May 19, 2016 – Urban CNY

News

NYS Economy Adds 13,300 Private Sector Jobs in April 2016, Reaches New Record High

by Urban CNY News
May 19, 2016

Unemployment Rate Remains Below National Rate In April 2016, New York State’s private sector job count increased by 13,300, or 0.2%, to 7,905,500, a new record high, according to preliminary figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor. Since the beginning of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s administration, New York State’s economy has added 811,200 private sector jobs and experienced employment growth in 56 of the past 64 months. The statewide unemployment rate increased from 4.8% to 4.9% in April 2016. New York’s unemployment rate remains below the comparable national unemployment rate and well below the state’s April 2015 rate of 5.5%. The State’s private sector job count is based on a payroll survey of 18,000 New York employers conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. Monthly payroll employment estimates are preliminary and subject to revision as more data becomes available the following month. The federal government calculates New York State’s unemployment rate based partly upon the results of the Current Population Survey, which contacts approximately 3,100 households in New York State each month. “New York State’s labor market continued to strengthen in April 2016, reaching a new record high in private sector jobs as the state’s growth outpaced national job growth for the month,” said Bohdan M. Wynnyk, Deputy Director of the Division of Research and Statistics. Note: Seasonally adjusted data are used to provide the most valid month-to-month comparison. Non-seasonally adjusted data are valuable in year-to-year comparisons of the same month – for example, April 2015 versus April 2016. U.S. and New York State: March – April 2016 1) Jobs data (seasonally adjusted): The table below compares the over-the-month change in total nonfarm and private sector jobs in the United States and New York State in March-April 2016. Change in Total Nonfarm and Private Sector Jobs March – April 2016 Change in Total Nonfarm Jobs: (private sector + government) Change in Private Sector Jobs: Net % Net % United States +160,000 +0.1% +171,000 +0.1% New York State +10,400 +0.1% +13,300 +0.2% 2) Unemployment rates (seasonally adjusted): The State’s unemployment rate is calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, using a statistical regression model that primarily uses the results of the Current Population Survey, which contacts approximately 3,100 households in New York State each month. In March-April 2016, the statewide unemployment rate increased from 4.8% to 4.9%. The number of unemployed New Yorkers increased from 475,300 in March to 476,800 in April 2016. Unemployment Rates (%)* *Data are preliminary and subject to change, based on standard procedures outlined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. April 2016* March 2016 April 2015 United States 5.0 5.0 5.4 New York State 4.9 4.8 5.5 New York City 5.4 5.5 5.9 NYS, outside NYC 4.4 4.4 5.2 U.S., New York State and Metro Areas: April 2015 – April 2016 1) Jobs data (not seasonally adjusted): The table that follows compares the over-the-year change in total nonfarm and private sector jobs that occurred in the United States, New York State and metro areas within the State between April 2015 and April 2016. Change in Total Nonfarm and Private Sector Jobs April 2015 – April 2016 Change in Total Nonfarm Jobs: (private sector + government) Change in Private Sector Jobs: Net % Net % United States +2,658,000 +1.9% +2,566,000 +2.2% New York State +121,300 +1.3% +114,400 +1.5% Albany-Schenectady-Troy -1,100 -0.2% -800 -0.2% Binghamton -600 -0.6% -300 -0.4% Buffalo-Niagara Falls +3,100 +0.6% +2,200 +0.5% Dutchess-Putnam +2,200 +1.5% +1,900 +1.6% Elmira -400 -1.0% -400 -1.2% Glens Falls +1,100 +2.1% +800 +1.9% Ithaca -600 -0.8% -500 -0.8% Kingston +800 +1.3% +1,100 +2.4% Nassau-Suffolk +14,700 +1.1% +11,500 +1.0% New York City +99,800 +2.4% +96,500 +2.6% Orange-Rockland-Westchester +16,100 +2.3% +14,600 +2.5% Rochester -2,000 -0.4% -1,600 -0.4% Syracuse +1,800 +0.6% +1,100 +0.4% Utica-Rome +900 +0.7% +700 +0.7% Watertown-Fort Drum +900 +2.2% +900 +3.1% Non-metro Counties +1,300 +0.3% +600 +0.2% Job highlights since April 2015: Over the past year, private sector jobs grew most rapidly in these metro areas in New York State: o Watertown-Fort Drum (+3.1%) o New York City (+2.6%) o Orange-Rockland-Westchester (+2.5%) o Kingston (+2.4%) o Glens Falls (+1.9%) Between April 2015 and April 2016, five metropolitan areas in the state – Elmira (-1.2%), Ithaca (-0.8%), Binghamton (-0.4%), Rochester (-0.4%) and Albany-Schenectady-Troy (-0.2%) – lost private sector jobs. Change in jobs by major industry sector: April 2015 – April 2016 1) Jobs data (not seasonally adjusted): The table below compares the over-the-year change in jobs by major industry sector in New York State occurring between April 2015 and April 2016. Change in Jobs by Major Industry Sector April 2015 – April 2016 *Educational and health services is in the private sector. Government includes public education and public health services. Sectors With Job Gains: Educational & Health Services* +42,500 Leisure & Hospitality +16,000 Professional & Business Services +13,900 Construction +11,400 Other Services +10,500 Trade, Transportation & Utilities +8,300 Financial Activities +7,400 Government* +6,900 Information +6,200 Sectors With Job Losses: Manufacturing -1,600 Natural Resources & Mining -200 Highlights among NYS sectors with job gains since April 2015: Private educational and health services added the most jobs (+42,500) of any major industry sector over the past year. Sector job gains were mostly in health care and social assistance (+43,800), especially ambulatory health care services (+21,500). Leisure and hospitality had the second largest increase in jobs (+16,000) between April 2015 and April 2016. Over the past year, sector job gains were mostly in accommodation and food services (+13,900), especially food services and drinking places (+15,600). The third largest employment increase over the past year occurred in professional and business services (+13,900), with sector gains centered in professional, scientific and technical services (+14,500), especially advertising and related services (+5,400). Highlights among NYS sectors with job losses since April 2015: Over the past 12 months, manufacturing lost the most jobs (-1,600) of any major industry sector in New York. Job losses were focused in durable goods (-2,600), especially fabricated metal products (-4,100).

Business News News

New Legislation Introduced to Change New York’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Law

by Urban CNY News
May 19, 2016

New Legislation Would Overhaul State’s Blue Laws, Consolidate Licensing and Ease Regulatory Requirements for Wineries, Breweries, Distilleries and Cideries in NYS Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that he is advancing legislation to modernize New York’s 80-year-old Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. The legislation is a direct result of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law Working Group, a blue ribbon panel created by Governor Cuomo in November 2015 tasked with developing recommendations to modernize the laws governing the manufacturing, wholesale and retail of alcoholic beverages in New York State. The Governor announced the changes at a ribbon cutting ceremony at Three Heads Brewing in Rochester – the region’s newest craft beer destination. “New York’s investments in the craft beverage industry have driven growth, created hundreds of jobs and unleashed a new optimism and energy amongst wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries across the state,” Governor Cuomo said. “This new legislation will build on that progress by modernizing the state’s Blue Laws, cutting through the red tape and removing artificial barriers to growth. The grand opening of Three Head’s Brewery in Rochester is a testament to our continued success, and I look forward to working together to keep the momentum moving forward in the years ahead.” The new legislation builds on the progress made by the Governor over the past five years, including enacting the Craft New York Act, to cut burdensome requirements on producers and ease restrictions regarding the marketing of craft products. Since 2011, the state has implemented a number of significant reforms and expanded programs to grow the craft beverage industry, including creating new farm-based manufacturing licenses, launching a $60 million statewide promotional campaign and hosting wine, beer and spirits summits across the state. The success of New York’s investments in the craft beverage industry can be seen from the Finger Lakes to the Capital Region, with the number of microbreweries in New York increasing 248 percent since 2010. The grand-opening of Three Heads Brewing in Rochester, NY, is further proof of that growth – with the brewery expected to begin full operations next week and hire an additional 15 new employees. The $4 million project includes a 15,000 square foot space for brewing, a 30-barrel fermenter to allow Three Heads Brewing to offer different seasonal and one-off beers every three weeks in the 2,100 square foot tasting room. The Governor’s new legislation will ensure the craft beverage industry in New York continues to thrive by modernizing the state’s Blue Laws, consolidating licensing and reducing burdensome fees for wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries statewide. The legislation would amend ABC Law to include the following: Expand Sunday Sales: The Alcoholic Beverage Control Law includes provisions strictly prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages at on-premises establishments (restaurants, bars, taverns) before noon on Sunday. The Governor’s legislation would create a permit to allow these licenses to serve between the hours of 8am and noon on Sunday. Modernize the Licensing Process: The ABC Law contains provisions, known as the “Two Hundred Foot Law,” prohibiting full liquor licenses to locations within two hundred feet of a building that is exclusively used as a school or place of worship. There have been numerous examples where the local municipality, school or place or worship has not opposed, and in many cases supported, the approval of an application only to see the business denied because of the Two Hundred Foot Law. The law was first enacted in 1892 and included in statute when it was adopted in 1934, and strictly prohibits the SLA from issuing a license to a facility in that vicinity. The Governor’s legislation would provide the SLA with discretion to consider license applications for restaurants that fall within the Two Hundred Foot Law, provided the local municipality, in addition to the school or place of worship, are provided prior notice and an opportunity to be heard on the application. Reduce Paperwork for Craft Manufacturers: At the 2012 Wine, Beer and Spirits Summit, Governor Cuomo ended the State Liquor Authority’s policy prohibiting multiple manufacturing licenses at the same location, recognizing the additional burdens this placed, for example, on a small winery that wanted to also make whiskey – including building a separate facility. However, businesses holding multiple licenses must still file paperwork and renewals for each separate license. The Governor’s legislation would combine craft manufacturing licenses into one application to reduce burdensome paperwork for these small businesses. Authorize the Sale of Wine in Growlers: Current law requires that wine sold at retail for off-premises consumption be kept in their original sealed containers, and consequently, New York wineries are prohibited from filling growlers. This prohibition unduly burdens wineries that can open a container to sell wine for on-premises consumption, or can sell wine for off-premises consumption, but cannot fill a growler to be taken away from the winery. The Governor’s legislation would enact a common sense change to the law to allow wineries to fill their customer’s growlers. In addition, the Governor’s legislation would authorize wineries and farm wineries to allow customers to take home partially finished bottles of wine. Reduce Fees for Craft Beverage Salespeople: The ABC Law currently requires that any salesperson or solicitor employed by a manufacturer or wholesaler must obtain a solicitor’s permit in addition to a bond. Recognizing the financial hardship imposed by these unnecessary additional fees, the Governor’s legislation would reduce the fee for a solicitor’s permit and eliminate the bond requirement. Reduced Fees for Small Wholesalers: The primary business of most alcohol beverage wholesalers is selling their products to licensed retailers, such as bars, restaurants and liquor stores. However, there are currently a number of small wholesalers in New York that sell limited number of brands they import directly to large wholesalers for distribution to retailers. Under the current law, these small wholesalers must pay the same amount for their license as their larger counterparts, with costs ranging from $1,460 for a one year beer license to $27,280 for a three year liquor wholesale license. This financial burden often requires these

News

$20 Million Federal Grant to Fight Unemployment

by Urban CNY News
May 19, 2016

Federal funding will help connect more than 100,000 job seekers with intensive career training and counseling Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced $20 million in federal funding to support the State’s efforts to get unemployed New Yorkers back to work. The grant is the largest awarded to any state and exceeds last year’s total of $18 million. Since 2012, New York State has received more than $77 million from this initiative, helping more than 298,745 unemployed New Yorkers start over, with plans to help an additional 101,000 people in 2016. “New York continues to see tremendous job growth across the State and we are committed to ensuring that every New Yorker who wants a job can find one,” Governor Cuomo said. “This funding allows us to continue providing intensive career counseling that has been key helping hard-working Empire State residents find new careers and re-enter the work force.” The funding, awarded through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment initiative, will support 210 New York State Department of Labor Career Counselors who will work with Unemployment Insurance recipients through an aggressive service model. The model includes three mandatory one-on-one appointments, a work search plan, training assessment and referral to employment opportunities. The individuals who receive these services under this grant frequently have barriers to employment that put them at risk of exhausting their Unemployment Insurance benefits. Acting New York State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Our number one priority is ensuring that out-of-work New Yorkers have the tools they need to land the jobs that are available in the community where they live. This funding will allow us to continue our work to help anyone currently collecting an unemployment check to get back to earning a paycheck instead.” A regional breakdown of the funding allocations is as follows: Region Amount Capital Region $1,396,292.00 Central $1,107,404.00 Finger Lakes $1,588,884.00 Long Island $2,792,584.00 Mid-Hudson $2,551,844.00 Mohawk Valley $674,072.00 NYC $7,125,904.00 North Country $433,332.00 Southern Tier $818,516.00 Western $1,781,476.00 *Amount of funding subject to change based on regional needs Senator Charles E. Schumer said, “This is a smart investment that will help thousands of unemployed New Yorkers secure a job and simultaneously boost our local economy. Governor Cuomo deserves much credit for prioritizing and continuing this successful initiative, and I pledge to continue fighting hard in Congress for resources that will help protect and create jobs in our great state.” One of New York’s longest serving Congressman Charles B. Rangel said, “Many thanks to Governor Cuomo and the U.S. Department of Labor for helping put New Yorkers back to work. My priority has always been jobs, jobs, jobs for our constituents. Whether they are looking to improve their job qualifications, explore a different profession or find a new career, I hope this grant will provide job seekers adequate resources and practical skills to gain employment and advance their career.”

Entertainment

Pop Superstar Kesha to End Opening Day with A Non-Stop Party at Chevy Court at The Great New York State Fair

by Urban CNY News
May 19, 2016

The non-stop party anthems of pop superstar Kesha will bring the first day of the 2016 Great New York State Fair to an energetic close with her free performance at 8 p.m. Aug. 25 at Chevy Court, Acting Director Troy Waffner announced. Kesha’s first album rocketed to the top of the charts and filled radio and club playlists with hot dance singles such as “Tik Tok.” The albums that followed brought more chart-topping singles, including “We R Who We R” and “Die Young.” She has also hit number one as the featured artist on singles by Flo Rida and Pitbull. Kesha’s first single since 2013, the Zedd and Kesha collaboration “True Colors,” debuted at #1 on the Billboard chart that tracks social media mentions and is now rocketing up the Billboard singles chart. She calls “True Colors” “…more than a song. It’s a declaration of my truth.” “As Kesha says, the party starts when she walks in. I hope everyone’s ready to party on opening night. Kesha will get the 2016 Fair started the right way and I know no one’s going to want to miss this show,” said Waffner. Performances previously announced for Chevy Court include: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Aug. 25 at 2 p.m. Toto, Aug. 26 at 8 p.m. Magic!, Aug. 27 at 2 p.m. Air Supply, Aug. 28 at 2 p.m. Bruce Hornsby and The Noisemakers, Aug. 28 at 8 p.m. Herman’s Hermits, Aug. 29 at 2 p.m. Survivor, Aug. 30 at 2 p.m. The Commodores, Aug. 30 at 8 p.m. Macy Gray, Aug. 31 at 2 p.m. Three Days Grace, Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. Flo Rida, Sept. 1 at 8 p.m. Culture Club, Sept. 2 at 8 p.m. Chicago, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m. Chevy Court’s 23 free shows are part of the Fair’s commitment to providing the best and most diverse lineup of music available. Each year, the Fair and its vendors provide approximately 500 free musical performances. Concerts at Chevy Court are sponsored by Chevrolet. The New York State Fair, operated by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, runs from August 25 to September 5, 2016. The Fair’s mission, reflected in its theme, “Summer’s Best in Show,” is to showcase the best of New York agriculture while providing top-quality entertainment.

Cover Stories News

Syracuse University Announces Extreme-Makeover for Carrier Dome and Archbold Gymnasium

by Urban CNY News
May 19, 2016

Look to new Viking’s Stadium for example of what new facility may resemble. Substantial renovations to Archbold Gymnasium to create the “Arch,” a new state-of-the-art student-focused health and wellness complex The Syracuse University Board of Trustees has advanced, as part of the Campus Framework, the West Campus Project—a transformative initiative that will support academic excellence, enrich all aspects of student life and create a vibrant campus community. This news comes on the heels of more than 18 months of campus outreach, in which more than 5,000 students, faculty and staff participated in surveys and more than a dozen information sessions. The new West Campus Project will include substantial renovations to Archbold Gymnasium to create the “Arch,” a new state-of-the-art student-focused health and wellness complex; replacement of the aging Carrier Dome roof with a new fixed roof; comprehensive Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-related accessibility and mobility upgrades at both facilities; and other improvements to the Dome. The Board’s action reaffirms the University’s commitment to offering a distinct student experience that includes a major on-campus athletics stadium, an exceptional health and wellness resource, and an unrivaled level of campus accessibility and safety. The Campus Framework’s key themes, vision and overarching goals have been shared with the campus and local community during the last year and a half. The University will launch the second phase of its outreach and engagement effort in the coming weeks, which will continue in earnest well into the fall 2016 semester. The University’s outreach efforts will include a new interactive website and a series of campus dialogue and feedback sessions, to further inform the campus community and create new opportunities for additional conversation and community engagement. The draft Campus Framework document, which will include conceptual renderings, site maps and other specific details, will be shared in early June with the campus community. “The Campus Framework will allow the University to better meet the needs and expectations of today’s college students and provide an unrivaled collegiate experience,” says Steven W. Barnes ’82, chairman of the Syracuse University Board of Trustees. “The Board is eager to gain additional feedback from students, faculty and staff to help us refine and finalize these projects. We look forward to continuing this important conversation.” “I appreciate the hard work of the Board of Trustees, the members of the Campus Framework Advisory Group and all the members of the campus community who have provided their input,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “The Campus Framework, combined with the University’s Academic Strategic Plan, will continue enhancing our standing as a great, thriving, international research university that attracts the best and brightest students, faculty and staff. I look forward to receiving additional feedback and input from the campus community to help refine and finalize these projects.” The Board also authorized the Chancellor and University leadership to begin the process of pursuing external non-University funding, including private donations, governmental support and other resources that would support a substantial financial portion of the total West Campus Project. As many details regarding the project need to be finalized, there is no detailed project timeline or exact final cost at this time. However, the project is expected to include approximately $50 million for the Arch project; approximately $105 million for a new Dome roof; and approximately $100 million for improvements that include Americans with Disability Act-related upgrades critical to ensuring an inclusive experience as well as other improvements to the Dome. “This is an exciting time to arrive at Syracuse University,” says Vice Chancellor and Provost Michele Wheatly. “That an Academic Strategic Plan and a Campus Framework document have been developed concurrently signals that the University is serious about aligning its academic vision and mission with its physical presence and infrastructure. Prospective students are looking for the total package—a world class education, top-notch amenities and a student experience that balances their academics with their extracurricular and recreational pursuits.” “These developments are incredibly exciting,” says Rick Burton, David Falk Professor of Sport Management and the University’s faculty athletics representative to the ACC and NCAA. “Syracuse students, faculty, staff and fans will all benefit in one way or another from these upgrades and improvements.” Burton, who chaired the Chancellor’s initial roof assessment in 2014, called the decision timely and supportive of feedback from numerous constituents in 2014-15. “This will be transformative for our athletes, but also for our entire community.” Aaron Hodukavich, director and ADA coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services, says the Campus Framework represents a significant step in making Syracuse University a truly accessible and inclusive campus: “The projects contained within the Framework will improve the quality of life for many of our students, faculty and staff and provide a safer, more welcoming environment for all.” Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz, senior vice president and dean of student affairs, says she is pleased the University will move forward with the West Campus project: “I am particularly happy to see our students will soon have access to a state-of-the-art health and wellness facility, a resource our students say is especially important to them. Additionally, the improvements to the Dome are much needed and appreciated. The Dome is the one place where all our students begin and end their academic careers at Syracuse University. They are welcomed to campus as first-year students during our opening Convocation in the Dome and as you saw yesterday, they celebrate Commencement—a major rite of passage—on the Dome turf. It’s only fitting that the Dome maintain its position as the physical heartbeat of our campus.” “The Dome is a central part of any Syracuse student’s experience on campus,” says Aysha Seedat ’16, outgoing Student Association president. “From attending ‘Own the Dome’ during the college application process to cheering on our sports teams to camping outside in the freezing cold to score SU/Duke tickets, no four years would be complete at Syracuse University without these experiences. I know I speak for many of my friends and peers in saying we applaud the Board and the Chancellor for

Neighborhoods News

More Than 3,000 Potholes Filled Since Mid April, Highlighting New, Data-Driven Approaches to Road Repair, According to City Officials

by Urban CNY News
May 19, 2016

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Mayor Stephanie A. Miner announced today since mounting GPS enabled equipment on Department of Public Works (DPW) DuraPatcher trucks in April, the City of Syracuse has filled over 3,260 potholes. This is part of advancements in data technology currently being implemented by the Miner administration, seeking to link infrastructure-related decisions to data and statistics. “I am proud of the work Syracuse DPW crews do every day to make sure we have safe and quality streets. I am equally proud to have the opportunity to implement new technologies so we can make smarter decisions based on data, stretching our dollars further and providing better service to our residents,” said Syracuse Mayor Stephanie A. Miner. “Filling over 3,000 potholes in this short span of time is an important service to our community, but it is equally important that we can better document this work. That gives us a better overall understanding of the quality of our streets and helps us determine what our maintenance priorities need to be.” The City’s improved approach to road work takes three steps and each is reliant on data: reporting, researching, and repair. Citizens are now able to report service requests to the City more easily. The CityLine service request hotline continues to be available at 448-CITY during normal business hours for those with questions, concerns, or issues. CityLine has recently expanded, enabling residents to submit service requests on Twitter using the handle @SYRCityLine. Additionally, service requests can be entered directly into the City’s IPS service request system, where users will be given tracking numbers to follow the status of their requests. That can be accessed at cityline.syrgov.net. City crews will now be better armed with data about where street issues are occurring. Mayor Miner recently announced the City would partner with New York City-based startup ARGO Labs to use Street Quality Identification Devices, known as SQUID, which can be mounted onto the back of a DPW truck. Fitted with a small camera and accelerometer, these devices can record the texture of the roads while simultaneously taking photographs to determine where potholes may exist. Once the DPW has been notified of potholes, they dispatch a DuraPatcher truck to an area to repair potholes. With new GPS-enabled devices mounted on these vehicles, crews are able to track exactly how many potholes they fill rather than just reporting they completed a service request or addressed a general area. Mayor Miner added, “With these advancements, we can better plan our infrastructure improvements and address these key quality of life issues for all Syracusans. I would encourage residents to call, log-on, or tweet us whenever they see a pothole so we can keep our roads in good condition.” SQUID and GPS-enabled devices are initiatives researched by the staff of the Mayor’s Office of Innovation, in support of the Department of Public Works. The i-Team’s work, since it was launched in 2015, has focused on finding new and creative ways to address the infrastructure challenges faced by the City of Syracuse. The Mayor has made addressing infrastructure issues a major priority of her administration. Last year, the Mayor announced $10 million in funding from New York State to address water and road infrastructure. Included in the state funding was $800,000 to be used for infrastructure technology, which is helping to support the deployment of these sensors. Today’s announcement marks the third day of Infrastructure Week, a national effort to raise the profile of infrastructure issues facing cities. On Monday, Mayor Miner attended a kick-off event in Washington, DC. And on Tuesday she led a tour of the Water Department’s Skaneateles Gatehouse.

Arrest of David Arnold for Multiple Charges of Sexual Misconduct with a Child

CNY Community Foundation to Premiere Lead Poisoning Documentary

15-Year-Old, Alexcia Lynch – Syracuse Police Release Homicide Investigation Timeline

Congressman Jim Clyburn (SC-06) Endorses John Mannion for Congress in NY-22

Van B. Robinson Common Council Chambers Weekly Schedule September 2 -6, 2024