Thursday, July 17, 2008
2 Billions Dollar Construction Project
Syracuse Common Councilor Van Robinson is the man leading the effort to tear down interstate 81. Robinson said the entire construction process will cost around two billion dollars. He says that the federal government will pay for 80 percent of the project and the state will pay for 20. "No in fact the department of transportation says they can not give you a dollar figure until they know exactly what they're doing. They don't want to commit themselves," said Robinson when asked about an exact price.
Nineteen companies have given bids to run a study on the effects of removing I-81. The council will be accepting proposals until August fifth. Once a proposal is chosen the study could take around two years to finish. Robinson says he hopes to have I-81 gone by 2015. Robinson expects the removal of the highway would bring a big economic boost to the city of Syracuse.
Robinson Says "Progress" On Interstate Reconstruction
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Remove Or Rebuild I-81
I-81 Removal Project
At a news conference on Wednesday, Councilor-at-Large Van Robinson announced that he has made progress on his I-81 removal plan. Proposals to study the project have been sent out to 100 consulting companies, and 19 have already been returned.
Robinson, who has dubbed the interstate as Syracuse's "Berlin Wall", said the city has been separated between it's East and West sides.
"No where is it more apparent than when you are on the University campus looking down, seeing how the highway has totally divided the city from East to West," Robinson stated.
Robinson's proposed I-81 removal project will reroute the highway around the city. The removal will reunite the city and stimulate Syracuse's economy.
"By having it come down, you improve the property values around the I-81 corridor," he said.
The reconstruction plan will also encourage the use of mass transportation, relieve traffic congestion and help the Emerald City better control it's pollution. The use of public transportation has increased by 30 percent, and Robinson expects this number to multiply pending the approval of the project.
The company proposals are due by August 5th. One company will then be selected to study the proposed project. Robinson says I-81 does not meet safety standards and will need improvements soon. If the project is approved, the rerouting plan is expected to be completed by 2015.
For resident reactions and comments about the proposed removal, click here.
Proposals for I-81 Coming In
No More I-81
The Common Councilor Van Robinson held a news conference today at Syracuse University to announce that progress is being made towards removing Interstate 81. Robinson says the proposals have gone out to over one hundred companies who are willing to submit a bid to the Syracuse Metro Transit Council. The bid is for studying the possibilities of removing I-81. So far, nineteen companies have responded to his proposal. The bidding closes August 5th and the common council will pick a company within thirty to sixty days. In about 2 years they will sign a contract with the company. Robinson says that tearing down the highway is a good idea for the area. “It’s very apparent that if it comes down one this you will do is slow traffic 2 by having it come down it will improve the property values around the I-81 corridors.” If the project is approved in 2015 there could be no more I-81.
Interstate 81 and Public Transportation
Robinson said another benefit to doing away with this section of the interstate, is that it will add to the economy. He used San Francisco as an example of a city that removed a major freeway. "It had an economic return in the millions of dollars," Robinson said. The city has received 19 proposals back from companies who want to assist the city in evaluating the benefits of removing the interstate. The deadline is August 5th for proposals.
Here is an article on how locals feel about the current public transportation system. http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf?/base/news-4/121611210331890.xml&coll=1
Interstate-81 Causing Concerns with Citizens
“Progress” on 81 Tear Down Plan
Van Robinson says I-81 is Dangerous
"Requests for proposals have gone out to over 100 companies asking them to submit to the syracuse metropolitan council a bid for the commencement of a study group to study the effects of removing i-81 and its impact on the syracuse-metropolitan region," Robinson said. 19 companies have already responded to Robinson's proposal.
The good news about the proposed project is: local tax payers will not have to pay for the project. Robinson says the federal government will fund "80 percent of the costs for removal; the state will pick up the other percent."
Looking for a Plan for I-81 in Syracuse
A Mission to Tear Down I-81
I-81 Closer to Destruction
Robinson Endorses Plan to Destruct I-81
Steps Toward Removal of I-81 In Motion
Common Council Majority Leader, Van Robinson, described the major benefits a removal of I-81 would bring to Syracuse during a news conference. Van Robinson says removing I-81 from dividing Syracuse would mean major positive changes to the city's economy and that the change would mirror the benefits San Francisco saw after removing a freeway going through that city. "It had an economic return to the city of San Francisco in the millions of dollars through economic development, residential housing and also, believe it or not, it improved traffic flow." Robinson said.
The declining condition of I-81 means Robinson wants the project to progress quickly. Saying proposals were sent requesting bids for a study detailing the benefits that the removal of I-81 would have on the city. "We have already received about 19 proposals back from some of the major corporations in the state as well as in the country," Robinson said. He considers these 19 bids proof that progress has been made towards 81's removal within the next eight years.
For more information visit: http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20080515/a_highways15.art.htm
I-81 Project Accepting Proposals
"It's amazing-- I've heard from so many experts who've said they're amazed that we have not had many fatalities on that highway."
Syracuse is the only city along I-81 that has the highway run through its downtown.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Meals on Wheels
Some volunteers still participate regularly but, have come up with their own ways to save gas. “We are a little more careful on how we do our route, we try to not to go to far out of the way to get to one place to the next or we might not leave the car running while we go in and serve so we don’t waste gas that way,” says Nancy Knowlton a Meals on Wheels volunteer.
Meals on Wheels serve senior citizens Monday through Friday.
Housing Visions Help Low-Income Families
Allergies in Syracuse
For more information on allergies, check: National Allergy Bureau, Allergies Overview, and Control Your Symptoms
Legionnaire's Disease Outbreak
Richard Woltman, Service Manager at Water Treatment Services says that there is no guaranteeing that all bacteria can be eliminated from a cooling tower, regular bromine treatment minimizes the levels and effects of bacteria.
"You keep a low dose leves of of these bromine in the cooling towers and then weekly or bi-weekly or once a month add a secondary product to kill off resistant strains of bacteria," says Woltman.
"The Express" premiere promises to be unlike any other
The world premiere is on September 12 and is open to the public. The tickets are going for $1000 apiece and Springfield says it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. For more information, go to the official website of The Express.
Wegmans Keeps Shoppers Updated
The signs are located above tomato and pepper stands. Shoppers have noticed the new signs and appreciate the extra information.
"Its good to know all of the produce, all of the tomatoes, are coming from an approved, safe location," said shopper John Greco.
Greco also said that posting the signs was a good move on Wegmans' part because customers feel as though Wegmans is watching out for them. "Its a very good business practice, letting people know what's going on and how they're trying to help the situation."
The signs are posted in all Wegmans Produce Departments. The signs inform customers about high risk populations, ways to protect against the spread of Salmonella, and assures shoppers their produce is from FDA approved distribution areas.
To view the Wegmans' Salmonella signs press release, click here.
For more information about Wegmans, visit www.wegmans.com.
Syracuse Teachers Without A Contract
"It's not good for morale," Syracuse Teachers Association President Kate McKenna says. "When our working conditions are bad, it does rub off in the classroom no matter how professional you are. We've had kids ask teachers-- they've seen the newspaper and they've seen us on television-- 'how come you don't have a contract?' or 'what's a contract?.'"
New York state law makes public employees work without a contract, but that does not stop teachers from picketing school board meetings. That happened in 2003 when Syracuse teachers went 18 months before agreeing to a new contract.
"The longer the district can stall, the longer they can keep the money that should be going to us," says McKenna.
Mike Sorrell, the Director of Staff Relations for the school district, says that the teachers do not suffer without a contract. They still receive pay, and once a new agreement is reached it is made retroactive to the expiration of the old contract.
McKenna says the district is asking teachers to work longer days and longer school years, but not offering an increase pay to make up for the difference. Teacher and school district officials will meet on July 17th to continue negotiations.
Food Donations Down, Money Donations Up for Food Bank of CNY
The Food Bank of Central New York is losing food donations because of the current economic situation, but the organization is still able to handle the community’s demands thanks to generous financial donors. The Director of Development and Marketing for the organization, Katharine Loomis, says that about one third of the Food Bank's donations are food. She says manufacturers that once donated mislabeled and damaged food are now selling these goods at a discounted price to dollar stores and other discount places. She says these stores are now selling discounted food to people who are having trouble buying regularly priced items at traditional grocery stores. Because manufacturers are also having a tough time financially, it’s a good way for them to make some extra money. “Rather than donate it to a food bank then they would prefer to sell it,” Loomis says, “even if it’s at a reduced cost.” Loomis adds that the Food Bank is seeing a lot of new faces in its hunger relief centers. She says that while food donations are down, financial donations are up, which are helping to balance out the costs for the increase in people at the hunger relief locations. Loomis says that in times of crisis, people want to help out their neighbors. “One of the things that we are seeing is that we have very generous donors,” she says, “people know that there is a stronger need now for hunger relief in this community than there ever has been before…we’ve seen an increase in donations this year but its kept up with what our costs have increased to”.
Tips To Cut Heating Cost
Community Center Hopes Bad Building Becomes New Facility
Local Car Show Welcomes High Gas Prices
While record high gas prices have average motorists complaining, the high cost of fuel is good news for Doc Shine. Open hoods and open beers fill Washington Park in Liverpool Village where Shine puts on a classic car show every Thursday. 'Classic Cruise' has been around for the last seven years, but lately attendance has benefitted from the high cost of fuel. "The gas prices have actually helped local cruises because guys are staying local doing these little cruises in a 20 mile radius. ," Shine says, "They're not doing the big shows 3 or 4 thousand miles away and if they do, they chose to do one per season."
The classic cars were made when gas was cheaper forcing the current owners of these gas guzzlers to reconsider the shows they visit. Joey Donovan drives his father's 1955 Chevy which only gets 15 miles per gallon "I haven't taken it out as much" Donovan says. Syracuse is hosting the 9th annual Nationals classic car show this weekend, which will feature thousands of classic cars and is among the top five largest shows in the country.
Sale Price In Upstate New York
Hybrids Costing Independent Car Shops
Masello says even though he services no more than three hybrids a month out of 200 cars, learning how to service them is important.
"There are safety issues," Masello says. "You have to be real careful of how you service them. There's high voltage that can kill you."
Masello says he plans on making back all the money he's invested in hybrid training in five years. He says that's when warranties expire on most hybrids and drivers will start relying on independent auto shops instead of dealerships.
"If you don't start training early on these things, before you know it, you don't know what you're doing," Masello says.
Other mom and pop auto shops say they haven't spent any money to send their technicians to hybrid classes because they say it's not cost effective. But they say they would most likely start sending their employees for training in at least four years.
Warranties for each brand of hybrid car vary from car to car and typically expire after three years or 36-thousand miles.
Southside Community Wants Building Gone
Many people are frustrated because problems such as this always arise in the neighborhood and help seems to take forever, and they are tired of waiting.
CNY SPCA Over Capacity
The shelter is overcrowded because for every animal adopted, it takes in two more. More animals are being turned into the shelter this summer because people are seeing it as a way to back on their expenses. CNY SPCA’s Director of Public Education, Stephanie Woyciesjes, says the rise in gas and food prices have greatly affected the large amount of animals that are brought in to the shelter. “People are coming to us and they can’t afford to keep the cat. They can’t afford to feed the cat. They can’t afford things along that line," she says.
Even though a number of animals are being turned in, it is not affecting adoptions as they have been increasing since January.
Batman Raking in the Dough at Local Comic Stores
"Batman is huge because of the whole controversy surrounding the death of the Joker and Ledger and I've been selling a lot more stuff because of that," said Evy.
Evy said that most comic book movies bring in extra business, but the Dark Knight has more people coming in than any of the previous titles this summer such as Iron Man or The Incredible Hulk.
An Olympic Internship
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Thornden Pool
Panhandler Wants to Help You Save Money
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Jazz Fest In Jeopardy
The Syracuse Chiefs' Attendance Woes
Employment Agency
The Branch Manager at Adecco Employment, Laurie Bush, says "We have seen more and more people calling in looking for work that are on current layoffs and they've taken their unemployment to the extreme." Regular benefits for people in the state of New York last for 26 weeks.
Bush says Adecco receives fifty to one hundred calls a day but only interviews five or six a day. The company is receiving more calls but not more job openings.
Pool Safety During Summer
Photo By Jocelyn Ehnstrom
Each of Bang's three children has passed Thornden pool's swimming test and are allowed to swim without her there, but she still goes to put her mind at ease. As her three children eagerly wait to jump back in the pool, she makes them wait till she can also watch them.
For more information on pool safety visit:
http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/sumsafety/
http://www.dos.state.ny.us/code/pools.htm
Onondaga Lake perfect for escaping the heat
"We knew there would be a breeze today." said Kathy Dokoupil while she sat back and laughed. "We don't have air conditioning, so it gets hot."
One thing the Dokoupils did not have to contend with was space, as there was plenty of room for someone to find a quiet spot and relax. Temperatures are supposed to stay in the high 80's to low 90's all week which could keep the lake empty as people stay glued to their air conditioners.
Air Condition Companies: Profits on the Rise
Many are happy its summer in Syracuse, especially our local air conditioning companies. When temperatures reach into the nineties sales go up, and so do their profits at TAG Mechanical Air Conditioning Company located at 4019 New Court Ave.
“A lot of time we’re very much dependent for a lot our air conditioning sales to having a couple of good hot weeks, Director of Sales Ellis Guiles says, and if we don’t have that, then the only people who are really putting it in are people who planned on doing it anyway.”
For some local businesses a little warm weather equals a hefty profit. It seems as though the sun is not all that Guiles will be enjoying this summer.
Green Energy
“We need a government authority to start organizing all of the renewable energy use,” Ashley says. For example, there is an authority for services like water and garbage. Just as these materials are stored and transported, the same could happen with renewable materials like compost, yard debris and other recyclables. This way, there would be a resource for renewable energy that people could have access to when they needed.
Ashley also emphasizes that preserving historic buildings is another way the city can be more energy efficient. Tearing down and rebuilding a structure takes more resources from the environment, than making changes to an existing structure.
Greening USA gives ideas on how communities can be more energy efficient and environmentally aware. http://www.greeningusa.org/
Free Lunch
The Syracuse School District is helping some kids eat free during the summer. The school district is participating in a program called the Food Services Program 2008. The Food Services Program was developed to feed children 18 years old and younger who normally receive free or reduced lunch during the school year. "The parents love the program, they know their kids are being fed and they don't have to worry about them." says Jerry Scheirer the school lunch manager at Fowler High School. Kids can get their meals from different schools, churches, recreation centers, and parks. The program started on Monday and ends August 15th. To find out the locations where children can get their meals call (315) 435-4207 for more information. http://news10now.com/default.aspx?ArID=119736
Presidential Campaigns Utilize the Internet
The Obama campaign has created online blogs, event calendars and chat rooms to attract voters. Volunteers also schedule and organize monthly meetings with local supporters. Online campaigning has helped Daly and local Obama supporters rapidly spread their message throughout the community, and this campaign method has allowed volunteers to reach more supporters than expected.
Cholesterol-fighting Drugs for Kids
But East Syracuse Pediatrician Sean O'Malley says not so fast; he feels that the drugs are okay, but should not be the first thing families turn to.
"I think they should be considered kind of second line after regular diet and exercise programs have been attempted and failed", says O'Malley.
O'Malley also says the first step towards bringing down your child's cholesterol level is meeting with a nutritionist and getting help with meal planning.
For more information you can also visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website on http://http://www.aap.org/
Safety First for Lifeguards at Thornden Park
As the temperature rises, so does the attendance of people at Thornden Park Pool in Syracuse. Children running and jumping into the pool, parents and lifeguards yelling; it can become hectic. But the lifeguards are aware of the injuries that can happen at a crowded pool. Lifeguards make sure that no swimmers jump or dive into the pool with a lot of people around . Also, all swimmers must play safely and respect others around them so people don't get injured.
"Were definitely really busy, especially on hot days," lifeguard Margaret Mooney says. "Yesterday there were about 50 children at the pool and we have to stay at our posts and keep a close eye on all the swimmers."
She also says their most important duty as a lifeguard is to ensure the safety of all the swimmers. Thornden pool is open to the public daily from noon till 7:30 pm.
For more information on pool safety visit:
http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/tips/healthtips/safetywater.html
Digital Look at Crime
Deputy William Wafful says people in the county can now log-on to a web site that gives them a digital map of where crimes have happened.
"They can see the news or they can watch TV, but they don't get the total picture," Wafful says . "Here they are getting a more complete picture of what's going on in their area."
The digital map covers all 827-square miles of Onondaga County and marks the locations of crimes such as burglaries and robberies with computer graphics.
The crime tracking web site can be accessed through the Sheriff's Department web site.