Month: April 2021

The Steuben County Public Health Department received notification of the death of an individual who had previously tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Steuben County to 172. The individual was a 73 year old male resident of the City of Corning who died at the hospital.

“It’s still a shock to learn of any COVID death,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “Our heartfelt condolences are with the family and friends of the gentleman that has passed. Let’s all do everything we can to slow the spread of COVID in the community and protect our most vulnerable, including wearing masks, social distancing, getting vaccinated, and staying home when ill.”

Also, the Steuben County Public Health Department received notification that 24 Steuben County residents tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total to 6,363 confirmed cases, 181 of which are currently active.

The individuals are residents of the:

· City of Corning (2)

· City of Hornell

· Town of Avoca

· Town of Bath (7)

· Town of Campbell

· Town of Erwin (2)

· Town of Hornby

· Town of Rathbone

· Town of Troupsburg

· Town of Tuscarora (2)

· Town of Urbana

· Village of Addison

· Village of Bath (3)

The individuals are isolated and being monitored by the County Health Department. Public Health staff investigated and identified close contacts of the confirmed cases and exposure risks. All those known to have direct contact with the individuals have been notified.

Per CDC and New York State Department of Health guidance, information is collected beginning 48 hours prior to symptom onset or date of test if asymptomatic through the day of the positive test result to identify any potential exposure risks.

The investigations indicate:

· 10 individuals had contact with a previously reported Steuben positive

· One individual returned from travel outside New York

· Five individuals are associated with Snell Farm Children’s Center

· Four individuals are associated with Corning-Painted Post High School and Hammondsport Central School

In addition, the individuals reported visiting the following locations that could pose an exposure risk within their investigation timeframes:

· 4/15 – Empire Livestock in Bath

· 4/16 – Woodhouse Stadium Grill in Corning

· 4/16 – ProAction of Steuben & Yates in Bath

· 4/16, 4/18 – Dormann Library in Bath

Today’s age groups for the positives are as follows:

· 10 – 19 years: 11

· 20 – 29 years: 2

· 30 – 39 years: 2

· 50 – 59 years: 6

· 70 – 79 years: 3

“Steuben County is currently experiencing COVID clusters in youth, and we have had three deaths since the weekend in adults,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “COVID-19 still remains a threat and is spreading throughout the county. Please do all you can to slow the spread and protect our most vulnerable loved ones.”

All residents should continue to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills or repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell and contact their healthcare provider for instructions if feeling ill.

For the latest Steuben County updates, visit Steuben County’s website at www.steubencony.org or social media pages: www.facebook.com/SCNYPublicHealth and www.instagram.com/SteubenPublicHealth.

April 20, 2021

Council to Add to Fund Balance in May or June

WLEA STAFF REPORTS

HORNELL — The City of Hornell boasted a sound fiscal year as it marches into 2021-2022.

During a meeting of the Hornell Common Council on Monday, Mayor John Buckley told members that he anticipated expenses coming in under budget and that money will be added back to the city’s fund balance in either May or June.

According to its own audit, expenses are currently approximately 83 percent of what has been budgeted. A total dollar figure was not assigned to the prospective surplus of funds.

“We had to make some very tough decisions and had only a short timeframe to do so, but we’ve come through it, we definitely tightened the belt and I thank the department heads for that,” the Mayor said. “We all ran a tight ship and we will come in well under budget this year.”

While administrative costs were cut, city official were proud to report that no personnel were laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic downturn.

“We didn’t lay off or furlough one person. We were able to provide all the services people rely on. If someone needed a police officer they were there, if a pipe broke, our guys were on it,” Buckley said.

With forecasts from sales tax set higher this year, the mayor forecast another good fiscal year in 2021-2022, citing increased retail activity, restaurant service and rebounding gas prices as further causes for optimism.

April 20, 2021

$700,000 Investment to Result in Mixed-Use Space

WLEA STAFF REPORTS

HORNELL — A plaza that serves the retail needs of many of the City of Hornell’s Southside residents will see new investment in the coming year, after the City’s Planning and Development Committee heard plans for a mixed-use building on Monday.

Developers Hornell RRC have proposed a new 1,800 square foot building to be located at 18 Park Drive, just beyond the plaza and on the back side of the Tractor Supply location.

The building will be mixed use, a two-story building featuring two commercial spaces on the first floor and three, one-bedroom apartments on the second floor.

Chair of the Committee John Carbone said that the plan represents approximately $700,000 in private investment.

The developers have not requested any financial assistance from the city for the project.

“They have a long history of doing these kinds of projects, especially in Honeoye Falls,” said Mayor John Buckley. “This is a commentary on where we are as a city … Hornell is growing.”

The committee unanimously approved the recommendation and artist renderings were shared with the full council.

April 20, 2021

WLEA STAFF REPORTS

HORNELL — The City of Hornell’s Common Council appropriated funds to replace the Canisteo Street bridge during its meeting on Monday evening.
The bridge has been closed to traffic for the better part of a year and has been on the city’s radar for major work for nearly six years, according to Mayor John Buckley.

The bridge is tentatively slated to see work between the months of June and October, and is “To be completed this construction season,” the mayor told the council.

State and federal aid of more than $2.7 million has been designated for the pending project. The city’s share of the project will be 20 percent of total costs.

The Canisteo Street bridge is the second of three bridges over Crosby Creek and located in the city’s 9th ward to be replaced, with the South Division Street bridge up next on the list.

A bridge over Canacadea Creek on Church Street is likely in the on-deck position as funds allow, however, city officials are hopeful that their luck in securing state and federal funding for bridge projects will continue and that it will have a reprieve from bridge replacement as its inventory of bridges in needs dwindles.

In other news:
Parking has been restricted on the South Side of Upper Bennett Street, from Dennis Avenue to Lincoln Street. No parking will be allowed.

The Common Council approved the city’s co-application for a U.S. Economic Development Administration grant with the City of Hornell Industrial Development Agency (CHIDA). Administrative costs will be covered by CHIDA.

April 19, 2021

The Governor’s Budget Statement:

GOVERNOR CUOMO SIGNS FY2022 BUDGET AND ANNOUNCES CONTINUATION OF MIDDLE-CLASS TAX CUTS TO HELP NEW YORKERS RECOVER FROM ECONOMIC HARDSHIP DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC…Cuts Expected to Save 4.8 Million New Yorkers More Than $2.2 Billion This Year

When Cuts Are Fully Phased in, Middle Class Taxpayers Will Have Received Income Tax Rate Cut Up to 20 Percent; Projected $4.2 Billion in Annual Savings for Six Million Filers by 2025

Legislation Enacts Middle Class Property Tax Credit for New York Resident Homeowners with Incomes up to $250,000; Targets New York Families with Highest Property Tax to Income Burden

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the FY2022 budget continues support for middle class income tax cuts to help New Yorkers recover from economic hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. The cuts, which were enacted in 2016 and are now in their fourth year, are expected to save 4.8 million New Yorkers more than $2.2 billion in 2021. When the cuts are fully phased in, middle class taxpayers will have received an income tax rate cut of up to 20 percent, saving six million filers a projected $4.2 billion per year by 2025. As the new rates phase in, they will be the State’s lowest middle-class tax rates in more than 70 years.

The budget also provides a personal income tax credit for New York resident homeowners with incomes up to $250,000 if their total property tax exceeds a fixed percentage of their income. This framework targets New York families with the highest property tax to income burden. The calculation of this credit is capped at $350 per STAR-eligible household, while also utilizing a $250 credit minimum to further target homeowners impacted the most by high property taxes. It is expected that claims will average about $340 for 1.1 million New Yorkers, providing over $382 million in total savings. Qualified homeowners will be able to claim this new Property Tax Relief credit for taxable years 2021, 2022, and 2023.

“Throughout the entire COVID-19 pandemic, it has become more and more difficult for many hardworking New Yorkers to pay their bills and support their families,” Governor Cuomo said. “As we continue to jumpstart our economic recovery, reopen our society safely and build a brighter future for our children, these tax cuts will provide much-needed relief by putting money back into the pockets of middle-class New Yorkers. There’s no doubt that our state will bounce back stronger and better than before, and in the interim, it’s critical we support the New Yorkers who helped get us through this crisis and take steps to rebuild an economy that works for all.”

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “We are taking a historic new step towards providing meaningful property tax relief to middle-class New Yorkers. Additionally, I am proud that this budget also delivers the promised middle-class income tax cuts. The Senate Majority fought long and hard to bring this relief to homeowners, especially those paying the highest amount of their income into their property taxes. Now, over a million hard-working New Yorkers will receive this relief. It has been a challenging year for so many people in our state, and I’m pleased that through working together, we are delivering results that will help ease financial pressures for those who need it most.”

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said, “This year’s budget was critical to helping families across the state rise from the current health and economic crises and their devastating impacts. These tax breaks are a necessary relief for so many homeowners and middle class New Yorkers, many of whom are struggling from the far reaching effects of the pandemic. The Assembly Majority will continue working to rebuild our economy and put New York families first.”

The FY 2022 Enacted Budget continues to lower Personal Income Tax rates for middle-class New Yorkers. In 2021, the fourth year of the multi-year tax cuts enacted in 2016, income tax rates have been lowered from 6.09% to 5.97% for taxpayers filing jointly in the $43,000-$161,550 income bracket, and from 6.41% to 6.33% in the $161,550-$323,200 income bracket. Over the first four years of the cuts, 4.8 million New Yorkers saved $6.6 billion.

The Steuben County Public Health Department received notification of the death of two individuals who had previously tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Steuben County to 171. One individual was a 64 year old female resident of the City of Hornell and the other was an 88 year old female resident of the Town of Bath. Both individuals died while hospitalized.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all those who have passed,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “In Steuben, our first known COVID death occurred on April 2, 2020. Now more than a year later, we have lost another 170 individuals. Some may say that number is not very large in the scope of the population, but to others, those deaths had a profound and everlasting impact. We all must continue to do our parts to protect those we love by following every prevention strategy available to us.”

The Steuben County Public Health Department also reports that 54 Steuben County residents tested positive for COVID-19 since Friday’s update. This brings the total to 6,339 confirmed cases, 174 of which are currently active.

The individuals are residents of the:

· City of Corning (7)

· City of Hornell (2)

· Town of Avoca

· Town of Bath (5)

· Town of Cameron (2)

· Town of Campbell

· Town of Caton (3)

· Town of Corning (6)

· Town of Erwin (5)

· Town of Lindley (2)

· Town of Thurston

· Town of Troupsburg

· Town of Tuscarora

· Town of Wayland (2)

· Town of Wheeler (2)

· Town of Woodhull (2)

· Village of Addison

· Village of Avoca (2)

· Village of Bath (3)

· Village of Painted Post

· Village of Riverside

· Village of Savona

· Village of South Corning

· Village of Wayland

The individuals are isolated and being monitored by the County Health Department. Public Health staff investigated and identified close contacts of the confirmed cases and exposure risks. All those known to have direct contact with the individuals have been notified.

Per CDC and New York State Department of Health guidance, information is collected beginning 48 hours prior to symptom onset or date of test if asymptomatic through the day of the positive test result to identify any potential exposure risks.

The investigations indicate:

· 12 individuals had contact with a previously reported Steuben positive

· One individual is associated with Corelle Brands

· Four individuals are associated with Corning, Inc. at the Erwin Plant, Headquarters, and IDM

· Five individuals are associated with Snell Farm Children’s Center

· Two individuals are employees of Steuben Center

· Three individuals are associated with Rite Aid in Bath

· One individual is associated with the Bath VA

· Eight individuals are associated with following schools: Addison High School, Alfred State University and Corning-Painted Post High School

In addition, the individuals reported visiting the following locations that could pose an exposure risk within their investigation timeframes:

· 4/9, 4/12 – 4/14, 4/16 – 4/18 – Walmart in Horseheads

· 4/11 – Buffalo Wild Wings in Horseheads

· 4/12 – 4/14 – Cracker Barrel in Horseheads

· 4/13, 4/15 – CemeCon, Inc. in Big Flats

· 4/14 – Pladis in Big Flats

· 4/14 – St. Mary’s Church in Corning

· 4/14, 4/15 – Upstate Farms Cheese in Campbell

· 4/15 – Finger Lakes Boating Museum

· 4/15 – Mom’s Savona Diner

· 4/16 – Moe’s Southwest Grill in Big Flats

Today’s age groups for the positives are as follows:

· 0 – 9 years: 3

· 10 – 19 years: 15

· 20 – 29 years: 9

· 30 – 39 years: 5

· 40 – 49 years: 12

· 50 – 59 years: 7

· 60 – 69 years: 2

· 70 – 79 years: 1

“The largest number of cases this weekend can be found in the 10 – 19 years age group,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “COVID-19 was introduced as a novel, or new, coronavirus over a year ago with a lot of unknowns. There had been speculation at one time that children could not get COVID or that they may not be able to spread it or that they do not get sick from it. All of those concepts have been proven false over the last year, and we now know that children can get, spread, and be seriously ill from COVID. There is no ‘safe’ age group, which is why it remains so important that we all continue to follow all prevention strategies.”

All residents should continue to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills or repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell and contact their healthcare provider for instructions if feeling ill.

For the latest Steuben County updates, visit Steuben County’s website at www.steubencony.org or social media pages: www.facebook.com/SCNYPublicHealth and www.instagram.com/SteubenPublicHealth.

April 19, 2021

From Sheriff Jim Allard:

DWAI Drugs and Alcohol, AUO 1st, Evidence Tampering and Reckless Endangerment Arrest

Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard reports that on April 16, 2021, deputies arrested Virgil J. Louk, age 51, of Tannery Creek Road, Corning, New York, as a result of an investigation into a suspicious person in a vehicle on Victory Highway in Erwin, New York. It is alleged Mr. Louk operated a motor vehicle while in an impaired condition due to drugs. It is further alleged that Mr. Louk secreted an amount of suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl on his person and exposed the arresting deputy to these suspected narcotics during transport, causing a physical reaction to the deputy. The deputy required medical treatment and was treated by Sheriff’s personnel and Bath Ambulance personnel for suspected opioid exposure. Mr. Louk was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, Driving While Ability is Impaired due to Drugs, Driving While Ability is Impaired due to Drugs and Alcohol, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Vehicle in the First Degree, a class E Felony, Tampering with Physical Evidence, a class E Felony, and Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, a class D Felony. Mr. Louk was arraigned in the Centralized Arraignment Court and released. The Deputy recovered fully due to the alert treatment of sheriff’s EMTs and the Bath Ambulance Service.

April 17, 2021

Joint Statement From Sen O’Mara, Assemblyman Palmesano:

O’MARA, PALMESANO: INCREASED FUNDING FOR LOCAL ROADS AND BRIDGES IN STATE BUDGET LONG OVERDUE

Highlight agreement to provide additional state transportation aid

State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) today said that the newly enacted 2021-2022 New York State budget provides significantly increased state support for local roads, bridges, and culverts.
In a joint statement, O’Mara and Palmesano said, “Local roads are essential. This year’s state budget includes critical steps and increased funding to move forward on this priority. State investment in our local transportation infrastructure is vital to the post-COVID future of local communities, economies, environments, governments, and taxpayers. We have long stood together with New York’s county and town highway superintendents, and local leaders, to do everything we can to raise awareness and call for legislative support. Unmet needs and challenges will remain in the future, and we look forward to continue working together to prioritize the state’s commitment to the effective maintenance and improvement of local roads, bridges, and culverts in every region of New York.”

O’Mara and Palmesano said the new budget increases base level funding for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) by $100 million to a total of $538 million, the first baseline increase since 2013. The budget increases funding for Extreme Winter Recovery to $100 million and for the PAVE-NY program to $150 million. It also creates a new, $100-million City Touring Roads program to provide an additional source of funding dedicated to cities, towns, and villages.

O’Mara and Palmesano said that area counties will receive the following 2021-2022 CHIPS, Extreme Winter Recovery (EWR), PAVE-NY funding (in each category of aid, funding amounts are followed by percentage increases from the 2020-2021 allocations):

County 2021-22 CHIPS 21-22 EWR 21-22 PAVE-NY

Chemung $1,993,316.27 (+21.33%) $348,997.41 (+53.85%) $562,998.22 (+50.13%)

Schuyler $1,039,027.93 (+20.67%) $177,998.85 (+53.85%) $294,807.68 (+50%)

Steuben $5,418,385.61 (+22.32%) $988,567,50 (+53.85%) $1,516.725.10 (+50%)

Tompkins $2,466,047.30 (+22.31%) $450,966.78 (+53.85%) $689,933.00 (+49.91%)

Yates $1,430,430.24 (+22.53%) $262,998.33 (+53.85%) $399,716.93 (+50%)

Palmesano, who also represents a part of Seneca County, said that the allocations for Seneca County are: CHIPS, $1,246,310.96 (+22.03%); EWR, $225,998.19 (+53.85%); and PAVE-NY, $349,344.82 (+49.85%).

[NOTE: See the following link for a full breakdown of CHIPS, Extreme Weather Recovery, and PAVE-NY allocations for cities, towns, and villages: https://www.dot.ny.gov/programs/chips/chips-budget]
At the beginning of March, like they have throughout the past decade, O’Mara and Palmesano rallied the support of more than 60 state Senators and members of the Assembly to get behind the call from county and town highway superintendents and other local leaders from throughout New York for increased state support for local roads, bridges and culverts.
The annual advocacy campaign, renamed this year as “Local Roads Are Essential,” is sponsored by the New York State Association of County Highway Superintendents (NYSCHSA) and the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways, Inc. ( NYSAOTSOH).

Since 2013, O’Mara and Palmesano have organized legislative colleagues to get behind the effort and raise awareness of the need.

Among other studies, an October 2017 report from State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli estimated that locally owned bridges alone need at least $27.4 billion in repairs. An earlier report from the comptroller called 32% of New York’s local bridges deficient and 40% of local roads fair or poor, and getting worse.

TRIP, a Washington, D.C.-based national transportation research nonprofit, has found that 10 percent of bridges across the state are in poor/structurally deficient condition – the 12th highest rate in America. According to TRIP, nearly 12 million vehicles cross a poor/structurally deficient bridge in New York State every day.

In a March 1, 2021 letter to Cuomo and legislative leaders, O’Mara, Palmesano and their Senate and Assembly colleagues wrote, “We once again stress that New York State’s direct investment in local roads and bridges through the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) remains fundamental to the mission highlighted above. It deserves priority consideration in the final allocation of state infrastructure investment the Executive proposes for the 2021-22 fiscal year. CHIPS is the key difference for local communities, economies, governments, motorists and taxpayers throughout the Empire State, including New York City and surrounding metro areas, and we should no longer ignore this fact. This legislative session we believe the opportunity exists to strengthen our investment to address the tremendous, still unmet needs and challenges facing the effective maintenance and improvement of local roads, bridges and culverts in every region of New York State.”
According to a recently updated analysis by the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways, the local highway system outside of New York City faces an annual funding gap of $1.7 billion.

April 17, 2021

GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR $26.6 MILLION EMPIRE PANDEMIC GRANT FUND FOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND ESSENTIAL WORKERS

Thousands of Essential Workers and First Responders with Urgent Economic Needs Amidst Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic Express Interest in Grants

Up to $1,000 Available per Household from Funding Made Possible Through Private Donations

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that applications are now being accepted for the $26.6 million available to support essential workers and first responders through the Empire Pandemic Response Reimbursement Fund program. The program, coordinated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, is designed to reimburse out-of-pocket child or dependent care, transportation, lodging and other qualifying expenses that eligible workers incurred while employed in New York State between March 1, 2020, through the date of application submission. Up to $1,000 is available per household. The funding comes from private donations from individuals, charitable trusts and businesses made during the COVID crisis.

“From day one of the COVID-19 pandemic, New York’s essential workers and first responders did their jobs so the rest of us could stay safe. Their brave and selfless service to New Yorkers will never be forgotten and we must ensure we support them in the midst of unique transportation, lodging and child care challenges,” Governor Cuomo said. “The Empire Pandemic Response Reimbursement Fund will reimburse essential workers for important living expenses they’ve incurred while keeping the rest of us safe, and I encourage all eligible New Yorkers to apply for funding now.”

Qualifying applicants include first responders, health care workers and many multi-industry essential workers. Eligible workers can apply on their own or be referred to the application by employers, unions or social service providers who employed them during the COVID emergency. Families who earn up to 500 percent of the federal poverty level – or $125,470 for a family of four – are eligible to apply for the funds to cover expenses.

OCFS Commissioner Sheila J. Poole said, “We at OCFS are proud and honored to assist our first responder and essential worker neighbors by getting relief to those who honorably and tirelessly responded to the COVID-19 crisis. Thousands of essential workers have expressed interest in the funding, and we are pleased to coordinate this grant program for these worthy employees. They have saved so many lives throughout the pandemic.”

About the Empire Pandemic Response Reimbursement Fund
The Empire Pandemic Response Reimbursement Fund is a non-competitive application. Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and who submit the required income documentation and had eligible expenses will be awarded up to $1,000 to reimburse out-of-pocket costs incurred while responding to COVID-19 that have not been reimbursed by another source. Awards will be made on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted. The maximum reimbursement amount is $1,000 per household. Applications and grant opportunity instructions are available here.
(by the way, you have to scroll down a little, at the top, it looks like it’s for children and family services only, but it’s not, scroll down)