Krieger announces plans for five-star resort, workforce housing

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY — During a July 11 presentation, Andrew Krieger of Eden Ridge Development Corporation announced plans to develop a five-star resort and spa on nearly 300 acres near Livingston Manor. Krieger also plans to build a 24-unit senior housing complex as well as a workforce housing development on 100 acres.

Krieger and his son, David, have just begun the local and state land-use review processes. He said the resort would offer about 150 rooms as well as single-family homes, and he projected the project would create about 350 jobs. The workforce-housing complex would include townhouses with 1,300 to 1,600 square-foot units selling from $150 to $180 thousand as well as hiking trails, small lakes, a swimming pool and community hall. Eden Ridge will be seeking federal and state funding to build the senior housing, which Krieger said would be located on 27 acres within walking distance of Main Street.

Plurality supports stem cell research

ITHACA, NY — According to a recent poll from Cornell University, nearly half of New Yorkers support stem cell research and would approve a proposition to establish a state-funded institute dedicated to this emerging field of science. Statewide, 45 percent of all respondents to the 2005 Empire State Poll said they would probably support a ballot measure, similar to legislation that has passed in California, creating a stem cell research institute in New York State. Another 26 percent of poll respondents indicated they would be unlikely to support such a proposition, while 27 percent were either undecided or said they needed more information. The measure of support for stem cell research was similar in all regions of the state.

The Empire State Poll is a general survey of New York state residents, age 18 years and older. For more information visit www.sri.cornell.edu.

Mosquitoes to be sprayed to avert virus threat

WILKES-BARRE, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will be spraying to control adult mosquito populations in Greene Township, Pike County, on July 12, weather conditions permitting. Sampling by DEP in this area has shown large numbers of mosquitoes that potentially could carry the West Nile virus, which, when transmitted to people, can cause West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain. Last year, 14 cases of human West Nile virus were detected in Pennsylvania, with two fatalities.

Backpack spraying equipment will be used to conduct the application. No aerial spraying will be done.

Homeowners are encouraged to eliminate or drill holes in any items that may collect stagnant water, including discarded tires, where most mosquitoes breed, plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows. Mosquitoes may breed in any puddle that lasts for more than four days.

For more information visit dep.state.pa.us, Keyword: “DEP West Nile.”

Study shows Sullivan on the up

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Population, sales tax revenue and the number of jobs held by residents are all higher than they were during the first quarter of 2004 in Sullivan County, according to data gathered by Marist College’s Bureau of Economic Research.

With 76,110 county residents, population density is still far lower in Sullivan than it is in seven of the nine counties covered by Marist College’s “Hudson Valley Review”—only Greene County has less people. But the county’s rate of population growth (+1.2 percent) is only surpassed by Orange County.

The number of jobs held by Sullivan County residents from January through March of 2005 (33,467) represents a positive change of 6.7 percent over the first quarter of 2004. The county’s labor force (35,400) represents a positive change of 5.25 percent. While the county’s unemployment rate (5.78 percent) in the first quarter of 2005 was higher than the New York State and region averages, last year’s rate was cut by 20 percent, and the first quarter numbers reflect a positive change in the county’s long-term employment base, said Marc Baez, president of the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development. The numbers show that the scope of job availability, previously limited to the summer months, has grown to span from March to November, Baez said.

During this year’s first quarter, sales tax collection totaled at $2,086,289, representing a positive change of 9.67 percent over last year’s first quarter.

WEDCO and Wayne look hard at workforce training

HONESDALE, PA — A number of factors are demanding that WEDCO (Wayne Economic Development Corporation) increase its involvement in workforce development, a national and state program to prepare people for jobs.

“The proposed business park alone will require a skilled labor force—or the ability to produce one—to both lure prospects and fill the projected 1,000 to 1,500 jobs that will be created through the eventual build-out,” said WEDCO Project Manager Mary Beth Wood. Other factors include a change in policy at the state level in the way training programs will be funded and an increasing labor force. Wood said the state intends to spend more dollars on training in specific “high-priority occupations.” As these occupations are identified, training curriculums must be developed to promote the skills that are needed within these occupations, she said.

“Right now, the Tobyhanna Army Depot, which employs over 400 Wayne County residents, will be expanding and hiring more people because of the Army Base Realignment that will leave the depot open,” said Tony Herzog, chairman of the Wayne County Commissioners. Wayne County’s Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) department will be working with WEDCO and the county’s workforce development units to develop residents’ skills so that they can get some of these Tobyhanna jobs and jobs at the future new business park, Herzog said.