Jessica Bakeman is reporting at Capital New York education stakeholder groups Thu., May 7, asked the state Board of Regents to be “bold” and “courageous” in their implementation of a new teacher-evaluation system. During eight hours of testimony, local leaders representing superintendents, principals, teachers, school boards and parents stressed that the board should interpret the new law as broadly as possible. Many argued to place as little emphasis as possible on students’ test scores, or on observations performed by independent evaluators. Other urged that the implementation deadline be extended for as many school districts as possible. “People want clarity,” Board of Regents chancellor Merryl Tisch said after the event. “They want continuity. They want decisions that make sense and that are thoughtful.” The law requires the Regents to adopt regulations finalizing the details of the evaluation system by June 30. Districts are then required to submit locally negotiated proposals to the state education department by mid-September. Read the full story at Capital New York.

Matthew Hamilton in Capitol Confidential reports that on May 7 Sen. Kathy Marchione, R-Halfmoon, said Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos should resign from his leadership post after Skelos and his son Adam Skelos were arrested May 4 for extortion, accepting bribes, and honest services fraud. “I feel strongly that everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence and should not be tried in the media,” she said in a statement. “However, my calling for Senator Skelos to step down was necessary because it had become clear that he cannot effectively lead our Conference. This is the people’s government, it’s important that we get back to the people’s business.” The day before she had was not declarative, saying, “We have three weeks left of session; we need to move on; we need to do the people’s business.” Marchione represents parts of Columbia and Rensselear counties. Late May 6 16 Republican senators issued a joint statement with strong support for Skelos remaining as leader. Read the full story in Capitol Confidential.

Read Marchione’s full statement below:

This morning I called Senator Dean Skelos to let him know that I would be calling on him to step down as Leader of our Conference. I felt that he needed to hear it from me, first. I came to this decision after a great deal of prayer, reflection and deliberation. This has not been an easy decision but it was necessary. I believe in the presumption of innocence. In our nation, you are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. After witnessing how my friend Joe Bruno was put through a legal meat grinder – and the enormous personal, financial toll it caused him and his family, and how he was ultimately vindicated – it did give me pause. I feel strongly that everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence and should not be tried in the media. However, my calling for Senator Skelos to step down was necessary because it had become clear that he cannot effectively lead our Conference. This is the people’s government, it’s important that we get back to the people’s business. That includes repealing all or parts of the unconstitutional SAFE Act, taking real steps to improve our economy, especially upstate, cutting government red tape and fixing the teacher evaluation process. Today is the National Day of Prayer and I ask individuals to please join me in praying for our leaders, our elected officials and, most important, praying for New York State.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 85F; low 57F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 84F; low 56F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.
FAR LEFT: The temperature on the far left is from the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page.
MIDDLE TEMP: Cairo from Weather Underground page.
FAR RIGHT: Catskill from Weather Underground page.

Local weather forecast
Today’s forecast is specific to Catskill, in Greene County:

Today: Sunny. High near 83. Friday night, patchy fog after 4 a.m. Otherwise, partly cloudy. Low around 56.

Forecast for the next three days:
Saturday: Patchy fog before 8 a.m. Otherwise, partly sunny. High near 78. Saturday night, mostly cloudy. Low around 60.
Sunday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. Partly sunny. High near 83. Sunday night, a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. Low around 62.
Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny. High near 85. Monday night, a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy. Low around 67.

Sunrise today: 5:41 a.m.
Sunset today: 8:02 p.m.
Length of the day: 14:21 hrs.

Public meeting
Today is the second Friday of the month.
WGXC suggests calling ahead to confirm time and location.
(All numbers are in the 518 area code unless otherwise noted.)

HUDSON Historic Preservation Commission meeting (tentative), 10 a.m. at 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).

The day ahead on WGXC 90.7-FM
1 a.m.: Taran's Free Jazz Hour: Christophe de Bezenac Episode 10 of 2015 of two-hour free jazz show that airs on eight European radio stations and Wave Farm Radio and WGXC 90.7-FM in the Hudson Valley, in New York, in the United States. Click on title to access the playlist.
5:05 a.m.: The Shortwave Report: 20150508 The Shortwave Report Is a 30-minute review of news stories recorded from a shortwave radio. Times and frequencies for English-language programs are included to encourage you to listen on your own.

6 a.m.: Background Briefing with Ian Masters Inside breaking international and national news. A radio program featuring international and national news, expert guests, policy makers and critics with analysis and insight on national security, foreign and domestic policy, political, cultural and social issues. This program goes far beyond the headlines and deep under the radar to bring forward truths unheard in the American media.
7 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show The WGXC Morning Show is a radio magazine show featuring local news, interviews with community leaders and personalities, a rundown of public meetings, local and regional events, with weather updates, and more about and for the community. Broadcast live from the WGXC Hudson Studio. Hosted by Laura Reed.
8 a.m.: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez. National, daily, independent, award-winning news program providing audiences with access to people and perspectives rarely heard in the U.S. corporate-sponsored media.
9 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show continues.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show Local news, a rundown of local and regional events, weather updates, and more about and for the community. Broadcast live from the WGXC Hudson Studio with guest host Victor Mendolia.
6 p.m.: WGXC Evening News

Politico [dot] com is reporting a federal appeals court Thu., May 7, ruled the National Security Agency program to collect information on billions of telephone calls made or received is illegal. A three-judge panel from the 2nd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in New York unanimously ruled a law Congress passed permitting the collection of information relevant to terrorism investigations does not authorize the so-called "bulk collection" of phone records on the scale of the NSA program. The judges did not address whether the program violated the Constitution. The 2nd Circuit, which acted in a case brought by the American Civil Liberties Union, is the first appeals court to rule on the legality of the telephone metadata program. The program was first discovered in leaks from Edward Snowden in 2013. In a 97-page ruling, the court held that a provision of the U.S.A. Patriot Act, known as Section 215, cannot be interpreted to allow the bulk collection of domestic calling records. Section 215, and the Patriot Act run out June 1, and Congress is currently debating renewal or changes. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) has advocating for renewing the program, while other senators want to curtail some NSA programs, The New York Times reports. Previously, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISA), the court that who hears arguments from the government, interpreted Section 215 to allow the government wide latitude in the searches. Congress, and the President, are now forced to act on the issue.

Melanie Lekocevic is reporting in The Daily Mail after months of meetings, several revisions and two public hearings, the Coxsackie Town Council has now passed a law regulating wedding and other commercial event venues within the town. The wedding venue industry is growing in Greene County, and in Coxsackie in particular. The year-long process began when several local homeowners filed complaints against a pair of nearby wedding venues over issues with noise and loud music. The law, as passed, does not restrict the length of a wedding or event, or the number of guests. It does restrict the playing of amplified music to between the hours of noon and 10 p.m. An event fee of $200 will be charged, and used to offset costs, such as code enforcement and emergency services. Town Councilman Patrick Kennedy said he was glad the issue of wedding venue regulation has been dealt with and, he hoped, put to bed. “I am glad we finally passed this so we can move on to other town business,” he said. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Arthur Cusano is reporting in the Register Star the Greenport Town Board Wed., May 6, adopted a local law prohibiting the drilling or use of wells in the town's water district. The measure exempts wells used in heating and cooling systems, as well as all wells already in use. The law is mainly intended to protect the water district from contamination. Joseph Morreale, an executive with Hudson Seafood Company, was present at the meeting and took exception to the law. He said the company would challenge it. Hudson Seafood is a fish farm located at the former Local Ocean site on Route 9. Town engineer Ray Jurkowski said a lot of thought went into the law, including his input and research into other communities that have similar laws. Read the full story in the Register Star.

Rick Karlin is reporting at Capitol Confidential the state Department of Environmental Conservation is developing a plan to make the Kaaterskill Falls area safer for visitors. Two women fell to their deaths while climbing around the falls last summer, and there have been other similar tragedies over the years. Among the measures recommended by the DEC are the construction of a new, more secure footpath leading to a 200-step stairway to allow safer viewing of the falls, the expansion of two nearby parking areas and the installation of anchors so rescuers can set rescue ropes for pulling people to safety if needed. The parking lots would be expanded to accommodate approximately 50 cars each. Beginning this summer, the DEC will construct a bridge over Spruce Creek, an observation deck and associated spur trail at the top of the falls. The agency will also hire a seasonal steward to educate and interact with visitors at the falls. The changes are contained in a proposed amendment to the Kaaterskill Wild Forest Unit Management Plan. The DEC is taking public comment on the draft through June 5. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.

Debby Mayer in The Columbia Paper reports the Germantown Board of Education's budget for next year is currently at $14,502,850 with a tax levy at 1.37 percent, but it is not final, and the board will discuss it further at the May 13 meeting. The Public Hearing on the budget is Wednesday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the elementary school music room, and district voters consider the budget Tuesday, May 19. The board also passed at its April 22 meeting, two propositions before district voters on Thursday, June 11. Mayer writes: "Proposition No. 1 authorizes renovations and improvements to the central school building at a total estimated maximum cost of $5,966,136. The plan calls for $500,000 of the district’s Capital Reserve Fund to be used on the renovations, and the remaining $5,466,136, “or as much of that as is necessary,” would be raised by taxes on property in the district. Proposition No. 2 authorizes the district to construct an addition to the central school building that would contain an auditorium and a band room, with all the furnishings and equipment that go with them, for a total estimated maximum cost of $5,415,920. This would be raised by a tax levy." Read the full story in The Columbia Paper.

WABC reports that a wildfire in Ulster and Sullivan counties is now 80 percent contained after burning for three days over more than 2,000 acres. The Daily Mail reported that firefighters from Catskill Fire Department, Medway-Grapeville Fire Company, and West Athens Lime Street Fire Company helped fight the fire May 5, according to Greene County Emergency Services. On Wed., May 6, Cairo became the fourth Greene County fire department to deploy a crew of volunteers to help battle the fire. Cairo Fire Chief Ray Feml said crews were predominantly working to prevent flare-ups. WRWD reports of at least six local brush fires this week in Greene or Columbia counties. The Hudson Valley is listed as "abnormally dry" on the NWS drought map, with no major rain due through the weekend.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 82F; low 55F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 81F; low 55F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.
FAR LEFT: The temperature on the far left is from the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page.
MIDDLE TEMP: Cairo from Weather Underground page.
FAR RIGHT: Catskill from Weather Underground page.

Local weather forecast
Today’s forecast is specific to Catskill, in Greene County:

Today: Sunny. High near 81. Thursday night, mostly clear. Low around 54.

Forecast for the next three days:
Friday: Mostly sunny. High near 83. Friday night, partly cloudy. Low around 59.
Saturday: Partly sunny. High near 83. Saturday night, mostly cloudy. Low around 63.
Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny. High near 83. Sunday night, a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy. Low around 62.

Sunrise today: 5:42 a.m.
Sunset today: 8:01 p.m.
Length of the day: 14:19 hrs.

Public meetings
Today is the first Thursday of the month.
WGXC suggests calling ahead to confirm time and location.
(All numbers are in the 518 area code unless otherwise noted.)

ANCRAM Planning Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 1416 County Rte. 7, Ancram (329-6512).
ASHLAND Planning Board meeting, 6 p.m. at Town Hall, 12094 Route 23, Ashland (734-3636).
AUSTERLITZ Planning Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 812 Route 203, Spencertown (392-3260).
COPAKE Planning Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 230 Mt. View Road, Copake (329-1234).
COXSACKIE Planning Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 16 Reed St., Coxsackie (731-2727).
GHENT Town Board informational planning and working session, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 2306 State Route 66, Ghent (392-4644).
KINDERHOOK Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 4 Church St, Niverville (784-2233).
STUYVESANT Board meeting workshop, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5 Sunset Dr., Stuyvesant (758-6248).
WINDHAM Town Board meeting, 8 p.m. at Town Hall, 371 State Rt. 296, Hensonville (734-4170).

The day ahead on WGXC 90.7-FM
1 a.m.: The Cutty Strange: Relocated Bay Area Composers Join guest hosts Alex and Vicki Norton while they share with us the music of composers who once called the Bay Area home, and have since relocated, taking some Pacific flavor with them. Or not...?

6 a.m.: Background Briefing with Ian Masters Inside breaking international and national news. A radio program featuring international and national news, expert guests, policy makers and critics with analysis and insight on national security, foreign and domestic policy, political, cultural and social issues. This program goes far beyond the headlines and deep under the radar to bring forward truths unheard in the American media.
7 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show Broadcast from the WGXC Hudson Studio.
8 a.m.: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez. National, daily, independent, award-winning news program providing audiences with access to people and perspectives rarely heard in the U.S. corporate-sponsored media.
9 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show continues.
10 a.m.: The Michael Slate Show: 20150507 Henry Giroux will discuss the recent attack by Michael Eric Dyson in the New Republic on Cornel West, his scholarship and activism. Noche Diaz will talk about the recent events in Baltimore. Carl Dix will speak out in support of the longshoreman union's shutdown of the ports to protest police killings of black and brown people. And film historian, author and critic Ed Rampell, will discuss a new film by Rory Kennedy, "Last Days in Vietnam." Hosted by Michael Slate. From Pacifica.
11 a.m.: One Size Fits All: 20150507 An hour-long investigation into the idea of amplified sound, beginning with The Nettles Sisters and concluding with My Bloody Valentine. Full playlist found at www.Facebook.com/OneSizeWGXC. Produced by Your Host.
2 p.m.: The Art of the Hudson Valley: Myron Polenberg Myron Polenberg will discuss his newest project, Hudson:Art Works. The program pairs local artists with students at Hudson High School. An exhibition of their work opens at the Hudson Opera House May 16 (hudsonoperahouse.org).
3 p.m.: Radio Theatre: Rain An anthology series of dramas and comedies for radio. Each week a program will be made up of one radio play. Produced at KSVR Studios at the radio station KSVR-FM in Mount Vernon, Washington. The actors are from the Skagit Radio Repertory Company. The producer is Joseph C McGuire. This is the story written by W. Somerset Maugham about a stiff necked missionary and the good time gal Sadie Thompson. Brought up to date for the modern era. Produced by Joseph C McGuire; Edited by Jay Charles; Performers: The Skagit Radio Repertory Company. Made with a grant from the Corporation For Public Broadcasting. From Pacifica Radio.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show: Justin Go, Sanja Lovrenčić, DW Gibson Justin Go and Sanja Lovrenčić, residents at Writers Omi, will be in the studio with program director DW Gibson to talk about their work in advance of the public reading and barbeque celebration at the Visitors Center at Omi International Arts Center in Ghent, Sat., May 16. Plus local news, a rundown of local and regional events, weather updates, and more about and for the community. Broadcast live from the WGXC Hudson Studio. Hosted by Ellen Thurston and Tom DePietro with Jake "The Intern" Ebel.
6 p.m.: WGXC Evening News

Since the days of Thomas Edison, humans have made audio programs of variable lengths -- usually 28- or 58-minutes-long -- and listeners -- usually through radios -- have listened. Now, though, many people listen to audio programs through other, digital means, subscribing with an RSS feed, or purchasing the sounds from the iTunes store. The term "podcast," if one's short-term memory has failed, is a proprietary term for a piece of hardware that barely still exists. Still, the term was bandied about a lot in the past year with the popularity and media chatter about "Serial," the first program to reach five million streams or downloads in iTunes history. The Pew Research Center reports that in 2014 three new "podcast" networks were launched by public radio groups: Radiotopia by PRX, SoundWorks by PRI, and Infinite Guest by APM. Now The New Yorker and WNYC are working together to produce a new national radio show and podcast set to premiere in the fall. In 2015, a Pew Research study indicates, 17 percent of Americans listened to a podcast in the past month, up from 9 percent in 2008. But, on the other hand, only one-third of all Americans have ever listened to an entire "podcast," so we aren't talking about the penetration of television or radio yet. But now "podcasting" is being marketed to advertisers, through giant radio networks such as iHeartMedia. Mark Ramsey wrote that, "Last week, iHeartMedia launched its first 'SoundFront,' where they debuted a slate of new original programs that were widely misinterpreted by the media. For example, the headline in Ad Age read 'IHeartMedia Shows Off Original Podcasts at "Soundfront".' While that is technically accurate, what’s much more accurate is the deeper reality of iHeartMedia’s strategy which few outside iHeartMedia and their advertisers seem to understand.... It’s a platform strategy – as in, content across every platform. Every piece of content iHeartMedia creates will live in some form or another across all of its platforms, thus magnifying the reach and engagement for that content and also magnifying the opportunities for advertisers." So the typical internet story is playing out, as the DIY ethos of "podcasting" gets the throw-everything-at-it corporate approach.

The West Point Partners project is part of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s Energy Highway initiative, and is intended to deliver additional energy to New York City. According to its proposal, West Point would construct a 1,000 megawatt converter station in the town of Athens and a second in the hamlet of Verplanck. The two stations would be connected by a buried High Voltage Direct Current cable extending 80 miles, eight feet beneath the bottom of the Hudson River.

PSC hears opposition to West Point project

May 7, 2014 in Athens by Volunteer | No comments (edit)

[Updated: May 8 (corrected "Gerald" Bunting to "Jerry" Bunting; corrected "Cappalano" to "Capuano;" added Public Service Commission affiliation in reference to Heather Bencke and Jeremy Flaum); May 12 (corrected "Bencke" to "Behnke")]

The E.J. Arthur Elementary School in Athens was the site last month of two public hearings held by the New York State Public Service Commission on the West Point Partners high voltage buried cable and DC converter station project. More than 150 people attended the second of the two hearings, held Wed., Apr. 23. Commission representatives Heather Behnke and Jeremy Flaum began the evening with a presentation about the Article VII process, then took questions. They were followed by Chris Hocker, Vice President of Planning for the Fairfield, Conn.-based private investment firm Power Bridge, LLC. Power Bridge is West Point’s parent company.

(c) freefoto.com

During the public hearing that followed, various community members, activists and public officials offered comments in front of Judge Kevin Casutto: PLAY (3:24). The Athens Town and Village boards are on the record in opposition to the project’s proposed route, but neither government has opposed the siting of the converter station or the project overall. A similar public hearing was held before Casutto, Fri., Apr. 30, in Cortlandt, the location of the project’s southern terminus. Andrea Smallwood and Sam Sebren attended that hearing on behalf of the Athens Citizens Development Committee. During that hearing, Cortlandt elected officials expressed unanimous opposition to the proposal.

The West Point Partners project is part of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s Energy Highway initiative, and is intended to deliver additional energy to New York City. According to its proposal, West Point would construct a 1,000 megawatt converter station in the town of Athens and a second in the hamlet of Verplanck. The two stations would be connected by a buried High Voltage Direct Current cable extending 80 miles, eight feet beneath the bottom of the Hudson River. Ed. note: Sebren attended and participated in these hearings. He is a founding member of the Athens Citizens Development Committee. Read more about the West Point Partners project online at newsroom.wgxc.org.

– Sam Sebren

New York State Public Service Commission Public Hearing
April 23, 2014
E.J. Arthur Elementary School, Athens
All audio recorded and produced by Sam Sebren.

Collage: Citizen comments: PLAY (3:24)

Heather Behnke and Jeremy Flaum, New York State Public Service Commission
Full presentation: PLAY (23:15).
Commission presentation Q&A
Commission permit details (John Drew); project financing (Cecilia Tkaczyk); waiver requests and local law (Sam Sebren): PLAY (15:23).
Chris Hocker, Vice President, Planning, Power Bridge LLC
West Point Partners presentation: PLAY (11:59).
West Point presentation Q&A
Size of converter station (anonymous); disruption to roads while cable is laid (John Drew); noise (Luke Weiller); alternative routes (Tina Chaden); cost and economic impact on the village (Cecilia Tkaczyk): PLAY (12:41).
Derek Apa, Athens resident, Central Hudson lineman
Speaks in opposition to the project: PLAY (3:47).
Audrey Friedrichsen, Attorney for Scenic Hudson
Speaks about the cumulative impacts on the river and on land, siting for stations, etc.: PLAY (8:17).
Gary Smith, homeowner near proposed converter station site
Zoning ordinances and noise: PLAY (1:40)
Cecilia Tkaczyk, New York State Senator
Comments on future evidentiary hearings, the impact on the village economy and school, etc.: PLAY (7:07).
Chris Pfister, Village of Athens Mayor
The need for an alternative route: PLAY (12:48).
Jerry Bunting, Athens Citizens Development Committee
Traffic disruption, economic disruption, blasting bedrock, etc.: PLAY (9:14).
Susanne Norris
Environmental and health impacts, smart growth for Athens, etc.: PLAY (7:45)
Ralph Favicchio, Athens Citizens Development Committee
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s Energy Highway: PLAY (13:39).
Jacqueline Goddeau, Athens Citizens Development Committee
Safety issues, West Point requests for local law waivers, etc.: PLAY (6:21).
Al Ramm, Athens Citizens Development Committee, retired industrial electrician
Dangers of HVDC and 345,000kv, changes in the original West Point plan: PLAY (2:42).
Sam Sebren, Athens Citizens Development Committee
Questions the value and economic viability of the West Point project overall: PLAY (6:59).
Andrea Smallwood, Athens Citizens Development Committee
Potential disruption and dangers to Athens water and sewer infrastructure, station location: PLAY (3:01).
Mark Levanway, Athens Citizens Development Committee
Conflicts with new gas line, safety concerns, etc.: PLAY (3:24).
Mary Jo Wynne, homeowner on route
Disruption to daily life, quality of life: PLAY (2:09).
Ron Puhalski, Athens Citizens Development Committee
Disruption to school access and fire, police, EMS response time; no traffic studies or economic impact studies have been done: PLAY (4:00).
Joseph Capuano, Athens resident
Spoke in opposition to the project: PLAY (1:32)
Nora Adelman
No mention of the Department of Health in Article VII process: PLAY (5:07).
Michael Black
Plea for the Commission to help the public: PLAY (5:30).
Tom Ragle
Concerns about West Point disregard for local laws: PLAY (3:43).
Carrie Feder
Negative impacts on the historic village, concern about more projects to follow: PLAY (6:20).
John Drew
Health and economic impacts, property devaluation: PLAY (3:29).
Forest Cotten, Athens Citizens Development Committee
Questions necessity for project: PLAY (5:52).
Lee Palmateer
Opposition to route: PLAY (5:51).
Deborah Artman
Project belongs in an industrial zone: PLAY (4:04).
Kenneth Baldwin
Concerns about community exploitation: PLAY (5:54).

Other media:

• Video footage of the Commission hearings held in Cortlandt on Apr. 30, can be found here. (Total playing time: 4:48:04.)


• “Foes’ concerns come through loud and clear,” by Melanie Lekocevic, The Daily Mail (Apr. 25) can be found here.


• “No customers for Authority’s power: Authority deal to buy energy for NYC has quickly produced more than $43 million in losses,’ by James M. Odato, Times Union (Apr. 5) can be found here.


• To access the full record go to www.dps.ny.gov and search for Case #13-T-0292.

Tags: Andrea Smallwood, Athens Citizens Development Committee, Chris Hocker, Energy Highway initiative, Heather Bencke, HVDC converter station, Jeremy Flaum, Kevin Casutto, New York State Public Service Commission, Power Bridge LLC, public hearing, Sam Sebren, transmission lines, West Point Partners Project

PSC announces transmission line hearings

April 12, 2014 in Upstate New York by Staff | No comments (edit)

The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) announced April 10 that it is seeking comment on a proposal by West Point Partners, LLC to construct an approximately 80-mile, 1,000-megawatt transmission line from a National Grid substation in the Town of Athens, in Greene County to a Consolidated Edison substation in the Village of Buchanan, Town of Cortlandt, in Westchester County. The majority of the transmission line will be buried in the Hudson River and within existing public rights-of-way. The PSC hosts public hearings in Athens on Wed., Apr. 23 at the Athens Volunteer Firehouse, 39 Third St. with an Informational Forum at 2 p.m., and the Public Hearing at 3 p.m. and a later meeting at Edward J. Arthur Elementary School Auditorium, 51 Third St., in Athens, with an Informational Forum at 6 p.m and the Public Hearing at 7 p.m. The Commission may approve, modify, or reject West Point Partners’ proposal in whole or in part. The proposed project would comprise the following principal components:

• Approximately 77.3 miles of in-river 320 kilovolt (kV) high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission cable, with associated communications fiber, buried in the bed of the Hudson River;


• Two underground transition vaults, one at each end of the in-river cable route, where the in-river cable would be connected to the land transmission cables;


• Approximately 3.6 miles of 320 kV HVDC land transmission cable linking in-river cable to the northern and southern converter stations;


• Two HVDC converter stations, one at each end of the in-river cable, linking the cable to the 345 kV alternating current (AC) grid; and


• Approximately 1.6 miles of 345 kV AC land cable connecting the HVDC converter stations to the Leeds and Buchanan North substations.

Read the rest of this entry »

PSC holds conference on West Point project

March 25, 2014 in Albany by Volunteer | No comments (edit)

West Point Transmission
(Courtesy westpointproject.com)

The New York State Public Service Commission held a procedural conference Thu., March 20, in Albany before Administrative Law Judge Kevin Casutto. The purpose of the conference was to hear comments on the West Point Partners proposal to construct and operate a 345kV HVDC transmission line known as West Point Project, which, if approved, would run from Athens to Cortlandt and then tie into existing transmission facilities to deliver power into New York City. The conference was held to identify interested parties, to discuss requests for intervenor funding, to determine a procedural schedule, and the necessity for, and locations of future public statement hearings. An attorney representing the town and village of Athens spoke, and questioned the cumulative impacts, overall need and alternatives for the project: PLAY (1:46). More than 30 people attended the conference in person or via video conferencing, including representatives of West Point, the town and village of Athens, and eight members of the Athens Citizens Development Committee. Also present were representatives of the New York Power Authority, Champlain Hudson, the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, Central Hudson Gas and Electric, the state Department of Environmental Conservation, Scenic Hudson, Riverkeeper, the town of Cortlandt and the hamlet of Verplanck. WGXC was the only representative of the media in attendance. NOTE: Sam Sebren is a founding member of the Athens Citizens Development Committee.

– Sam Sebren

All audio recorded and produced by Sam Sebren.

Full conference recording (in two parts):

Part 1: PLAY (1:00:14)

Part 2: PLAY (20:59)

Clips

1. Representatives of the state Department of Environmental Conservation asks about the relationship between the DC project and the AC project, and if there is an overlap in need: PLAY (1:07).


2. Attorney representing the town of Cortlandt (Westchester Co.) raises concerns of noise, safety and questions the necessity of the project: PLAY (1:19).


3. Judge Kevin Casutto and attorney representing West Point Partners discuss public disclosure: PLAY (1:13).


4. West Point Partners and attorney representing town and village of Athens discuss alternatives to West Point proposal: PLAY (2:55).


5. West Point Partners and DEC discuss perspectives on alternatives to the West Point proposal: PLAY (2:15)


6. Scenic Hudson, DEC, West Point and Casutto discuss the need to extend the schedule, alternatives to the project and comparisons to the Champlain Hudson buried line project: PLAY (3:24).


7. Prior to the proceeding, James Denn, the Director of Public Affairs for the state Public Service Commission spoke with members of ACDC: PLAY (13:08).


8. The ACDC asks Denn about comparative DC projects: PLAY (2:15).

Tags: Central Hudson Gas and Electric, Champlain Hudson, HVDC transmission line, Kevin Casutto, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Public Service Commission, Riverkeeper, Scenic Hudson, Transmission Developers Inc., West Point Partners

Siobhan (SHIV-on) Barton is reporting in the Register Star the Columbia County Department of Public Works is making plans to replace Cash’s Bridge in the town of Chatham. The bridge spans Indian Creek at the intersection of Clark Road and Route 9. The proposed adjustment would replace the structure’s beams and concrete and add shoulders to its width. “We want to replace it before it becomes unsafe,” said Robert Jobin, manager of the project. “There are cosmetic cracks that we’re watching right now but structurally there is nothing to worry about right now.” The replacement project is estimated to cost between $1.5 and $2 million. The 89-year-old structure was last repaired in 1980. The department will hold a public information session on the project 6 p.m., May 13 at Chatham Town Hall. Read the full story in the Register Star.

Jim Planck is reporting in The Daily Mail the Catskill Board of Education has appointed current middle school principal Marielena Hauser as the district's new Principal on Special Assignment. In that role she will manage discipline and behavior-related matters for grades 6 through 12. Catskill Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Farrell said Tue., May 5, the position will allow for increased administrative interaction with students on the upper campus. Farrell said Hauser will have an office located between the two upper campus sites and will work in both buildings. District Director of Technology Cheryl Rabinowitz will fill the vacated middle school principal position, while retaining her existing duties. The changes are effective June 29. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Jessica Bakeman is reporting at Capital New York the chairs of the Legislature’s education committees have introduced legislation that would make significant changes to the state’s education law and policies. Among those changes, amending how the Board of Regents is elected and requiring education officials to revisit their decision to adopt the Common Core standards. The law would also delay implementation of a new teacher evaluation system and require education officials to investigate the quality of state-administered standardized testing. The measure is sponsored by Senator John Flanagan, a Long Island Republican, and Assembly member Cathy Nolan, a Queens Democrat. The bill appears to be a response to last month’s unprecedented boycott of state-administered tests in public schools. According to unofficial tallies, nearly 200,000 students in third through eighth grades refused to take federally required English and math exams. Read the full story at Capital New York.

William J. Kemble in The Daily Freeman reports Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro plans to start a crisis intervention training program, educating police about handling possibly volatile situations. “We want to use the model out of Bexar County, Texas — to train law enforcement, to train first responders, to train corrections officers, and to train 911 dispatchers and be prepared to deal with those with mental health and addiction problems because that first contact is most important,” he said at a town hall-style meeting in Rhinebeck last week. Dutchess County will pay 50 percent of the overtime cost for municipalities to send officers for the training, so there will be costs for local police budgets. “We want, in 24 months, to have trained every law-enforcement personnel on the ground,” Molinaro said. Read the full story in The Daily Freeman.

Weather right now


[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="128"] Cairo: High 76F; low 48F.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="125"] Catskill: High 75F; low 47F.[/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ TEMPERATURE IN HUDSON: On thermometer in Studio A.
FAR LEFT: The temperature on the far left is from the Hawthorne Valley Farm Weather Page.
MIDDLE TEMP: Cairo from Weather Underground page.
FAR RIGHT: Catskill from Weather Underground page.

Local weather forecast
Today’s forecast is specific to Catskill, in Greene County:

Today: A slight chance of showers, mainly between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny. High near 76. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent. Wednesday night, clear. low around 43.

Forecast for the next three days:
Thursday: Sunny. High near 80. Thursday night, mostly clear. Low around 52.
Friday: Mostly sunny. High near 83. Friday night, partly cloudy. Low around 59.
Saturday: Partly sunny. High near 83. Saturday night, mostly cloudy. Low around 62.

Sunrise today: 5:43 a.m.
Sunset today: 8 p.m.
Length of the day: 14:16 hrs.

Public meeting
Today is the first Wednesday of the month.
WGXC suggests calling ahead to confirm time and location.
(All numbers are in the 518 area code unless otherwise noted.)

CAIRO Planning Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 512 Main St., Cairo (622-3120).
GHENT Planning Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 2306 State Route 66, Ghent (392-4644).
GREENE COUNTY Legislature Special Meeting; Economic Development and Tourism Committee Special Meeting; Health Services, County Resources and Public Safety committees, 6 p.m. at County Building, 411 Main St., Catskill (719-3270).
GREENPORT Town Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Greenport Town Hall, 600 Town Hall Drive, Hudson (828-4656).
HALCOTT Planning Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Halcott Grange, 254 Co. Rte. 3, Halcott Center (845-254-9920).
HUDSON Special Meeting to discuss matters related to the pending police and court building project, 6 p.m. at City Hall, 520 Warren Street, Hudson (828-1030).
HUDSON Industrial Development Agency meeting cancelled (828-0212).
LEXINGTON Town Board meeting, 6:30 p.m., at Municipal building, 3542 Route 42, Lexington, (986-6303).
LIVINGSTON Planning Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, County Rte. 19, Livingston (851-9441).
NEW BALTIMORE Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 3809 Co. Rte. 51, Hannacroix (756-6671).
PHILMONT Library Board of Trustees meeting, 7 p.m. at Library, 101 Main St., Philmont (672-5010).

The day ahead on WGXC 90.7-FM
1 a.m.: Radio Stew: Pond Station Episode 980 of weekly experimental new music show, by folks formerly behind Staalplaat. Click on title for playlist 980.
2 a.m.: Tabs Out: Dead Channel Cassette-only show, #63. Mike Nigro of Oxtail Recordings takes some time off from ollying over bongs to hang out and play some tapes with us. Killer jams from Ryan P. Conaty, Charles Barabé, Stickboy, Alan Mills, Today Tomorrow and Yesterday, Dead Channel, Eartheater, Mikronesia, Good Willsmith, Fiber Optic Tap, The Man, Jan Balsam and Herman Cone, Kill Alters, Mewl, Tiger Village, and Immortal Beings.

6 a.m.: Background Briefing with Ian Masters Inside breaking international and national news. A radio program featuring international and national news, expert guests, policy makers and critics with analysis and insight on national security, foreign and domestic policy, political, cultural and social issues. This program goes far beyond the headlines and deep under the radar to bring forward truths unheard in the American media.
7 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show The WGXC Morning Show is a radio magazine show featuring local news, interviews with community leaders and personalities, a rundown of public meetings, local and regional events, with weather updates, and more about and for the community. Broadcast live from the WGXC Acra Studio at the Wave Farm Study Center in Greene Co. Hosted by Tom Roe.
8 a.m.: Democracy Now! hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez. National, daily, independent, award-winning news program providing audiences with access to people and perspectives rarely heard in the U.S. corporate-sponsored media.
9 a.m.: WGXC Morning Show continues.
10 a.m.: @Issue: Mark Dunlea, Michael O'Hara Discussion of climate change and various lobbying and advocacy efforts around the issue. Guests are Mark Dunlea, Chairman of the Green Education and Legal Fund Inc., and Michael O'Hara of Citizens' Climate Lobby. Hosted by Victor Mendolia, Debora Gilbert and Debby Mayer.
4 p.m.: WGXC Afternoon Show
6 p.m.: WGXC Evening News

Matthew Hamilton in Capitol Confidential reports the New York State Assembly passed a minimum wage bill 94-43 May 4. The bill would raise the statewide minimum wage to $10.50 by Dec. 31, 2016, with it rising to $12.50 in New York City and Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties. Then the wage rises to $11.55 statewide and $13.75 in the New York metro area at the end of 2017, and to $12.60 statewide and $15 in the New York metro area at the end of 2018. After Dec. 31, 2019, the minimum wage would be indexed to the rate of inflation. Tipped workers also get raises to $12.50 in 2019, when those are also linked to inflation. The senate is unpredictable with the May 4 arrest of Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, Hamilton writes, so it is, "more unclear than ever if the Senate will address the minimum wage and send the proposal on to the governor." Read the full story in Capitol Confidential.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="740"] An architectural rendering of The Falls housing development, to be located on Route 66 in Greenport. The former elementary school can be seen to the right in the drawing.
(Source: jmscollective.com)[/caption]

Developer JMS Construction Services has announced its plans for the former Greenport Elementary School parcel located on Route 66 in Greenport. In a statement released May 4, the company characterized The Falls as an upscale apartment complex, calling it "Goldilocks" living in Hudson. The development consists of 116 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in two new four-story structures, on the 22-acre site, which will also include walking trails, a dog run, a swimming pool and outdoor tennis courts. The rental units would range in price from $1,300 to $1,900 per month. “We believe it's an unbeatable combination of urban chic and country living,” said John Perri, Business Manager at JMS Construction Services. What the company calls a ‘just right’ environment. The complex will retain the historic school building to house common areas. JMS hopes to open The Falls first phase in the summer of 2016.

Jim Planck is reporting in The Daily Mail the town of Greenville sewer extension project is on target and moving forward. With bid openings for the estimated $4.1 million project set for 3 p.m. today (Tue., May 5), work is expected to begin in June. The extension, using less than two miles of additional gravity-fed lines, plus just under a mile of forced main, will now run service south to the hamlet center. The sewer plant will be upgraded to address state Department of Environmental Conservation concerns, as well. Officials anticipate the project will be completed in 2016. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.