Aliya Schneider is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media tensions that arose between Art Omi and the Ghent Planning Board over a proposed expansion has now entangled other town officials. Art Omi, located on County Route 22 in Ghent, is a sculpture and architecture park with residency programs for international artists, writers, dancers, musicians and architects. The organization in March withdrew its application to expand the Charles B. Benenson Visitors Center, citing a lack of support from the planning board despite community backing for the project. Art Omi could not come to an agreement with the planning board on the number of visitors and traffic levels. Art Omi, Inc., Chairman Francis Greenburger said the application was withdrawn because the organization became discouraged by the planning board’s lack of concern for the organization's needs and conditions were not clear during the process. Planning board member Dan Barufaldi, who called himself an Omi supporter and donor, said the organization's executive director agreed to all of the board’s recommendations. “The Ghent Planning Board has no desire to limit your growth,” he said. “We simply need a check-in point at which we can determine whether it has a negative impact on the residential rural community.” He encouraged the art organization to return to talks with the board. Art Omi Executive Director Ruth Adams said her experience with the planning board was difficult, confusing and overwhelming, and probably did not need to be. The town board voiced its support for the expansion proposal, but there was no indication of next steps. “We’re grateful to be in Ghent,” Adams said. “Ghent has been very good to us. We’re still here and thank you.” Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.

William J. Kemble is reporting for the Daily Freeman Saugerties Police Chief Joseph Sinagra has directed Saugerties officers to refrain from taking legal action against anyone under the age of 21 who appears to be in violation of state laws covering marijuana possession. Sinagra told the village board this week, “I have put an order out to members of this department that they are not to engage anyone who is less than 21 years of age that has cannabis. We have no legal grounds at this point that would allow us to do that, and doing so could get us sued.” Under the newly adopted state law, New Yorkers aged 21 or older can legally possess and use marijuana. The law also states that possessing marijuana under the age of 21 “shall in no way qualify as a criminal accusation, admission of guilt or a criminal conviction,” but says there could be a civil penalty of up to $50 for underaged possession. “It does not provide a mechanism for us to bring the person before the local criminal court as we have in the Alcoholic Beverage Control law with someone ... who’s less than 21 years of age,” Sinagra said. He called on Saugerties village and town officials to adopt local ordinances to clarify. State lawmakers say the existing language is sufficient for police to take enforcement action. State police have not commented publicly on provisions in the new law, but a spokesperson for Troop F said the agency is only allowed to take action in matters that involve criminal codes. Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa is on the record as agreeing with Sinagra, “to a certain extent that this law has issues in particular to protecting our youth," but he did not say the law was unenforceable. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.

MidHudson News is reporting Dutchess County is showing signs of an economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, County Executive Marc Molinaro said this week. Molinaro make his comments in a speech to the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Over the last several months we have seen this community get back into action and investment continue yet again and it is happening. I can tell you that just from sales tax receipts. Business is starting to grow again, people are starting to spend again, but most notably, businesses are investing again,” he said. Molinaro highlighted projects at Hudson Valley Airport in Wappinger, the Amazon planning a distribution center in East Fishkill, leisure and hospitality training, and the development of the new Southern Dutchess campus of Dutchess Community College. Read the full story at MidHudsonNews [dot] com.

Today's daily headlines.

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Bernadette Hogan and Bruce Golding report for the New York Post that Gov. Andrew Cuomo, or a staff member, on April 21 hung up on a reporter on a conference call asking him about the sexual assault and harassment investigations into his behavior. “If the attorney general’s report concludes that under state law you did sexually harass employees in violation of state law, will you resign? Yes or no,” New York Law Journal reporter Ryan Tarinelli asked. Cuomo replied, “Let’s see what the review says, and then we’ll take it from there.” Tarinelli then asked Cuomo to “please clarify exactly what that means,” but Cuomo only repeated the exact same words. Tarinelli then said, “It just does –” and then his line went dead. “Yep, I got cut off while trying to follow up on this point,” Tarinelli wrote on Twitter. Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi admitted that Tarinelli was intentionally cut off mid-question but falsely claimed it was because reporters are only allowed one “follow-up” under terms of an agreement reached several months ago with Albany’s Legislative Correspondents Association. “That did not happen,” New York Now reporter Dan Clark, who was president of the LCA at the time, told The Post, saying there is no agreement between Cuomo and reporters. The Assembly investigation into the sexual assault and harassment allegations against Cuomo has contacted 70 potential witnesses, according to the Times Union. While Cuomo recently has taken a few questions from hand-picked reporters on conference calls, almost daily he is now barring reporters from his events around the state to make various announcements. Most events are held in very large places, with many officials and supporters, but Cuomo's staff claims that COVID-19 restrictions are keeping the reporters away. Cuomo, of course, sets, the COVID-19 restrictions in New York. Read more about this story in the New York Post.

Noah Zweifel is reporting for The Altamont Enterprise Berne Town Clerk Anita Clayton has fired her deputy, Jean Guarino. Guarino believes it is because she was endorsed by town Democrats to run for clerk in November. Clayton, a Democrat, has been town clerk since 2013. Her term will end on December 31, and she previously said she would not seek re-election. However, Clayton’s name now appears in court papers related to a lawsuit over the Working Families Party line, indicating she is a candidate for public office in Berne. Clayton made headlines in February when she wrote a letter to the Enterprise editor blasting the Berne Democratic Committee for what she called a demeaning candidate interview. This week, it was Guarino's turn to write to the paper's editor. According to Guarino, she enjoyed working in the town clerk's office after Clayton persuaded her to take the job last year; there was an understanding that she was training to be Clayton’s replacement. Guarino said things were fine until Clayton accused her of leaking town information in early 2021, at which point Guarino was stripped of her keys and log-in information. Clayton suspected Guarino had made public a report concerning the death of town highway worker Peter Becker after a story about the report appeared in the Enterprise. Guarino denied leaking information from or about the report. Once her keys and login information were taken, things went from bad to worse. Prior to the accusation, Guarino had the same access and responsibilities as Clayton, with the exception of human resources materials. After the accusation, however, “everything was stripped little by little,” she said. Guarino was fired and handed a notice of termination minus any justification. Guarino is one in a long line of people removed from their position without explanation and without a performance-related reason in Berne. After questions, as well as a copy of Guarino's letter, were sent by the Enterprise to Clayton, she promised to respond to the allegations, but failed to produce anything before press time. Read more in The Altamont Enterprise.

Andrea Macko is reporting for Porcupine Soup the 2021 Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival has been canceled. Producer Mary Tyler Doub and Grey Fox staff made the announcement last week, saying “[there are] too many unanswered questions, restrictions on gatherings, and potential health risks to be able to move forward at this time.” Doub said the festival has been postponed until July 14 through 17, 2022. “We feel this is the best for our fans, artists, volunteers, and residents of surrounding communities,” she said. The annual festival held on the Walsh Farm in Oak Hill brings thousands of people to Durham for four days every July. Grey Fox presents a mix of Grammy, International Bluegrass Music Awards, Country Music Association and American Music Awards winners and nominees, the best of bluegrass and acoustic music. More than 150 artists typically perform on multiple stages. The festival was started in 1984 in Ancramdale, Columbia County, and moved to Oak Hill in 2008. Last year, Grey Fox staff and artists created a virtual Spirit of Grey Fox 2020. Read the full story at porcupine soup [dot] com.

State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos on April 21 announced a proposed plan for a permanent water source to address perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA contamination in the village of Hoosick Falls. The DEC Proposed Remedial Action Plan incorporates findings from the recently completed Municipal Water Supply Study and it recommends the use of a new groundwater source with a granular activated carbon filter. DEC has compelled the parties responsible for the pollution, Saint-Gobain and Honeywell International Corp., to undertake a comprehensive study to evaluate possible options for a clean and reliable drinking water source for the Hoosick Falls Water District. The action plan includes developing two new groundwater supply wells; converting existing test wells into production wells; retaining one existing village well; constructing a water transmission line from the new wells to the water treatment plant; continued operation of the public water supply treatment plant; and, retaining the existing GAC treatment system. The GAC treatment system removes the PFOA and PFAS from the drinking water supply. The DEC will be accepting public comments on the Proposed Remedial Action Plan through June 4. DEC is holding a virtual public meeting and presentation on the action plan on May 13. Read more at dec [dot] ny [dot] gov.

Today's daily news update.

Steve Hughes and Eduardo Medina are reporting for the Times Union the city of Albany fenced off the sidewalks around the city police department's South Station early Wed., Apr. 21. It was not immediately clear why the decision was made to put up the barriers five days after protesters began a sit-in in response to a confrontation that occurred last week. Department spokesman Steve Smith said in a statement posted to Twitter, "For safety purposes, the sidewalk in front of the police station must remain clear. We fully support the rights of individuals to peacefully protest but urge that it’s done in a way that’s lawful and does not impact either public health or the safety of our community. This morning, as part of normal safety protocols, barriers have been placed between the curb on Arch Street and the entrance to the South Station. For safety purposes, the sidewalk in front of the police station must remain clear.” The protesters have blocked off a portion of Arch Street and are camped out in tents. People have also written and painted on the outside walls of the station. In a live-streamed video on Facebook, protesters told officers that if they were going to attack or damage the station, they would have done so already. "...They’re now trying to open for operation but they say they won’t be displacing us," said Mikayla Foster, who videotaped the scene. Brandon Brown, 21, from Schenectady, said approximately a dozen police officers helped fence off the station. Brown said if officials want the activists to leave, their demands have to be met, including firing the officer who grabbed at a light and megaphone held by protesters, which resulted in a woman falling to the ground, a week ago. In an April 19, letter to Mayor Kathy Sheehan and Chief Eric Hawkins, Greg McGee, president of the police officer's union alleged that by allowing the protesters to stay, the city was knowingly jeopardizing officers' health. "The events currently unfolding at South Station have shown every member of this department that in your eyes we are expendable. As our leaders you have failed each of us," McGee wrote. Last week, a peaceful march protesting the death of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minn., culminated in a brief clash between Albany police and demonstrators at South Station, where officers deployed pepper spray and a window was broken by protesters. After city officials called the protest a riot, protesters commenced a sit-in on Arch Street, vowing not to leave until certain conditions were met. Read more in the Times Union.

Aliya Schneider is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the towns of Canaan, Ghent, New Lebanon and Austerlitz have together applied for a broadband grant from the Community Project Funding program through U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado’s office, according to information provided by Ghent Town Board member Patti Matheney [Mah-THANE-ee]. The Community Project Funding initiative allows individual members of Congress a way to request direct federal aid to local communities. "...[W]e concluded that applying for this grant together would be the best, most efficient and cost- effective model to construct and/or extend broadband to the greatest number of previously unserved residents and businesses in our rural towns,” Matheney said in a statement. The effort will improve the quality of life for residents. Broadband access is essential for small businesses, children and vulnerable residents, she said. Canaan Supervisor Brenda Adams, Ghent Supervisor Mike Benvenuto [BEN-vah-noo-toe], Ghent Broadband Committee Chairman David Berman, New Lebanon Supervisor Tistrya Houghtling [HOE-telling]  Austerlitz Supervisor Rob Lagonia [Lah-GO-nee-ah] and Matheney worked together on the proposal. Cost estimates from broadband providers to complete access across all four towns were “very attractive,” she said. Matheney declined to share those cost estimates with a reporter. The amount each applicant would receive will determine how much they can complete, she said. In Ghent's case, if the grant does not cover all of its broadband needs, Matheney hopes to use the the funds it is projected to receive from the American Rescue Plan Act. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.

Lukas Southard reports in the Times Union about how New York legalizing recreational cannabis will affect the stores who have been selling pot legally for the past four years across the border in Massachusetts. Erik Williams, chief operating officer of Canna Provisions in Lee estimates that about 25 percent of their customers present New York state identification. While marijuana is currently legal in New York, there is still a federal prohibition against bringing it across state lines. Stores across the border will not lose many New York customers soon, as the state is a year or two away from opening retail shops. When there is competition, New York's cannabis will be slightly cheaper. New York’s sales tax will be 13 percent on cannabis products, while Massachusetts currently charges 17 percent, plus a three percent local option for towns and cities. Shoppers will also have more options about what to buy when New York stores open. “The biggest new category that we've been working on is infused beverages and I think that's going to be very popular,” said Brandon Pollock, co-founder and CEO of Theory Wellness in Great Barrington. “There's a company that just got permission to start making infused ice cream, so you will see a lot of fun niche opportunities for entrepreneurs.” Read more about this story in the Times Union.

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This was the reaction on Arch Street in Albany: Chauvin guilty on all counts. #chauvinverdict pic.twitter.com/5O3HsjTi5R

— Robert Gavin (@RobertGavinTU) April 20, 2021

State and local officials and activists released statements shortly after a jury found on April 20 Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of the murder of George Floyd last year. Chauvin was recorded kneeling on Floyd's neck for almost ten minutes. Here is what the verdict reading sounded like for a group of protesters encamped on Arch Street in Albany from a recording Robert Gavin of the Times Union made as Chauvin was found guilty on all counts. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OR PLAY BRIEF CLIP. Melo Rabii was one of the protesters in Albany. “This isn’t a feeling we’re used to,” he said, looking toward a sign with the names of over 40 Black Americans killed by police. “As a race, we’re always prepared for the worst.” Hudson Mayor Kamal Johnson posted on Facebook, "This verdict, shows exactly why the work for racial justice is extremely important. We must continue to create paths of healing by transforming structures of systematic racism. Justice for Black and Brown Americans is justice for all Americans. Consistency will be the key to a better future for all." Gov. Andrew Cuomo released a statement that said, in part, that "while I'm grateful the jury returned these verdicts, accountability is not the same as justice. It doesn't make an unacceptable situation acceptable, and it doesn't bring Gianna's dad back." New York Senator Chuck Schumer posted, "We must remain diligent in our efforts to bring meaningful change to police departments across the country.... The Senate will continue that work as we strive to ensure George Floyd’s tragic death will not be in vain.” New York Attorney General Letitia James wrote on Twitter, "I pray that the Floyd family finds some semblance of justice and peace for this horribly unjust act." Rep. Antonio Delgado, of the 19th Congressional District, wrote on Facebook, that, "while the verdict by itself will not heal the devastatingly deep and tragically persistent wounds our nation carries born of racial oppression, may it inspire us all to earnestly and thoughtfully, with love in our hearts, confront the scourge of racism that lives with us daily." Rep. Paul Tonko, whose district includes Albany County, posted on Twitter that, "The evidence in this case was overwhelming, as are the lessons and commitments for change we must take from it."

Natasha Vaughn is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media fire departments and rescue squads in Columbia County have received $275,000 in grant money from the Hudson River Bank and Trust Foundation. The awards were given to help offset costs associated with pandemic response. “We were thinking this was obviously a very stressful year for everyone, especially for what are primarily volunteer organizations,” said Hudson River Bank and Trust Foundation President Carl Florio. “So we thought that one way to try and help out in terms of equipment needs, or PPE needs or whatever they needed that we would contribute to all the fire districts in Columbia County plus all the rescue squads.” The money was divided among the four rescue squads and 31 fire districts and departments based on the number of people served, Florio said. Checks have already been distributed. The amount of funds allocated ranged from $1,500 up to $10,000. Columbia County Fire Coordinator George Keeler said in a statement, “Our sincere gratitude goes out to the HRBT Foundation for their continuing commitment to assisting not-for-profit organizations, especially during these trying times.” The foundation was formed when Hudson River Bank & Trust Co. converted to a public company in July 1998. It provides funding in support of charitable causes and community development activities in Columbia County. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.

MidHudson News is reporting Ulster County Executive Patrick Ryan Mon., April 19, submitted comments to the State Siting Board, urging the state agency to reject Danskammer Energy’s application to build a new electric generating facility on the site of the former plant in the town of Newburgh. “Danskammer is the wrong project at a pivotal time for our community,” he said. “It offers an outdated dirty energy solution to a problem that requires a modern, clean energy solution in an area known for its historic roots in the environmental movement.” Michelle Hook, Danskammer vice president for public affairs, said upgrading the plant’s equipment is “a no brainer.” She said the proposed upgrades “would simply improve the existing 70-year-old plant, making it significantly cleaner and reducing local air pollution by thousands of tons a year.” Ulster County Legislator Tom Corcoran, who represents the town of Marlborough, said taxpayers in his district “will be hurt and hundreds of good paying union jobs could now be in jeopardy.” Richard Gerentine, a former Marlborough town supervisor and county legislator, said upgrading Danskammer “is a huge win for Marlborough families,” and at a time when the pandemic has hurt the local economy, “this project would bring much needed tax dollars to Marlboro schools.” Todd Diorio, president of the Hudson Valley Building and Construction Trades Council, said Ryan and the trades “share a common vision most of the time, but on this issue, we are definitely on a different page.” Read the full story at MidHudsonNews [dot] com.

Nick Reisman is reporting for State of Politics a bill that would pave the way for a single-payer health care system in New York cleared the Assembly Health Committee April 19. Supporters of the bill argue the measure is needed after the COVID-19 pandemic exposed flaws in the current system. Opponents, however, argue the measure would gut the state's finances and impact employment in the health care sector. Advocates like Campaign for New York Health Co-Directors Ursula Rozum and YuLing Koh Hsu, sited the devastation caused by the pandemic — on both individual household finances, as well as on health itself — as major motivators for the bill's passage this year. "New Yorkers will be mobilizing in big numbers to tell the Assembly and the Senate to pass this legislation before the end of session and to tell Governor [Andrew] Cuomo to sign it into law,” they said in a joint statement. Cuomo has said in the past that a single-payer bill was best left to the federal government, and he has never had the measure put on his desk. The business-backed coalition, Realities of Single Payer, in a statement warned against the legislation advancing further, saying it would be detrimental to health care coverage statewide. The coalition also pointed to newly approved provisions meant to expand coverage, like eliminating Essential Plan premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, while adding coverage for postpartum women. The coalition said the bill "...would limit access and quality of care by underfunding hospitals and providers. Based on the experience of the pandemic, do we really want the state Health Department running our entire health care system?" Read the full story at nystateofpolitics [dot] com.

Today's daily news update.