Outstanding new Black History Month Exhibit in Ossining
The new "Black History and Culture: Fulfilling the Vision" exhibit at the Bethany Arts Community in Ossining is incredible! I toured it recently and was greatly impressed. Big congrats to Ossining Village Historian Joyce Sharrock-Cole, who curated the exhibit.
Indian Point Board Hears About Water Discharge
There was good attendance at the latest meeting of the Indian Point Decommissioning Oversight Board, where the issue of handling radioactive water from the closed nuclear power plant was discussed at length. This is a top issue in the community and the DOB is exploring alternatives.
Progress on Road Repairs in Putnam & Westchester
I was recently joined by Assemblyman Matt Slater in announcing more $8.8 million in new funding has been targeted for roadwork on Route 52 in the Towns of Kent and Carmel in Putnam County and Route 35/202 in the Town of Yorktown in Westchester County. The current disrepair of certain sections of our state roadways is unacceptable. I recently spoke with the New York State Department of Transportation commissioner about the bad state of our roads in our area, especially in the Route 9A corridor. It was good news to hear that DOT crews were out last week making badly needed repairs to 9A, but much more needs to be done. This is one of my priorities.
Legislation to reduce packaging and increase recycling
A number of important environmental and governmental advocates were on hand with me to announce the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act legislation (S.4246). The new bill will require companies with a net annual income of over $1 million to reduce consumer packaging, improve recycling efforts of their product packaging and help update recycling infrastructure. More info
More than $2.5 million for Peekskill infrastructure projects
I recently announced that $2,583,293 in the form of two state grants have been awarded to the City of Peekskill for two important infrastructure projects as part of the state’s initiative to revitalize municipalities and create new economic opportunities. The first grant, totaling $2 million, will help fund the transformation of an unused property at 630 Washington Street into a new 12,000 square foot Cosmos’ Fresh Market. The second grant, totaling $583,293, will help the city construct additional improvements for Fleischmann Pier and Charles Point Park. The improvements will advance Peekskill’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program by continuing to promote public access to the City’s Hudson River frontage.
Appointed chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee
New York State Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins appointed me as chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee, and I am honored to be entrusted with this major responsibility. With our focus on the state’s ambitious goals enacted in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, there will be much work to plan and complete statewide. Ilook forward to partnering with my colleagues in the legislature and advocates across New York. More info
Governor Hochul Budget Addresses Climate Crisis
Governor Kathy Hochul's FY2024 Executive Budget proposal makes a strong commitment to mitigating the climate crisis and protecting our environment. Now is the time for the State Legislature to scrutinize the details and draft our own plan. The State Senate one house response will reflect a similar commitment. I look forward to a thorough and thoughtful process. More info
Celebrating the Return of the Bald Eagle
I was pleased to join the local elected officials and everyone from the Teatown Lake Reservation in announcing the 19th annual Eagle Fest. The event celebrates the return of the bald eagle to the Hudson River after being nearly extinct. Teatown’s staff has been exemplary environmental stewards and a vital educational resource who haveplayed an important part in the comeback of the eagles to the Hudson.
