Wednesday, December 25

Community

New York Declares Statewide Drought Watch as 15 Counties Face Heightened Water Risks
Community

New York Declares Statewide Drought Watch as 15 Counties Face Heightened Water Risks

(WNY News Now) As drought conditions worsen and wildfires become a greater hazard throughout the state, Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams advise New Yorkers to practice water conservation.Due to a persistent lack of rainfall and diminishing groundwater and streamflow levels, Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams today raised 15 counties to drought warning status and issued a statewide drought watch. Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester are among the counties that are under drought warning. Residents in the impacted counties, especially those who rely on private groundwater wells, are being urged by New York State to use as little water as possible in the upcoming weeks.A statewide dro...
Bold Vision for Tega Cay Main Street Project Revealed
Community

Bold Vision for Tega Cay Main Street Project Revealed

The man who allegedly went on a stabbing rampage and killed three peopleAccording to records, Monday was free on bail for other alleged crimes in New Jersey after being freed from New York City jail a month prior. Ramon Rivera, 51, was formally informed that he faces three charges of first-degree murder at his initial appearance before a Manhattan judge on Tuesday. Rivera was "wearing a grey sweatshirt that appeared to have bloodstains on it and dark pants," according to a criminal complaint, and he was carrying two knives when he was apprehended by police on Monday. Environmental Revitalization: Restores underutilized land into a thriving community asset. Community Impact: Establishes a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, enhancing connectivity and lifestyle. Economic Growth: Provides much...
Hochul Secures Federal Funding to Tackle Massive Sterling State Park Wildfire as State Faces High Fire Danger
Community

Hochul Secures Federal Funding to Tackle Massive Sterling State Park Wildfire as State Faces High Fire Danger

(WNY News Now) While a statewide burn restriction is still in place due to increased fire risk, Governor Kathy Hochul announces a Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA to help fight the biggest wildfire in New York since 2008.Today, Governor Kathy Hochul obtained a Fire Management Assistance Grant Declaration from FEMA, which makes it possible to receive federal cash to help pay for some of the expenses related to the ongoing firefighting activities in Jennings Creek/Sterling State Park. When an uncontrolled fire poses a serious threat of destruction, this declaration starts an accelerated review procedure that may result in FEMA granting assistance. The grant's funding would help the state and local governments cover some of the expenses associated with battling this fire, such as la...
Community

Jamestown Unveils Second Ambulance to Boost Emergency Services and Response Times

(WNY News Now) The City of Jamestown has officially launched its long-awaited second ambulance, significantly enhancing emergency response times and the city s overall EMS capacity.JAMESTOWN, NYThe City of Jamestown proudly announces the deployment of its long-anticipated second ambulance, a critical step in meeting the city s rising emergency medical needs. After years of planning and operational delays, this additional ambulance is now fully operational, helping to reduce response times and alleviate the city s reliance on mutual aid services.In early 2022, City Council initiated discussions about the need for additional staff and resources to meet the rising demand for emergency services, including the addition of a second ambulance to the Jamestown Fire Department. This was in respon...
Community

Jamestown Unveils 2024 Christmas Tree: A 40-Foot Norway Spruce to Brighten the Holiday Season

(WNY News Now) The City of Jamestown is preparing for a festive holiday season with the announcement of its official 2024 Christmas Tree: a stunning 40-foot Norway Spruce.JAMESTOWN, NYThe City of Jamestown is excited to reveal that this year s official Christmas Tree will be a beautiful 40-foot Norway Spruce, generously donated by Woodlawn Management Real Estate. This wonderful tree will be harvested from a lot on King Street, right in the heart of Jamestown, and will stand tall as a symbol of holiday cheer for the entire community.The City s Parks, Recreation & Conservation Department will oversee the tree s removal, with critical assistance provided by the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities (BPU) crew and crane. Following the harvest, the tree will be carefully loaded onto a truck...
Governor Hochul Unveils The Pearl: Staten Island’s $155M Affordable Housing Milestone for Vulnerable Seniors
Community

Governor Hochul Unveils The Pearl: Staten Island’s $155M Affordable Housing Milestone for Vulnerable Seniors

(WNY News Now) New 270-Unit Development Offers Safe, Supportive Homes for Seniors and Families in Bay Street Corridor.Governor Kathy Hochul announced the completion of The Pearl, a new 270-unit mixed-use affordable housing development in Staten Island s Bay Street Corridor neighborhood. The $155 million project includes 138 apartments for formerly unhoused seniors with on-site supportive services, and retail space. In the past five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has created or preserved more than 500 affordable homes on Staten Island. The Pearl continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.The Pearl is a shining example of how increasing housing suppl...
New PATH Fare Proposal Aims to Lower Costs for Commuters with Disabilities
Community

New PATH Fare Proposal Aims to Lower Costs for Commuters with Disabilities

(WNY News Now) – Governors Hochul and Murphy, alongside the Port Authority, propose a groundbreaking 50% fare reduction for PATH commuters with disabilities, set to launch in Summer 2025.Governor Kathy Hochul, Governor Phil Murphy and The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced the proposal of a new reduced fare program for customers with disabilities using the PATH system. The 50 percent fare reduction would match the reduced fare program currently available for senior riders. If approved, riders could begin applying for the program in spring 2025, with the reduced fare implemented in the summer as PATH continues rolling out its TAPP tap-to-pay system.“Easy access to convenient, reliable and affordable public transportation is a basic right that everyone should be able to enjo...
Electrovaya Secures $50M Loan for New Battery Plant in Jamestown, Creating 250 Jobs
Community

Electrovaya Secures $50M Loan for New Battery Plant in Jamestown, Creating 250 Jobs

(WNY News Now) – Congressman Nick Langworthy praises Electrovaya’s $50.8 million loan from EXIM Bank to build a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility in Jamestown, New York, set to create over 250 new jobs.WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) issued a statement after Electrovaya announced they’ve received a new $50.8 million loan from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) to support equipment, engineering, and setup costs for a battery manufacturing facility in Jamestown, New York:“I’m proud to welcome Electrovaya to Jamestown,” said Congressman Langworthy. “This major investment will bring over 250 good-paying jobs and establish our region as a leader in advanced manufacturing. This is a big win for our economy, and I’ll keep working to b...
Jamestown Launches 2024 Holiday Lights Contest: Show Off Your Festive Spirit and Win Big!
Community

Jamestown Launches 2024 Holiday Lights Contest: Show Off Your Festive Spirit and Win Big!

(WNY News Now) – The City of Jamestown is inviting residents to light up the holiday season with its 2024 Holiday Lights Contest, offering a chance to win $100 in local gift cards and spread festive cheer across the community.JAMESTOWN, NY – November 14, 2024 – The City of Jamestown is thrilled to kick off its 2024 Holiday Lights Contest, an opportunity for residents to showcase their holiday spirit and creativity. Sponsored by the City, Greater Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, and Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, this contest invites city residents to decorate their homes and compete for a $100 ShopLocalCHQ gift card.“Greater Chautauqua Federal Credit Union is excited to team up with the City of Jamestown and Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, and be a part of this fun com...
Community

Senator Gillibrand Announces Heating Assistance for New Yorkers

(WNY News Now) – As winter approaches, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is urging New Yorkers to apply for federal assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, a program that helps households with heating costs.WASHINGTON, D.C. – With winter fast approaching, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a virtual press conference to share how New Yorkers can apply to receive federal assistance to lower their heating bills. Gillibrand recently helped secure $360 million in federal funding for New York through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps thousands of low-income households across the state afford their energy bills and make cost-effective repairs to their heating systems. During winter 2022-2023, the program helped 1.1 million New York house...