Daily Archives: March 13, 2014

Housing affordability: How Herkimer & Hamilton counties rate

The office of New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has issued an analysis of housing affordability in the state with affordability being a relative measure that combines both income and costs.

Essentially, housing is considered affordable if it is equal to or less than 30 percent of household income.

For homeowners, that index includes mortgage, interest, utilities, fuel and property taxes.

From 2000 to 2012, the trends for NY state have shown a steady increase in median rent and an overall decline in housing affordability for both renters and homeowners.  Continue reading →

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Dr. Nina Schoch among inductees to N.Y. State Outdoors Hall of Fame

Dr. Nina Schoch, coordinator of Biodiversity Research Institute’s Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, will be one of nine individuals inducted to The New York State Outdoorsmen Hall at a banquet to be held Saturday, April 26 in Canastota.

Under Schoch’s leadership the BRI’s loon program has involved hundreds of volunteers, school children, and government agencies in protecting the iconic symbol of the Adirondack wilderness.

The loon census, banding, research on health issues, and public awareness programs of the ACLC have contributed greatly to the dramatic increase in the loon population in the past three decades. Continue reading →

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Erin Go Bronze! Olympian and family

The Old Forge St. Patrick’s Day Parade will proceed up Main Street at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 14 with a bagpiper leading the way. Closely behind will be Grand Marshals Eileen and Ron Hamlin who will be joined by daughter Erin, history-making Olympic bronze medal winner in the single luge.

Thendara resident Mirnie Kashiwa, who celebrated her 89th birthday on March 12, has been a perennial presence at the Old Forge St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Clark Lubbs

Thendara resident Mirnie Kashiwa, who celebrated her 89th birthday on March 12, has been a perennial presence at the Old Forge St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Photo by Clark Lubbs

The Hamlins will reportedly march with the Polar Bear Ski Team, in recognition of McCauley Mountain where Erin first learned to ski.

Parade line-up begins at 4:45 p.m. at Keyes Pancake House. Following the parade, all are invited to sample Irish stew and other Irish fare at the Old Forge Fire Hall.

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Town of Webb Court awarded $13K for improvement project

The Town of Webb got some good news from the New York State Unified Court System, said Town Supervisor Ted Riehle.

Town Justice Jack Graham received notification that the Justice Court Assistance Program (JCAP) has awarded $13,000 to the Town, which will go toward the court’s renovation project.  Continue reading →

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Town of Webb Board discusses Route 28 repair, Navigation Dock replacement, TOBIE Bridge modification among month’s business

The Town of Webb Board held a monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 11 at the Municipal Building in Old Forge, where Supervisor Ted Riehle offered an update on the effort to repair and improve Route 28.

He said Assemblyman Marc Butler and State Senator Hugh Farley are attempting to focus state attention on the shabby stretch between Old Forge and Eagle Bay.

Riehle also shared written input from a St. Peter’s Hill property owner, who said he and his wife frequently travel that route and are well acquainted with the problem.  Continue reading →

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Code Officer recommends a change to Webb commercial use ordinance

Supervisor Ted Riehle reported to the Town Board that Code Enforcement Officer Andy Getty has recommended a change to the local zoning ordinance.

Getty said an examination of the Town of Webb’s CB-2 Zoning District has revealed what appears to be an irregularity involving “Permitted Uses” and “Conditional Uses.”

“Automobile, vehicle service (major)” is a Conditional Use in CB-2, Getty said.

Continue reading →

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Library contest winners to be named, March 25

Winners of the Old Forge Library’s Poetry and Illustration Contest, “Times Gone By,” will be announced during an Opening Exhibit Reception, hosted by the Friends of the Library, on Tuesday, March 25 at 7 p.m.

Over 100 illustration and over 150 poetry entries were received from throughout Herkimer, Oneida and Madison counties and the Town of Inlet for this year’s contest.  Continue reading →

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