Latest news with #YorkState
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Potsdam about to begin construction on DRI streetscape project
Apr. 15—POTSDAM — The village is moving closer to beginning construction on its streetscape renovation and riverwalk trail initiatives, following approval of a $4.68 million bond to finance the initial costs of the work. During its April 7 meeting, the village board of trustees also accepted a contractor's bid for the construction of a new Brooks Street, which will connect Depot and Raymond streets, and hired a marketing firm to assist with the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The meeting included the passage of a resolution by the trustees and mayor that set the maximum total cost for the Downtown Streetscape and Riverwalk Trail improvements at $4,680,415. The resolution additionally authorizes the village to secure a 10-year bond in that amount from a bank to cover upfront expenses. These improvements will include street, sidewalk, and curb reconstruction, upgraded street lighting, stormwater infrastructure, various furnishings, landscaping, and other related work. While the bond will initially cover costs, reimbursement is expected through various state agencies and grant funding associated with the village's 2018 New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Per the bond resolution, the village will budget an annual appropriation to cover principal and interest payments on the bond. "This is going to provide the bonds that we need to get our DRI projects off the ground," said Mayor Alexandra Jacobs Wilke. "As you know, we're only compensated on a quarterly basis and there could be a lag. So this provides us the funding to get those paid." The new Brooks Street will include sidewalks, LED streetlights, and street trees, creating a more walkable, inviting, and connected area for residents, visitors, and local businesses. The new road is expected to support several current and future projects in the Raymond — Depot Street district, such as the expansion of the North Country Children's Museum, the St. Lawrence County Arts Council's enhancement of the Creative Spirit Community Arts Center, the redevelopment of the Market Square Mall, and the Six Depot Street Redevelopment Project. Officials anticipate that construction will begin immediately and be completed sometime this summer. The board also voted to authorize Jacobs Wilke to enter into an agreement with Destination by Design Planning LLC, a North Carolina-based firm, for branding and marketing services related to the Riverwalk Trail and Streetscape Enhancement projects. The marketing contract will be funded by a state Department of State grant. "We're about to appoint a firm award, a contract for a branding. Our marketing and branding, which is through our Downtown Revitalization initiative money," the mayor said. "We hope that process will build off the work that we did in that Visioning Workshop earlier this past year, led by David Thurlow, our economic developer. And so we're really excited to keep things moving in the village of Potsdam." During the same meeting, the board approved a bid from T.J. Fiacco Construction LLC for the Brooks Street Construction Project, based on a recommendation from the project's landscape architect. "Fiacco's base bid with contingency and alternates 1 and 2 total $272,400 and is within the Village of Potsdam's project budget," according to the resolution accepting the bid. The Northern Border Regional Commission will provide a grant of up to $279,968 to help fund the project, according to the resolution, which noted that the total development and construction costs are projected to be $377,050.
Associated Press
02-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Younkins & Schecter LLP Welcomes Robert F. Russell to Partnership Team
Prominent WBE CRE Law Firm Promotes Senior Associate to Partner 'Bob brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our Firm, and we welcome him as our new partner,' — Kathy Younkins, Managing Partner, Younkins & Schecter LLP. NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, April 2, 2025 / / -- Younkins & Schecter LLP, a leading Manhattan-based, women-owned law firm with a dedicated commercial real estate practice, is pleased to announce the promotion of Robert F. Russell to Partner. Russell joined the WBENC-New York State and New York City (WBE)-certified firm in 2011 and currently serves as a senior associate. 'Bob brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our Firm, and we welcome him as our new partner,' says Kathy Younkins, Managing Partner. 'He has a proven track record of successfully negotiating complex lease agreements and providing strategic counsel to clients on all aspects of commercial leasing transactions.' Russell represents landlords and tenants in such asset sectors as office, retail, industrial, and mixed-use. In addition to leasing transactions, he advises clients on construction agreements, service agreements and other ancillary agreements related to the ownership and operation of commercial real estate. Adds Co-Founding Partner Mardi Schecter, 'Bob continues to deliver on behalf of our clients with a winning combination of skill, intellect, and common sense. He has been a great member of our Firm for a long time, and we are delighted to call him 'partner!'' Russell graduated magna cum laude from the University of San Francisco School of Law, where he was a member of the Law Review. He received his B.A. from Boston College. Prior to attending law school, Russell worked in the leasing department at Urban Retail Properties, LLC. The experience exposed him to the business side of the real estate industry, which he continues to draw upon when developing practical, effective solutions that enable clients to achieve their immediate goals while safeguarding their long-term interests. Russell is licensed to practice in New York and California. # # # About Younkins & Schecter LLP Younkins & Schecter LLP is a New York City-based boutique law firm founded in 1996 by Kathy A. Younkins and Mardi J. Schecter. The WBENC-certified practice specializes in commercial real estate, offering legal counsel for Commercial Leasing, Property Management, Construction, Real Estate Acquisitions, Development and Financing, Restructurings, Corporate Organization, and serving as General Counsel for numerous owners, operators, and users of real property. Linda Alexander Alexander Marketing Corp. Legal Disclaimer:
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
O'Mara seeks nominations for New York State Senate's Women of Distinction
SOUTHERN TIER, N.Y. (WETM) — If you know a woman in the Southern Tier who has made a positive impact on her community, consider nominating her for an award from the New York State Senate. State Senator Tom O'Mara is looking for nominations for the 27th annual Women of Distinction program. This program recognizes one woman from each New York State Senate district who has made exceptional contributions to local communities. Community members nominate exceptional women, and each state senator selects an honoree to represent their legislative district. The selected Woman of Distinction will be honored during a ceremony in Albany. Chemung County now accepting applications for Casella Waste Systems scholarship 'The 'Woman of Distinction' tribute is a meaningful recognition. I look forward to this annual opportunity to recognize an outstanding area citizen,' said O'Mara. 'We all know someone who makes an enormous difference to the community at large. Whether she is a service provider, a law enforcement officer going above and beyond the call of duty, a teacher, a nurse, a business leader, or simply a community resident known for her good deeds, I'd like to see her recognized.' O'Mara is accepting submissions of women who live within his district, which includes all of Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, and Yates counties and parts of Allegany County, until Friday, March 14. People can nominate someone by filling out this form from O'Mara's page on the New York State Senate website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Yahoo
NYS Consumer Protection warns of romance scams for Valentine's Day
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) – The New York State's Division of Consumer Protection is warning New Yorkers about romance scams with Valentine's Day coming later this week. These scams occur when a criminal uses a fake identity and romantic interest to prey on emotions and trust, manipulate or steal from a victim. In 2024, New Yorkers reported over $25 million lost in connection with romance scams. These are the 10 most dangerous states for online dating: study Last year, New Yorkers reported over $25 million lost in connection with romance scams. The scams can affect anyone, but some groups are more commonly targeted, such as older adults— and especially widows, widowers and recent divorcees. Romance scams are especially common online since criminals can create fake accounts on many platforms to find potential victims. Online dating has become extremely popular in today's society, making it easier than ever to match with potential partners. Valentine's Day right around the corner, many New Yorkers may be turning to these platforms to find a special someone to share the holiday with. But finding love online can sometimes lead to falling victim to a scam instead. Before you begin your online search for your soulmate, make sure to read our tips from the Division of Consumer Protection so you can spot the common signs of a romance scam and learn how to avoid them. New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley Effective Wednesday, February 19, a new state law goes into effect to help fight fraud on online dating platforms. This new law is designed to strengthen protections for state consumers who have received and responded to messages from members who have been banned from an online dating platform due to fraud or violation of terms of use. The online dating site must share certain information regarding the ban and scam prevention tips with the affected consumers. This law also requires online dating platforms to delete a user's data when their membership ends. The state Division of Consumer Protection is providing the following tips to help residents recognize and steer clear of romance scams. Common Signs of a Romance Scam: Fake Online Profiles: Scammers create the illusion of someone you would be attracted to and trust. They create profiles on many online platforms including social media, dating sites, messaging apps and porn sites. They may find images online to use in their profile to lure unsuspecting victims. They may also create deepfakes – convincing fake images or videos made with AI or photo or video editing software. Unexpected Contact: Scammers may reach out online and use a variety of methods to learn about their victims. They will do online research or use the information on your social media profile to tap into your interests and emotions, spark a conversation and build a relationship. Build Trust: Scammers are patient and may communicate for weeks or months until they've earned your trust. Unavailable to meet in person: Scammers may propose an in-person meeting, even offering to travel to see you, but then claim a last-minute emergency preventing it from happening. Scammers will often say they are working outside of the country creating a convenient reason not to meet in person. Be suspicious of anyone who says they want to meet but then always makes excuses for why they can't. Request Money: Scammers often start by requesting small amounts of money and paying it back quickly to build trust. Eventually, the scammers may request a large sum of money, usually as a loan, to be wired to them for things ranging from business investments, property, debts, illness and more. They may even ask for money for airfare so they can visit you. Once they receive the money, the scammer will often ask for more or create a new reason they need to borrow money. This will continue until the victim becomes suspicious, at which point the scammer will usually stop all contact and disappear. Fake Cryptocurrency Investment: The FBI has identified a trend in which criminals are increasingly pressuring victims to invest in cryptocurrency. The scam starts as an online relationship, but instead of asking for cash, the scammer convinces the victim to investment in cryptocurrency. To demonstrate the returns on investment, victims are directed to fake websites that trick victims into believing these investment opportunities are legitimate. Once the victim makes a purchase, they are denied the ability to cash out their investments and the scammer vanishes. Liability: Scammers may convert their victims into unwitting criminals by convincing them to launder and move fraudulent funds, which the victim may then be liable for both financially and potentially criminally. Tips to Avoid Romance Scams: If someone you haven't met in person asks you for money, assume it is a scam, even if they say they need it for an emergency or traumatic life event. Never give or loan money to someone that you have not met in person. Remember that prepaid cards, gift cards and cryptocurrency are all equal to sending cash that you cannot get back. If someone asks for these types of payments, assume it is a scam. Do not give out personal information to someone online, including payment and banking information, especially if you have not met them before. Use trusted online dating sites, but still exercise caution. Beware of online interactions that quickly ask you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly. Be cautious of people you meet online who say they are an American abroad. Schedule a live video-chat early in the relationship to ensure they are the person they are presenting in their profile. Live video is more difficult to fake than pre-recorded videos or phone calls. Research anyone in whom you have an interest. Ask questions. Look them up online. Verify details where you can. Do a reverse image search of the person's profile picture. If it is linked to another name or details that don't line up, it's likely a scam. Familiarize yourself with privacy settings for all your online platforms and consider limiting who has access to your personal information, contact lists and location. Turn off or cover your web cameras when you're not using them. Don't keep it a secret. Talk to a friend or relative about online interactions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
