Rockland gets Restore NY grant

ROCKLAND, NY — The Town of Rockland has been awarded $213,000 for the restoration of a small two-story barn for expansion of a local fly fishing manufacturer/retail store/artist lofts.

Senator John Bonacic (R/C - Mount Hope) said that the grant money is part of the second-year funding for the Restore New York’s Communities Initiative (Restore NY), a program designed to aid municipalities in rehabilitating or removing obsolete or rundown commercial and residential properties. The three-year, $300 million Restore NY Communities Initiative was established by the state legislature in the 2006-07 State budget and is administered by the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC).

For more information visit www.empire.state.ny.us/restoreNY.

Grant will allow Roscoe fire district to purchase new equipment

ROSCOE, NY — The Roscoe-Rockland Fire District has been awarded a $103,360 federal grant to purchase new equipment. The district will use the funds to pay for a thermal imaging camera that allows firefighters to find unconscious victims in smoke-filled rooms, pinpoint the sources of fires and detect structural dangers before they cause injury and death. It will also purchase 10 new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units, which are worn by firefighters to provide breathable air while combating fires or working in other hostile environments; 20 sets of turnout gear; 10 pagers; and two sets of chemical and biological hazmat suits.

“These federal dollars will play a critical role in ensuring that firefighters have the equipment they need to respond to fires and other emergencies while keeping themselves safe,” said Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), who was instrumental in obtaining the funds. “Fire districts like Roscoe-Rockland often need new equipment, but lack the funding to obtain it, which is why these federal resources are so important. Our local communities rely on volunteer firefighters, and it is absolutely necessary that these individuals have the best equipment possible.”

Hawk’s Nest repairs set for spring

DEERPARK, NY — The New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) will clear vegetation and debris from the six scenic overlooks located along the Hawk’s Nest on Route 97. The DOT expects to complete the job in September 2008. While traffic will be maintained throughout the project, intermittent lane closures are anticipated.

The plan calls for cutting down overgrown vegetation that is obstructing the view of the Delaware River and removing accumulated litter. The vegetation will be cut at the base with the roots left in place to avoid destabilizing soils on the steep hillsides.

The DOT has also programmed a capital improvement project for 2010 to address the deterioration of certain stone wall sections along the Hawk’s Nest.

Town of Highland consolidates

voting locations

ELDRED, NY — The Town of Highland announced that it will consolidate its two voting locations into one for its upcoming primary election to be held on February 5. The District One polling place will be changed from the Barryville Courthouse to the Eldred Town Hall, where all registered voters will cast their ballots. The change was announced at the most recent town meeting and is being implemented to minimize wear and tear on the machines during transport to the secondary location and to avoid costs associated with moving the machines.

Hinchey pushes for green initiatives in stimulus package

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and 11 of his House colleagues recently sent a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi urging her to include provisions in the forthcoming economic stimulus bill that would help spur environmentally-friendly, “green job” growth and promote greater energy efficiency. The congressman is hopeful that such provisions would provide a boost to ongoing efforts to help establish New York as a national and international leader in solar energy research and development. Congress is currently working to develop a short-term economic stimulus package to quickly reverse the sliding economy.

The letter reads, in part, “The policies [we’ve proposed] will decrease energy costs for consumers, encourage economic activity in the struggling contracting and home improvement sector, create high-paying construction jobs and encourage the purchase of energy-efficient products… the economic growth created by these measures will take place in the U.S. and will not simply encourage consumption of imported retail goods.”

Hancock landmark burns down

HANCOCK, NY — Hancock’s 150-year-old Delaware Inn was destroyed in a fire on Sunday night. The fire also left two men injured.

Reportedly there were three or four people in the building, located at 70 West Front Street, when the fire broke out. One man was injured when he jumped out a third-floor window to escape the blaze and landed on a lower roof. He suffered serious leg injuries and was taken to Wilson Regional Medical Center in Johnson City. Another man suffered minor smoke inhalation.

The investigation as to the cause of the fire is still open. Delaware County Emergency Services Director Rich Bell said he was unable to comment as to whether the fire is a suspected arson.

The four-and-a-half-story building was bought by John Lentoni in 2006, and was undergoing renovation before it burned down. Numerous fire departments were called upon to fight the blaze, including Sidney, Walton, Trout Creek, Downsville, Hancock, East Branch, East Meredith, Masonville and Cooks Falls.