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Over $1 Million in Main Street / Housing Grants to 129th Assembly District
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Gov. George E. Pataki today announced the awarding of nearly $8.7 million in grants through the state's Main Street program, which is designed to stimulate downtown revitalization in communities by providing funding for building renovations, streetscape enhancements and downtown business or cultural anchors. More than $1 million of the amount is earmarked for Finger Lakes and Central New York organizations.
"I am pleased that working together with area legislators, all five of the counties in the 129th Assembly District will be represented by being granted financial assistance to improve our neighborhoods and surrounding areas," said Assemblyman Brian Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua). "This is going to ensure our downtown areas continue to be beautiful places to not only live and work, but to enjoy in our leisure time, as well. The grants will provide much-needed resources and will stimulate economic, social and cultural development."
The New York Main Street program, administered by the Division of Housing and Community Renewal and the Housing Trust Fund Corporation and launched by the governor last year, provides matching grants for facade and interior building renovations, streetscape enhancements, landscaping and signage, and street furniture. It also allows communities to establish business or cultural anchors in their downtowns.
Former Auburn Mayor Guy Cosentino, who is the executive director of Options for Independence, an agency receiving $149,994 from the grant, said he is "very excited about these awards. I want to thank our assemblymen from throughout Central New York for their help and continued support. The program will ensure that people can keep their homes and jobs. I think it is a great way to kick off the new construction season, with the resources to maintain and add to our downtown Main Street areas."
Among those receiving grants are the Downtown Canandaigua Business Management Association ($200,000) as well as Home Headquarters, Inc in each Cayuga, Cortland, Seneca and Onondaga counties.
More information about the New York Main Street program is available by contacting the state Division of Housing and Community Renewal at (518) 474-9553, by visiting the Main Street Web site at www.nymainstreet.org, or by calling Assemblyman Kolb's office at (315) 781-2040.
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KOLB
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Assemblyman Brian Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua), left, took time this morning to volunteer at the gift wrapping booth sponsored by the Ontario ARC at Eastview Mall in Victor. The nonprofit organization, which assists individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, uses the holiday gift wrapping booth as a fundraiser. Last year's effort raised more than $10,000 that supported recreational opportunities for individuals who otherwise would not be able to participate. Kolb donated his wrapping talents with York University student Kat Dillon and Craig Hunsicker, a residence manager for Ontario ARC.
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Kolb Joins Call for Illegal Gun Penalties
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Assemblyman Brian Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua) today took part in a press conference in Rochester to discuss existing illegal weapons laws and related legislation proposed by Gov. George Pataki that are to be discussed during Wednesday's special session of the state Legislature.
Other officials participating in the press conference at the Watts Building included state Sen. Joe Robach (R-Greece), Assemblyman Bill Reilich (R,C,I-Greece), Monroe County District Attorney Mike Green and Rochester Police Chief Cedric Alexander.
The Illegal Firearms Bill would reclassify offenses now covered under statutes regarding criminal sale and possession of weapons and multiple firearms. A Crimes Against Law Enforcement Bill proposes to increase penalties for crimes committed against police and peace officers, and correctional services employees.
Both bills call for more punitive measures against individuals violating the proposed laws. Anyone found guilty of murdering a law enforcement officer would be eligible for the death penalty, or a minimum prison sentence of up to 25 years.
"The recent shooting deaths of two fine, young New York City police officers makes it very clear we need to make changes," said Kolb. "There are a number of loopholes in the current laws that have allowed felons to return to the streets way too fast. My colleagues and I have been working too hard to keep New York safe to let people get away with distributing guns to violent criminals."
The NYPD confiscates 3,500 illegal guns per year, and since 1995, almost 1900 officers have been assaulted by a handgun or firearm. Current law allows gun-traffickers to evade strict felony penalties for multiple illegal sales by intentionally restricting the number of firearms they sell in a single transaction. The governor's proposal would make the illegal sale of even one firearm a violent felony offense.
These proposals are to be voted on tomorrow, and it is the hope of many people, including Assembly Republicans, victim advocates and police officials, that both sides of the Assembly can agree on this issue and pass Pataki's measures, added Kolb.
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