Written by James Tricoli, Editor  of the Amhersttimes.com

Mr. Chiazza, your comment posted under the “No, No Iskalo” article, cautioning the citizens of Amherst about getting their information about the building of the Hyatt hotel project from the Amhersttimes.com website, is foolish.  You are a deeply involved member of the Hyatt group.  The citizens of Amherst don’t have many resources which tell the truth.  Your attack on the Amhersttimes.com was childish, weak but above all it was a sign of fear.

Anyone who is protecting the image of their powerful company will try to discredit the media.  The Amhersttimes.com is part of the media.  We know we are not perfect and are willing to correct any error we have made, but Dave you haven’t pointed out what I have written about your Hyatt project which was erroneous.  I put out facts concerning the Hyatt Hotel project which I checked out and believe to be true.

The Amhersttimes is part of the Fourth Estate whose main job is to tell the truth to protect the people.

Dave Chiazza, any additional remarks you post which are incorrect concerning information on this web site, will be met with the truth.

This should be a perfect week to get out and share a great night of music and fun on Main Street.  Here is this week’s line up:

Interest Rates Set to Double on July 1^st if Congress Doesn’t Act

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is urging leadership in the House of Representatives to act quickly to prevent college student loan rates from doubling.  The current interest rate under the Federal Direct Student Loan Program is 3.4 percent.  That number is expected to increase to 6.8 percent on July 1, 2013 unless preventative action is taken.

View video here:

http://youtu.be/cnjEVE1Vq90)

Higgins took his call for action to the House Floor, delivering the following remarks:

“Mr. Speaker, Unless Congress takes action, student loan rates will double on July 1st.

“This is unacceptable. Access to affordable education is one of the most important issues to young people today, yet many graduates find themselves tens of thousands of dollars in debt as they leave school and try to enter the workforce.

“In New York State, 60% of college students graduate with some debt, averaging $27,000.

“Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to sign the discharge petition by Representative Joe Courtney, H.R. 1595, the Student Loan Relief Act, along with over 180 of my colleagues. This legislation would freeze the interest rate at its current 3.4% for the next 2 years.

“It’s time for Republican Leadership to acknowledge the urgency of this legislation and bring it to the Floor. All Americans deserve a fair shot at a good and affordable education.”

Congressman Higgins is a cosponsor of H.R. 1595, the Student Loan Relief Act, which would extend the current interest rate of 3.4% on undergraduate students through July 1, 2015.  He is also among over 180 members of the House signing a discharge petition aimed at forcing a vote on the bill.  Once a discharge petition is signed by a majority of members, 218 in the House, the bill is discharged from committee and brought to the House Floor for a vote.

With college loans totaling $27,000 on average for New York State students, the higher rate of 6.8% would force graduates to pay an additional $5,400 in interest.

More information on Federal Student aid is available at: www.studentloans.gov.

Do you or a loved one have questions about the NYS Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program?

POSTED BY ANDY BOROWITZ

LOUGH ERNE, NORTHERN IRELAND (The Borowitz Report)—The G8 summit ended today on a constructive note, with President Obama and Russia’s Vladimir Putin reaching a broad agreement never to speak to each other again.“It’s better this way,” said Mr. Obama, frostily standing in the general vicinity of Mr. Putin for the last time ever. “We truly despise each other.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” said Mr. Putin, looking as though he had just smelled something bad. “My hatred of this man knows no bounds.”

According to the agreement, economic coöperation, cyber security, human rights, the war in Syria, and the New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s missing Super Bowl ring are among thirty-seven different topics that the two men will never again discuss.

Additionally, at all future summits, if either Mr. Obama or Mr. Putin enters a room the other man will be obligated to leave immediately.

The two men reached agreement on an unprecedented number of points, including never contacting each other via telephone or e-mail and keeping a minimum of five hundred feet away from each other’s residences.

After signing the agreement, the two men shook hands for the final time and scowled bitterly for photographers.

The battle between developers of the Iskalo Hyatt and Snyder residents has been raging on for over one year.  And yet another skirmish is scheduled to occur this Tuesday at a 7p meeting of the Amherst Zoning Board of Appeals.

It was a year ago, on May 15, 2012, when the ZBA voted, in a precedent-setting manner, to overturn a determination of the town’s Building Commissioner that no structure exceeding the 2-story height of the Lord Amherst would be allowed on the small, oddly shaped commercial parcel located behind the Lord Amherst itself.  This was the first time the ZBA overturned a determination by the building commissioner.

Ever.

The Amherst building department had previously told residents of Livingston Parkway, a densely populated street nestled behind the historic gates at Main and Smallwood, that this commercial parcel, when developed, was restricted to buildings not to exceed 2 stories. The Building Department told Iskalo the same exact thing shortly after Iskalo bought the property in August  2011.

No building over 2 stories.

Not allowed.

The ZBA has two distinct functions.  To rule on zoning variances and to hear appeals of certain administrative decisions made by Town officials.

Iskalo filed an appeal with the ZBA in March 2012 to overturn the commissioner’s height limit.  The parcel’s underlying zoning, without the restriction, would have permitted a 6-story building.    Town Building Department officials told the residents that there was “no way” the ZBA would approve such a thing.   “I’ve been here for 37 years.  The ZBA has never overruled the Commissioner.”

Ever

No homeowner had a problem with the 2 story limit when they moved here and no current owner has a problem with a 2 story commercial building today.  The Lord Amherst is not intrusive.  It fits. It is consistent with the surrounding residential use at its two story height.

But, fast forward, and shortly after the last residential parcel had been developed in the neighborhood,   the town of Amherst officials, acting thru their agent, the ZBA, changed the rules, and paved the way for the  6+ story Iskalo Hyatt to proceed.

That was one year ago.

The neighbors sued and the case is on the court docket.

On Tuesday, the Zoning Board will hear an appeal from Livingston Parkway residents, commonly called the Pond Neighbors, to reverse yet another commissioner determination.

Iskalo and the pond neighbors disagree on the size and shape of the Mikes Pond.  The pond is a 2-acre spring fed body of water, owned by the neighbors and is part of their backyards.  Iskalo maintains that the pond is smaller that it is in actuality.

The commissioner has sided with the developer and allowed for the use of Iskalo’s representation of the size and shape of Mikes Pond in the Hyatt site plan.  Because the Hyatt is actually too big for the available land, the use of the Iskalo pond dimensions will result in the Hyatt parking lot being built in the pond. (See attached overlay of the pond survey and the Hyatt site plan.)

The Pond Neighbors are requesting that the ZBA overturn the Commissioners decision to use the Iskalo survey of the pond and to, in its stead, use the owners survey which was approved by the Town Board when it approved the rezoning of Mikes Pond to residential use.

A large contingent from The FRIENDS OF MIKES POND, the red shirt wearing area residents who oppose a 6 story building are expected to be in attendance at the Zoning Board on Tuesday.

Michele Marconi said, “I have no idea what will occur.  But the Zoning board has spent more time debating the sensibility of raising chickens in Eggertsville than they have discussing the impact of the Iskalo Hyatt in Snyder. The ZBA ruling in 2012 on building height was an egregious overstep and is being litigated.  Their ruling on the Iskalo variance requests was arbitrary and capricious and is being litigated.   However, I remain hopeful that we will get a fair and open hearing and that the appropriate decision will be rendered.”

The Town of Amherst ZBA has overruled a commissioner ruling exactly once.

Ever.

And it was on this project and in favor of Iskalo.

Stay tuned.

Assemblyman Ray Walter and colleagues vote to restore OPWDD funding.

Assemblyman Ray Walter (R,C,I-Amherst) and his colleagues in the Assembly recently voted to restore the $90 million cut that had been levied upon the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). The legislators came to an agreement with Gov. Cuomo last week to fully restore the $90 million that was taken away from non-profit organizations that provide critical, cost-effective services to people with developmental disabilities.

“New York State can only be truly strong if we care for those who need our help the most, and these non-profits provide absolutely vital services in a cost-effective manner,” said Walter.  “I swore I would do everything in my power to have these funds restored and, in the end, we prevailed. These families and organizations desperately need this money, and I was proud to see my colleagues finally join me in voting to restore this funding.”

Back in March, Assemblyman Walter implored his colleagues across the aisle to vote with him on an amendment to the budget that would have restored this unfortunate $90 million cut. After hours of debate, only two members of the Majority joined Walter and the Assembly Republicans in voting yes to the reinstatement of funds.

Rock classics get a symphonic twist in the 2013-14 BPO Rocks series, which features performances by America and Lou Gramm of Foreigner, as well as the music of Queen, the Rolling Stones, ABBA and The Beatles.

It all starts Saturday, Sept. 21 with The Music of Queen. Conductor/arranger Brent Havens, known for bridging the gulf between rock n’ roll and classical music with his suite of successful symphonic rock shows, takes the podium. Las Vegas star Brody Dolyniuk steps into the formidable role of Freddie Mercury.

“When he came out to audition for the show we knew immediately that he had something special. He not only knew the music but he had clearly listened to every aspect of Freddie’s performances,” said Havens. “His inflections were spot-on and even the wailing rock sound had that Freddie resonance.”

The music of ABBA has enjoyed a tremendous revival in the past few years. Their songs have been covered by musicians as diverse as The Lemonheads and Sinead O’Connor. Their music formed the basis of the hit musical Mamma Mia, which was adapted into a movie of the same name. In 2010, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. ABBA: The Hits sold out the last time it came to the BPO, and returns on Saturday, Oct. 12.

Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and company may have bypassed Buffalo on their latest tour, but The Music of the Rolling Stones will come to the area on Friday, Nov. 8. The Rolling Stones’ signature blues-influenced rock blends effortlessly with the horns, winds, strings and percussion of the BPO. Brent Havens will once again take the podium for a high-energy show featuring the music of rock’s ultimate bad boys paired with the BPO’s extraordinary musicianship.

Fifty years ago, The Beatles redefined the meaning of superstardom, with record-breaking chart positions, two movies in the theaters, and a world tour that sparked Beatlemania everywhere they went. The BPO celebrates the golden anniversary of the breakout year of the band that defined a generation with Classical Mystery Tour on Saturday, March 1. Four talented artists join your BPO to present songs that span The Beatles’ career, from “Penny Lane” to “Eleanor Rigby.”

On Friday, March 28, Grammy-award winning band America will come to Kleinhans. With more than 40 years on the road, the band comes to Western New York for the first time in eight years. The rich sounds of the BPO lend a new texture to America’s signature rock and roll style.

America was founded when Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell and Dan Peek were teenagers. At the time, the three were living on an American Air Force base in London with their families. Peek left the band in 1977, and Beckley and Bunnell have continued to perform and record as a duo, evolving as songwriters and musicians while performing the crowd-pleasing classics “Horse With No Name,” “Sister Golden Hair” and “Ventura Highway” that defined the America sound.

Lou Gramm, the voice of Foreigner, will close the BPO Rocks series with a show on April 25. A Rochester native, Gramm led Foreigner to superstardom in the 1970s and 1980s with hits like “I Want to Know What Love Is,” “Hot Blooded,” and “Juke Box Hero.” Gramm found solo success in the late 1980s and 1990s with “Midnight Blue” and “Say You Will.”

2013 has been a landmark year for Gramm. He told the incredible story of his life in his autobiography, Juke Box Hero, released in May. After five decades as a musician, he is redefining his sound and launching his first symphonic tour. The BPO will be one of the first orchestras to perform this new symphonic show with Gramm.

Subscribers can purchase all six shows for as little as $28 per concert, or choose the four concert series including the Music of Queen, the Rolling Stones, America and Lou Gramm starting at $108. For further information, call (716) 885-5000 or visit www.bpo.org.

Centers for Disease Control Readiness Review Shows Notable Improvement, Highest Score Since ‘09 

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz called attention to a recently-released Strategic National Stockpile Local Technical Assistance Review (“SNS/LTAR”), which evaluates Erie County’s (“the County’s”) ability to respond to a crisis requiring use of the Strategic National Stockpile. The annual review, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, indicated that the County’s average score across twelve functional areas was 95%, up from 77% in 2012 and 65% in 2011.

“The rating we received in this LTAR is indicative of the importance my administration has placed on planning, training and readiness for our Public Health, Emergency Services, Sheriff, Public Works, and other personnel, as well as the constant  need to keep current with developments and recommendations on the federal level. These are ongoing investments in the public good which, as I mentioned in my ‘Initiatives for a Smart Economy’ address, enhance our quality of life,” said Poloncarz. “We must remain vigilant and prepared for a possible future emergency. There are many people who are dedicating their careers to protecting the public and their dedication has contributed to this score going up. I want to thank them for their commitment to keeping their skills up-to-date and for their continued vigilance in protecting the residents of Erie County.”

The Strategic National Stockpile (“SNS”) is the United States’ national repository of antibiotics, vaccines, chemical antidotes, antitoxins and other critical medical equipment and supplies. In the event of a national emergency involving bioterrorism or a natural pandemic, the SNS has the capability to supplement and re-supply local health authorities that are charged with handling the crisis, with response time as little as 12 hours, following an official request from the municipality. The SNS is managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Commissioner of Emergency Services Daniel Neaverth, Jr. added, “Disaster preparedness and the Strategic National Stockpile program is a continuous process, updating plans, assessing resources, and developing relationships. We are fortunate in Erie County to have a group of dedicated people working across jurisdictional boundaries to assure response and recovery is on the cutting edge.”

“Our priority regarding preparedness, regular drills, training and planning all contributed to the success of our SNS/LTAR review,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein. “This was a team effort and the importance of all departments working collaboratively resulted in the excellent score received.”

In assessing the County’s overall readiness and response in implementing procedures involving the SNS, reviewers evaluated performance in the following areas: planning, communications, coordination with partner agencies, security, logistics, dispensing of medications/medical supplies to the public, and training and exercise. Each area is a vital component in the County’s response to a crisis situation, and each is composed of multiple levels of planning and design.

For more information:

On the Erie County Department of Emergency Services, visit   http://www2.erie.gov/emergencyservices/

On the Erie County Health Department, visit   http://www2.erie.gov/health/

Latest results of Siena College Poll:

Voters: Pass 10-Point Women’s Equality Act, Including Abortion Provisions;
Strongly Favor Making NY Law Consistent with Roe v. Wade & Current Practice
Cuomo Favorability/Job Performance Lowest Since He’s Been Governor

More than half of New York voters, 52 percent, feel Speaker Sheldon Silver “should step down as Speaker.”

They say he “failed the people of New York and (former Assemblyman Vito) Lopez’s accusers by not addressing the issue appropriately and by not being completely honest.” Thirty-two percent feel Silver’s approach to the Lopez situation “is not a reason for him to step down as Speaker,” even though he “might not have handled the situation ideally but he is not guilty of anything and he has apologized,” according to a new Siena College Poll of New York voters released today.

Cuomo’s favorability rating, 58-35 percent (down from 64-32 percent last month), is the lowest it has been since he’s been governor, as is his job performance rating at 50-49 percent (down from 52-47 percent in May).
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