TERESI PROVIDES DETAILS ON WNY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
The effort by Governor Andrew Cuomo to create economic development councils in six different regions of the state could be a major boost for Jamestown and Chautauqua County. That’s according to Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi, who was recently appointed by the governor to sit on the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council. The panel will also includes County Executive Greg Edwards and Dave Porter – General Manager of the Cummins Engine plant in Ashville – along with various government and business leaders from Erie County.
Teresi tells WRFA the purpose of the panel is two-fold. First, it will help to guide economic development and job growth in Western New York by creating a five-year strategic plan. In addition, there is also a financial incentive being offered to the different regions to ensure the needs of all communities are represented in the plan.
A public forum on the regional economic development plan will take place Tuesday, September 13 at 6 p.m. at Jamestown Community College’s Scharmann Theatre. The purpose of the forum is to receive input from citizens on economic development goals the next five years. The forum is free and open to the public.
WRFA will also have more with Mayor Teresi and his thoughts on the council during our Community Matters program Thursday night at 6 p.m.
YOUNG ANNOUNCES NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING LAWS
State Senator Cathy Young (R-Olean) is announcing the passage of two affordable housing bills she sponsored in Albany this past year. Governor Andrew Cuomo recently signed a pair of bills that Young says will assure the continuation and expansion of affordable housing opportunities for communities across the state. One of the measures will ensure the State of New York Mortgage Agency is able to continue offering low and moderate-income homeowners access to affordable home loans. The new measures also will expand the agency’s bonding authority to help assist home ownership. Additionally, the bill continues and expands the bonding authority provided to the New York State Housing Finance Agency to issue new money bonds, which are used to finance multi-family housing projects throughout the state.
HIGGINS APPLAUDS DECISION BY USDOT TO HOLD OFF ON NEW REQUIREMENTS
Congressman Brian Higgins is welcoming the news that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) will no longer require local municipalities to pay for costly changes to street and traffic signs. USDOT provides a guidance for municipalities called the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, which defines the standards used by road managers nationwide to install and maintain traffic control devices.
Last year, USDOT added new provisions to that manual that mandated several street sign changes take place in communities across the country – at the cost of the local governments. Some have questioned the timing of the changes and mandates – especially since so many local governments are struggling to balance their respective budgets. Congressman Higgins says he is thrilled to see a huge financial burden lifted from the backs of local municipalities, with the decision by USDOT to hold off on the new requirements.
DETAILS ANNOUNCED FOR 2011 CITY LABOR DAY FESTIVAL
The 32nd Annual Jamestown Labor Day Festival will take place Sunday, September 4 at Bergman Park. The event will run throughout the day and feature musical entertainment, food, fireworks and more than 20 arts and crafts vendors. City Recreation Directory Julia Ciesla-Hanley says new this year will be the addition of a second music stage near the basketball courts, featuring a variety of local musicians.
And as always, a highlight for this year will be the presentation of the George Ritzer Labor Award at 4 p.m. The day’s activities will begin with the annual Dan Feature Memorial 5k Run/Walk at 9:30 a.m. with registration starting at 8 a.m. And the festival will once again culminate with a fireworks display at dawn.
The Jamestown Labor Day Festival is a community celebration designed to honor the labor force in the Greater Jamestown area. WRFA will provide complete details on the event with both Julia Ciesla-Hanley and Mayor Sam Teresi during our Community Matters program Thursday at 6 p.m.
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