Click above to download or play today's "Better Weather." Produced by Joe Demanso of the Catskill Makers Syndicate.

Steve Hughes is reporting for the Times Union Albany’s “good cause” eviction law, the first of its kind in the state, was struck down on June 30, in a decision that may lead to the overturning of similar laws statewide. State Supreme Court Judge Christina Ryba ruled in favor of several landlords who argued that the law violated a state law that guided tenant-landlord relationships. Ryba’s decision eliminated one of Mayor Kathy Sheehan’s signature pieces of legislation, part of a larger package of housing-related laws that was lauded by housing advocates as a model for other cities to follow. Advocates of good-cause eviction legislation argue that they prevent predatory rent hikes and give tenants greater power in lease negotiations. Landlords take the position the laws are essentially rent control and infringe on individual property rights. Benjamin Neidl, the attorney for landlord plaintiffs, said, “In Albany, this decision will restore the balance of rights between tenants and landlords as current state law intends." Sheehan's office released a statement saying it was "deeply disappointed" by the ruling and are reviewing all options available. The legislation, as passed by the Albany Common Council a year ago, had several components, including a requirement that landlords could not evict or refuse to renew a lease with a tenant unless they met one of 10 possible conditions — including ongoing failure to pay rent and causing a property to be deemed a nuisance. It also included language that limited rent increases to five percent, with some exceptions. A good cause bill in the state Legislature has repeatedly failed to advance. The city of Hudson Common Council in 2021 passed a local law to prevent eviction without cause. That measure was later vetoed by Mayor Kamal Johnson. Read the full story in the Times Union.

Paul Kirby is reporting for the Daily Freeman the delivery rates for Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. will increase July 1, despite calls by top state and Ulster County lawmakers to stop them. The utility said the new rates, approved by the Public Service Commission as part of a three-year plan in November, will go into effect as planned. The plan includes another increase in delivery charges a year from now, in July 2023. In May, Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan, state Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assemblymember Kevin Cahill penned a letter to the Public Service Commission requesting the commission stop the utility’s rate increase in July. Ryan, Hinchey, and Cahill argued the commission should restrict any increases until its investigation into the utility’s billing practices was completed. Central Hudson has been under fire for billing complaints and skyrocketing customer bills. The PSC as well as a state Senate committee are investigating those matters. Joseph Jenkins, a Central Hudson spokesman, said the delivery rate increase will adhere to the PSC approvals. “Under the approved delivery rate plan and based on market prices for electricity and natural gas as of July 2021, total average residential electric bills using 640 kilowatt-hours per month will decrease by [point] 25 percent in the first year;...,” Jenkins said in an email. “Total average residential natural gas bill using 870 cubic feet per year will increase by 1.2 percent, or about $1.64 per month, during the first year; ...” Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.

Ted Remsnyder is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the city of Hudson Seasonal Usage program will return for the third consecutive year and plans are being finalized to install concrete barriers along Warren Street. The barriers and accompanying planters will expand outdoor seating for restaurants and cafes on Warren, between Front and 7th streets. “The Hudson Business Coalition is still collecting the funds and the permit documentation,” Hudson Mayor Kamal Johnson said on June 28 “It’s looking like hopefully sometime next week it’ll be kicking off.” Alexandre Petraglia, president of the Hudson Business Coalition, said the organization does not have a specific date for the installation of the concrete barriers, which will also allow restaurants to expand their footprint into parking spaces in front of their businesses until early October. Petraglia said that 20 Hudson businesses have so far signed up, with only food and drink establishments eligible to participate this year. The program requires that establishments stipulate that four feet of clear sidewalk space, measured from the curb, be kept clear for pedestrians and that fire hydrants, active fire lanes and handicapped parking spaces remain clear, as well. The Hudson Business Coalition has been filing the permit applications with the Hudson Police Department and informing the Hudson Department of Public Works about the number of businesses that are signing up. DPW is responsible for installing the barriers. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.

Today's daily news update.

Melanie Lekocevic reports at Capital Region Independent Media that Coeymans officials want to build a new $6 million town hall, but some residents are not so sure the time is right. A handful turned out to question the project at a June 23 public hearing. Town reserves would pay for half the project, and a a 25-year bond would cover the rest, Town Supervisor George McHugh said. “I have been advocating for a new town hall for about 20 years, but sometimes it is timing and I am wondering, can we afford to do it now with inflation going through the roof and the cost of construction going through the roof?” Ravena resident Laszlo Polyak asked. “Might it be better to delay this for a while until we see which way the economy is going to go? Other than that, I don’t see why not, but I would love to see it on the waterfront.” Resident Bob Williams is a member of the village’s planning board but said he was speaking on his own here. “I guess I do feel the same as some of the other residents here — the timing and the cost,” Williams said. “Costs are through the roof right now, materials are hard to get and it’s very expensive. I just think you should look at the timing.” Daniel Boomer wondered if the project was going to happen no matter what anyone said. “I think it is fiscally irresponsible at this time,” Boomer said. “However, it appears to be a done deal and I thank you for allowing us to come down and talk. Perhaps we could have some input on the color of the curtains, but other than that, it all seems like a done deal.” McHugh said the project is still just a proposal. “This hearing is starting tonight but it is not ending tonight,” McHugh said. “We are going to continue it through July 14, so anybody out there who is watching (on livestream) that didn’t come tonight, feel free to come July 14 or email or mail in your comments or questions or suggestions.” Read more about this story at The Upstater.com.

Nick Reisman reports at New York State of Politics that New York law enforcement officials have seized 98 percent more illegal guns in the first six months of 2022 than last year. Through June, law enforcement has seized 662 illegal guns, Gov. Kathy Hochul said on June 29. "We are aggressively ramping up our efforts to get deadly weapons -- including ghost guns -- off of our streets, and have developed hundreds of investigative leads spanning 22 states -- work resulting in the first discernible reduction in gun violence in more than two years," Hochul said. "While this is undeniable progress, our work is just getting started." Gun seizures outside of New York City increased 94 percent this year compared to 2020 and were 40 percent higher since 2021. State lawmakers started an extraordinary session June 30 to address the Supreme Court's recent ruling allowing citizens to carry concealed weapons in the state, so the issue is definitely being discussed in Albany. Read more about this story at New York State of Politics.

Melanie Lekocevic reports for Capital Region Independent Media that the Town of Durham held its second annual community town meeting June 11 outside at Brandow Memorial Park. “The comprehensive plan recommended that the town should hold an annual meeting to present each annual report and provide an opportunity for a community discussion about it,” said Bernard Rivers, chairperson of Durham Connect. “The meeting is just a chance for residents and officials to meet and hear from each other." Rivers, Town Supervisor Shawn Marriott, and Town Councilperson Joan Breslin led the meeting. Marriott's recent quote in the town’s annual report dominated the conversation. “The issue of newcomers is still extremely polarizing in our town. It has gotten worse in the last few months. We need to find a way to strike a balance with welcoming new people into our community and protecting our core values and way of life,” he said in the report Marriott said he wanted to make clear that he welcomes everyone. “We have to strike some way of being able to get along,” Marriott said. “It is a polarizing topic because you get people who are very adamant in both directions. I do my best to remain neutral.” But residents kept the newcomers versus old-timers issue going. “If you are going to move to an area, you should maybe find out something about it, about the culture of that area… so you don’t get angry when the guy next door is target shooting, so you know the rules — you can target shoot, but not near a house,” Mary Ann Ledda, the only citizen quoted in the story, said. Residents also brought up broadband access and roadside trash, but did not mention the proposed Bosque housing development that dominated discussion at town meetings for the past year. Read more about this story at The Upstater.com.

Today's daily news update.

Click above to download or play today's "Better Weather." Produced by Joe Demanso of the Catskill Makers Syndicate.

Nick Reisman is reporting for State of Politics New York lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul have reached an agreement in concept on a legislative package intended to address the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down the state’s century-old concealed carry law for firearms. Lawmakers are expected to vote on the package on June 30, which will restrict where guns can be carried, including places where children gather, polling places, educational institutions and public transit. Licensing requirements for concealed carry permits will be expanded and live-fire training at gun ranges will be required. In addition, background checks for ammunition purchases will be required, as will safe storage of firearms in cars. Private businesses, including bars, must affirmatively state with a sign that permitted guns can be carried. Hochul on June 29, in Albany said the final details of the measures were being discussed with lawmakers. The governor called the SCOTUS ruling last week “totally out of touch” with what most New York residents want. “We’re going to continue to make sure we toughen those laws,” she added. “This is not the wild west. This is New York state.” The proposed changes will likely face a legal challenge as well. Hochul said the proposals have been reviewed by legal experts and think tanks that have studied the issue. Read the full story at nystateofpolitics [dot] com.

Maura Rosner is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the village of Kinderhook will receive more than $1,860,000 to build pedestrian and bicycle improvements along Albany Avenue. Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado said, “New York is committed to moving projects like this forward that will not only help lower emissions using transportation alternatives, but will also mitigate traffic congestion and help improve connectivity, air quality and access for predominantly low-and-moderate-income families." A total of almost $179 million will be provided to support transportation enhancements in 75 communities around New York . The funding will support the construction of new sidewalks and shared use paths, to better ensure pedestrian and bicycle safety, facilitating access to the transportation system for users of all ages and abilities. Kinderhook Village Mayor Michael Abrams could not be reached for comment about the award. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced June 28, that the town of Catskill will receive $10.2 million in Clean Water Project funds through long-term and interest-free financing to serve the Leeds and Jefferson Heights sewer district. The funding will also be used to install mechanical screening at the Leeds and Jefferson Heights Sewer Plant. The New York State Water Infrastructure Improvement program has already awarded $3.15 million to the town’s water improvement project. The town of Catskill’s $10.2 million award ranks second to the $15 million grant to Oneida County. Eight municipalities, including Catskill and Oneida County, will receive funding through the Clean Water Project. In Catskill the money will pay for needed improvements in water pollution standards. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.

MidHudson News is reporting a Rockland County resident has been diagnosed with Monkeypox, according to county health officials. Testing was conducted at the state’s Wadsworth Center Laboratory. The confirmed case is limited to one person who has not had any contact with anyone locally and poses no risk to county residents. As of June 28, a total of 61 confirmed cases have been identified in New York State including 55 in New York City, four in Westchester County, one in Sullivan County and one in Chemung County. Monkeypox cases in this outbreak have involved a rash, often in the genital and peri-anal areas, and may also include other symptoms including fever, swollen lymph nodes, and pain when swallowing, before or after the rash appears. Most infections last two to four weeks. Those who experience symptoms consistent with monkeypox should contact their health care provider. Information about monkeypox can be found at the state Health Department website. Read the full story at MidHudsonNews [dot] com.

Today's daily news update.

Mid-Hudson News reports that Brandon Gaylord, a history teacher and Chatham Planning board member, defeated Town of Clinton Councilperson Dean Michael in the 106th Assembly district Republican primary election to take on Democratic Assemblyperson Didi Barrett in November. Voting ended June 28. Gaylord got 1,792 votes to Michael’s 1,540. The district includes parts of Columbia and Dutchess counties, with Gaylord winning more votes in his home county, Columbia, and Michael getting more vote in Dutchess County, where he lives. Michael lost by almost 10,000 votes to Barrett in 2020. Read more about this story at Mid-Hudson News.

Mike Goodwin reports in the Times Union that an inmate was killed and another injured at the Green Haven Correctional Facility in Dutchess County, But State Police released very little information about the incident. They did not say when the homicide occured, or how the prisoner was killed. They did not give details on the injury to the other prisoner. They did not release the names of either inmate. They did not say if anyone will face charges. They only released that there was an incident at Green Haven prison that holds about 2,100 prisoners. Read the full story in the Times Union.

The Daily Freeman reports that New York's first legal recreational cannabis crop since New York banned the plant in 1914 is beginning to sprout. "Hopefully, it benefits the farmers. Been a long time since there’s been a real cash crop,” said Frank Popolizio of Homestead Farms and Ranch just north of Albany. Popolizio is an amateur wrestling coach and promoter who also raises cows, turkeys, and chickens to sell to humans as food, and has never used cannabis himself. “I’m open-minded, and I’ve come to understand that there is value,” he said. Cannabis grown outdoors is weaker than if grown under indoor lights, but some prefer it. “It’s called sun-grown marijuana,” said grower Moke Mokotoff of Claverack Creek Farm. “And a lot of aficionados just like the way it smokes better.” Costs are lower to as sunlight is free. But there are other threats outside, such as insects and thieves. “We plan to have people sleeping in the field,” Mokotoff said. Read more about this story in the Daily Freeman.

Today's daily news update.

Click above to download or play today's "Better Weather." Produced by Joe Demanso of the Catskill Makers Syndicate.

The Times Union reports that incumbent Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul and Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado won their primary elections. They'll face Republican Congressperson Lee Zeldin and Alison Esposito in November. Locally, there was an upset as progressive candidate Sarahana Shrestha currently leads incumbent Kevin Cahill in the Democratic primary for the 103rd Assembly District, which includes parts of Ulster and Dutchess counties. Absentee ballots still could sway that race. Hochul, with about 67 percent of the vote beat Jumaane Williams, with about 20 percent of votes cast, and Thomas Suozzi finishing with about 13 percent of the votes. In the Republican contest for governor, Congressperson Lee Zeldin, who voted against certifying the 2020 presidential election, bested Rudy Giuliani's son Andrew, former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, and upstate businessperson Harry Wilson, with Zeldin getting about 44 percent of votes, Giuliani at 23 percent, Astorino at 18 percent, and Wilson at 14 percent. For Lt. Gov., Delgado got about 60 percent of the vote, progressive Ana Maria Archila received about 25 percent of votes cast, and New York City's Diana Reyna at about 14 percent. Alison Esposito was unopposed for the Republican nomination for Lt. Gov. Thirty-year incumbent Assemblyperson Kevin Cahill, lost to the more progressive Sarahana Shrestha, a first-generation immigrant from Nepal, with a 600 vote lead. Read more about this story in the Times Union.