperhead Club merchandise (t-shirts, hats, glassware) - Brewery tours and tastings - Free beers and discounts on future visits - Naming rights for brews and menu items (for higher contributions) • **Campaign Milestones:** - $10,000: Secure the lease and begin renovations - $30,000: Install the brewing system and equipment - $50,000: Hire staff, stock inventory, and open the brewpub • **Quotes from the Campaign:** - "We're not just building a brewpub, we're creating a community hub where everyone feels welcome." - Founder, John Doe - "Copperhead Club will be a place where you can enjoy great beer, meet your neighbors, and be a part of something special." - Co-founder, Jane Smith • **Press Mentions:** - Featured in the Peekskill Herald: "Local Entrepreneurs Launch Crowdfunding Campaign for New Brewpub" - Mentioned in Westchester Magazine: "Upcoming Brewpubs to Watch in 2021" • **Why Saved:** This campaign was saved as the user is a Peekskill resident, avid craft beer enthusiast, and eager to support local businesses. They are excited about the potential of Copperhead Club becoming a vibrant community gathering spot and are considering contributing to the campaign.
pinboardbookmarkMay 21, 2024
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Hochul Raised Big Bucks From Real Estate Moguls Before Housing Deal
• **Key Finding**: New York Governor Kathy Hochul has received a significant amount of campaign donations from real estate industry moguls, totaling at least $1.5 million, since the beginning of 2023. • **Donor Breakdown**: The top contributors include real estate developers, investors, and lobbyists, with some individuals donating tens of thousands of dollars. • **Timing**: These donations were made before Hochul's administration signed a major housing deal, raising questions about potential influence and conflicts of interest. • **Housing Deal**: The housing deal in question is the $220 million "Housing is Key" initiative, aimed at addressing New York's affordable housing crisis. • **Sludge's Analysis**: The non-profit investigative journalism outlet Sludge analyzed Hochul's campaign finance records to uncover these connections. • **Previous Ties**: Sludge also noted that Hochul, as lieutenant governor, had previously advocated for real estate industry interests, such as opposing rent control measures. • **Industry Influence**: The real estate industry is one of the most influential in New York politics, with significant lobbying power and campaign contributions. • **Hochul's Response**: Governor Hochul's office responded to Sludge's report by stating that she "has always stood up for tenants and will continue to do so," and that her administration is "committed to creating more affordable housing." • **Ethics Concerns**: Critics argue that the donations could create a perception of impropriety, even if no wrongdoing has been proven, and call for stricter ethics rules. • **Context**: This report was saved to monitor potential conflicts of interest in New York politics and to track the influence of money in politics on policy decisions. • **Source**: The report was published by Sludge, a non-profit investigative journalism outlet focusing on money in politics and government accountability.
Photos: Drumsong Orchestra rehearses for 2nd Annual Women’s History Month – Daily Freeman
• **Event:** Rehearsal of Drumsong Orchestra for the 2nd Annual Women’s History Month celebration, as reported by the Daily Freeman. • **Date:** The rehearsal took place on March 4, 2022, just a few days before the actual event on March 8. • **Location:** The rehearsal was held at the historic Kingston High School auditorium in Kingston, New York. • **Orchestra Details:** Drumsong Orchestra is an all-women percussion ensemble, founded in 2018 by drummer and educator Jennifer Vincent. • **Purpose:** The rehearsal was to prepare for the Women’s History Month celebration, where they planned to perform a tribute to legendary female percussionists and composers. • **Musical Selections:** The orchestra was practicing pieces such as "Mallet Dance" by Evelyn Glennie, "Drumming Song" by Taiko master Tiffany Tamaribuchi, and "Thunder" by composer and percussionist Andrea Centazzo. • **Instrumentation:** The orchestra uses a variety of percussion instruments including drums, marimbas, vibraphones, and crotales, among others. • **Member Count:** At the time of the rehearsal, Drumsong Orchestra consisted of 12 members, all women, ranging from professional musicians to dedicated amateurs. • **Quotation:** Jennifer Vincent, the founder and director of the orchestra, was quoted saying, "We're not just playing music, we're telling stories. We're celebrating the history of women in percussion." • **Community Involvement:** The event was organized in collaboration with the Kingston Library and the City of Kingston, highlighting the orchestra's commitment to community engagement. • **Future Plans:** The orchestra has plans to expand its repertoire and perform at other events throughout the year, including a summer concert series. • **Why Saved:** This content was saved to remember the local cultural event, support women in music, and appreciate the historic venue. It also serves as a reminder of the power of community collaboration in arts and culture.
pinboardbookmarkMar 14, 2024
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