Latest news with #ScottGray
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Three NNY towns receive state improvement funding
ALBANY, N.Y. (WWTI) – Three north country municipalities are getting state Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward funding. In an announcement from New York Governor Kathy Hochul's office, Lowville, Alexandria Bay and Canton are in line to get funding for various improvement projects. Have you seen the new statues in the Square? A total of 10 projects were announced for Lowville, the Round 7 winner of a $10 million DRI award; five projects were announced for Canton, a Round 2 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award; and seven projects were announced for Alexandria Bay, also a Round 2 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award. These targeted investments in the Village of Canton and Alexandria Bay are a vital step toward strengthening our downtowns, preserving our heritage, and enhancing economic opportunity throughout the 116th Assembly District. These NY Forward projects reflect the unique character of each community, Canton's vibrant academic and cultural setting and Alexandria Bay's iconic waterfront. This will help expand housing, support small businesses, and boost tourism. By investing in infrastructure, recreation, and commercial revitalization, the state is helping these communities build a sustainable future rooted in local pride and economic growth. Assemblyman Scott Gray Here's a breakdown of the projects As the 'urban heart' of Lewis County, the Village of Lowville seeks to preserve and enhance its small-town, rural charm, while diversifying and expanding its economic base in ways consistent with its unique character. The Village's DRI projects are focused on transforming its downtown into a more vibrant neighborhood through private and public sector project opportunities that will achieve its vision for the downtown. Lowville's investments will build on its past and ongoing efforts to make the downtown a regional center for business and culture, drawing on its position as the 'intersection corridor of the Thousand Islands, the Tug Hill Plateau and the Adirondack Mountains.' The 10 Lowville DRI projects, totaling $9.7 million, include: Improve Access and Parking at Veteran's Memorial Park Creating a Safe and Inviting Space ($2,848,000): Reconfigure the parking lot at Veteran's Memorial Park to create a welcoming gateway, improving access and increasing pedestrian safety. Key features include an improved entrance from State Street, curb bump-outs, upgraded sidewalks, green infrastructure for stormwater management, and new street trees. A formal monument sign will mark the park entrance, while parking improvements on Parkway Drive will optimize access and aesthetics. Revitalize State Street to Enhance Safety, Accessibility, and Aesthetics in Downtown Lowville ($1,711,000): Enhance safety, accessibility and aesthetics through the installation of high-visibility crosswalks, curb bump-outs, Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons, street tree plantings and green infrastructure to manage stormwater runoff and beautify the area. Renovate the Stevens Block to Create Market Rate Apartments at 7623 N State Street ($1,558,000): Renovate an abandoned space at 7623 N State Street, creating market-rate residential units on the upper floors, with comprehensive upgrades including a new vestibule, stairwell, energy-efficient systems and exterior improvements. Restore the Historic Keller Red Building to Create a Mixed-Use Commercial and Residential Space ($1,193,000): Preserve a historic downtown building by renovating its second and third stories into commercial and residential spaces, establishing a professional office space, enhancing meeting capabilities for Naturally Lewis, and upgrading the building's structural, mechanical, and safety systems. Rehabilitate the Historic Masonic Temple into an Efficient Community Hub ($776,000): Rehabilitate the historic National Register-listed Masonic Temple building in downtown Lowville, enhancing its role as a center for historical preservation, education, and cultural activities while modernizing its facilities for energy efficiency to serve the community and promote heritage tourism. Establish a Small Project Fund to Enhance Downtown Lowville ($400,000): The Small Project Fund will support smaller projects in downtown Lowville with improvements such as facade restoration and improvement, interior renovation, signage, public art, and business assistance. Develop a Downtown Branding and Wayfinding Strategy to Enhance Lowville's Identity ($358,000): Revitalize its downtown area through a comprehensive initiative that includes a branding and marketing strategy, a wayfinding signage system, and interpretive elements that highlight local history. Reimagine Veteran's Park to create Community Space with Modern Amenities and Enhanced Accessibility ($320,000): Upgrade Veteran's Park with improvements that aim to create a vibrant and accessible community space. Restore the Historic Town Hall Theater into a Community Asset ($294,000): Restore a historic building to its original state while modernizing its functionality, including facade restoration, window replacement, interior renovations, stage construction, and technological upgrades to create a versatile cultural center for the community. Reopen 5423 Shady Avenue to Create a Mixed-Use Building ($242,000): Renovate the second floor into a functional law office, restoring the building's integrity, while transforming the long-vacant third floor into safe, and affordable mid to long-term housing. The Village of Canton's historic downtown area is the crossroads connecting the St. Lawrence River Valley. The NY Forward projects will help generate a regional destination centered around diverse housing options; art and cultural attractions; variety of local businesses; and recreational offerings. The 5 Canton NY Forward Projects, totaling $4.5 Million, include: Revitalize the Former Midtown Plaza to Create a Mixed-Use Space ($2,000,000): Redevelop the former Midtown Plaza into a mixed-use space that provides housing, an entrepreneurship center, and community amenities. Upgrade Park Amenities in the Village Green to Enhance Community Space ($1,096,000): Upgrade Village Green with improved pathways, lighting, seating, and diverse plantings to create an inviting year-round space while maintaining the park's historic character. Transform 11 – 11 ½ Riverside Drive into a Commercial Fitness Hub ($807,000): Transform the partially vacant building at 11 and 11 ½ Riverside Drive into a commercial fitness center and studio space to provide health and wellness opportunities to the community and boost downtown business activity. Expand Nature's Storehouse into a Holistic Health Hub on Main Street ($497,000): Expand Nature's Storehouse at 19 and 21 Main Street into a community health hub with improved food offerings, health products, and seating areas for customers, while renovating upper-story residential units. Upgrade the TAUNY Center to Offer Improved Art and Cultural Experiences ($100,000): Upgrade the TAUNY Center with renovations to the building's façade and interior to improve accessibility and functionality. Alexandria Bay's downtown area, which encompasses the Village's vibrant and burgeoning waterfront and abundant natural and recreational assets, has witnessed a recent surge of private investment. NY Forward projects will build and expand upon this effort and will allow the community to accelerate its economic regrowth by attracting visitors, residents and investors to the downtown. The 7 Alexandria Bay NY Forward Projects, totaling $4.5 Million, include: Transform the James Street Streetscape into a Welcoming Corridor ($3,003,000): Transform James Street to improve pedestrian safety and foster a welcoming environment with the addition of a pedestrian plaza, new sidewalks, lighting and decorative plantings as well as upgraded restrooms by the public dock. Renovate 27 James Street into a Mixed-Use Building ($510,000): Renovate 27 James Street to include a café, bookstore, art studio and apartment units. Landscaping improvements will create outdoor space for tenants with access to Rotary Park and the Riverwalk. Create a Small Project Fund to Support Growth in Downtown Alexandria Bay ($285,000): Establish a matching grant fund in the NYF boundary to undertake a range of small downtown projects including façade enhancements, building renovations to commercial or mixed-use spaces, business assistance, and public art. Renovate 34 James Street into a Mixed-Use Building ($270,000): Transform the first floor of 34 James Street into a potential eatery and renovate the upstairs into new apartments. Create a Branding & Wayfinding Signage Initiative for Downtown Alexandria Bay to Strengthen Community Identity ($250,000): Create a coordinated branding and wayfinding signage initiative to strengthen the Village's identity as a desirable tourist destination and welcoming community. Rehabilitate the Exterior of the Cornwall Brothers Store and Museum, to Preserve the Historic Landmark ($92,000): Rehabilitate the museum and its retail space with a focus on stabilizing and preserving the historic exterior masonry. Restore 20 Walton Street for Commercial Use ($90,000): Restore 20 Walton Street by revitalizing its façade and enhancing energy efficiency, creating an inviting and functional space for commercial use on the first floor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Source: ICE-detained family returning to Sackets Harbor
SACKETS HARBOR, N.Y. (WWTI) – A family taken during an immigration sweep near Sackets Harbor is returning home. This is according to an announcement from State Assemblyman Scott Gray's office that was made on Monday, April 7. 'We want them back': Three students, seven people total in custody after ICE raid in Sackets Harbor, school district reacts 'I am pleased to share that the family at the center of this recent federal immigration matter is being returned home,' Gray said. 'Federal authorities have confirmed that the family will be returned safely—an outcome we are all profoundly grateful to occur.' A mother and her three children were detained after a sweep of the North Harbor Dairy Farm on Thursday, March 27. Federal authorities arrested a South African man on child pornography charges. The search warrant issued allowed officials to search the entire property. The family had been sent to an out-of-state detention center after being swept up in the unrelated investigation. The Sackets Harbor community came out in support of the family, which included a march of around 1,000 people demanding the release of the family. 'Throughout this process, I have remained in close communication with relevant federal agencies to ensure that due process was followed and that the children's best interests and the community's integrity were respected,' Gray added. 'The authorities have confirmed the release of the family following a health review, follow-up with ICE witness coordinator and investigative interview with the case agent in charge of the investigation. ICE has made an independent decision to release the family while the criminal investigation continues to be conducted.' This follows and confirms the process as detailed by Border Czar Tom Homan, Gray said. While we welcome the resolution, it is despite the spread of misinformation from many sources surrounding this case. Much of what occurred during the criminal investigation—particularly any considerations that potentially could have involved the children—is sensitive information and not a subject for public misconstrued banter. Their safety and well-being and the integrity of ongoing legal criminal investigations are paramount. State Assemblyman Scott Gray There was no timetable given on when the family would be returning to the area. 'This has been a difficult and emotional matter for many. Let us now come together and set aside the differences that separated us during this ordeal. We must support the family and recommit ourselves as a community to ensure that all actions taken—by institutions or individuals—are grounded in truth, compassion, and responsibility,' Gray concluded. A statement was released by Sackets Harbor Central School District Superintendent Jennifer Gaffney. 'My colleagues and I are relieved and grateful to share that, after eleven days of uncertainty, our students and their mother are returning home. We remain committed to providing the care, understanding, and sensitivity necessary for all students and staff as we begin the healing process from this traumatic experience. In the midst of this difficult time, the strength, compassion, and resilience of our community have shone through. We are very thankful to everyone who has reached out with kindness and offered support. At this time, we respectfully ask both the media and the community to honor the family's privacy.' New York Governor Kathy Hochul also weighed on the situation and thanked Assemblyman Gray for his help in the process. 'When a Sackets Harbor family was detained by ICE last month, I called on ICE to provide answers immediately and spoke with White House Border Czar Tom Homan to call for their release. Moments ago, I spoke once again with Mr. Homan who informed me that this family – a third grader, two teenagers and their mother – are currently on their way back to Jefferson County. I cannot imagine the trauma these kids and their mom are feeling, and I pray they will be able to heal when they return home.' 'I also spoke with Assemblyman Scott Gray, who has played a critical role in this process advocating for his constituents. I want to thank him and the entire Sackets Harbor community who rallied to support their neighbors. 'New York has been consistent: we are open to working with federal immigration enforcement to crack down on gang members or violent criminals. But I will never support cruel actions that rip kids out of school or tear families apart.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Assemblyman Gray weighs on state budget, immigration investigation & other topics
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) – North country Assemblyman Scott Gray weighed in on a number of topics as the New York State budget deadline has passed. In the recent edition of his 'The Gray Area' show, he provided updates on the progress of the state budget and a criminal investigation in his district. NYS Lawmakers pass another budget extender The assemblyman gave his thoughts on the state budget that is now late after missing the April 1 deadline. State lawmakers have passed a pair of extender bills to keep the government going. 'The same issues are still hanging up the budget, ' Gray said. 'We will hopefully have better news next week.' He also discussed recent news surrounding the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). 'This week, we dealt with the memo from DOCCS, which instructs facilities to generate a list of incarcerated individuals who are eligible for early release according to the commissioner's terms. This does not solve the systemic issues that have led to staffing reductions, and it will not help in recruiting future employees for our correctional facilities.' Gray also addressed a local issue that has draw a significant amount of attention. The assemblyman gave his thoughts on the operation that took place at North Harbor Dairy Farm on Thursday, March 27. We are continuing to monitor the situation, but let me emphasize that this is an ongoing criminal investigation. It was not a raid on the farm. A warrant was issued for a specific individual, and that warrant covered the entire area. Assemblyman Scott Gray Gray added that 'it remains a criminal investigation, and when we have more information, we'll share it with the public. It's important for those politicizing this issue to understand the facts because much of the information being conveyed is not accurate.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Assemblyman Gray hosts second annual senior-to-senior event
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) – North country Assemblyman Scott Gray shared the love with area seniors this Valentine's Day. Gray hosted his second annual Senior-to-Senior board game event at Samaritan Summit Village on Friday, February 14. The Real St. Valentine: Uncovering the mystique behind the Patron Saint of Love Bringing different generations together to connect and enjoy each other's company is what this event is all about. It was great to see the smiles and camaraderie as students and seniors shared stories, played board games and celebrated the holiday together. State assemblyman Scott Gray The event brought together Watertown High School National Honor Society students and senior residents for an afternoon of fun and friendly competition. Students brought carnations, baked goods and Valentine's Day cards to make the day even more special. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
