In quick succession, the State of New York has reached agreements over casino rights with two Native American tribes: the Oneidas in Central New York and the Mohawks in the North Country. That leaves the Seneca Nation in Western New York as the last remaining tribe whose dispute with the state is still unresolved.
"We're continuing to talk. We have two out of three," Governor Andrew Cuomo said.
Smaller farms in upstate New York are being squeezed by the valuation mechanisms that peg taxation to land values.
One of those challenges is property taxes. Agriculture is a land-intensive industry, so rising property taxes can mean much higher costs for farmers. And taxes have been rising, thanks mostly to increases in the production value of farmland.
Behind John Peck, about 30 barn cats maneuver around – and sometimes under – 60 milk cows in his small barn. The Peck Homestead Farm, in the town of Champion in Jefferson County, has been run by the Peck family for about 200 years.
There's the possibility that iconic clothing brand Hickey Freeman could change hands again. Former CEO of the company, Doug Williams, currently runs operations in upstate New York and licenses the Hickey Freeman brand from Authentic Brands, who bought the clothing company late last year.
Williams has confirmed that he is in talks with a Canadian company, Samuelsohn, which is interested in taking over his role in operations of the Rochester clothing factory.
The Innovation Trail’s Ashley Hassett reports on a plan Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that aims to draw new businesses onto SUNY campuses.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo unveiled a plan today that would entice new businesses to locate near SUNY campuses. The initiative is called “Tax Free NY” and it would allow businesses to operate without paying income, sales, property or business taxes for a period of ten years.
The plan aims to attract businesses such as software companies, high-tech companies, and advanced manufacturers. Cuomo says it will enable businesses to 'lean on' SUNY institutions for support, increasing the chances that businesses will succeed.
Interstate 81 is elevated for 1.4 miles through downtown Syracuse.
Transportation planners have narrowed the future of Interstate 81’s path through downtown Syracuse down to two likely options: rebuild, or re-route.
They hosted another in a series of public forums Tuesday, known as The I-81 Challenge, to display the ideas. But a final decision is still years away.
The 1.4 mile elevated portion of 81 through the heart of the city, known as the viaduct, is nearing the end its lifespan. It's in need of near constant repair.
