NRG Dunkirk project on hold due to Entergy lawsuit...
Developments concerning two NRG power plants in Western New York -- including the one in Dunkirk -- have left the north county plant's status in limbo. Company officials yesterday announced that they have filed an application to retire the Huntley plant in Tonawanda by March 2016. NRG officials also confirm that the project to convert the Dunkirk plant from coal to natural gas is now on hold. Company Spokesman David Gaier says a lawsuit is holding up the project and creating a massive amount of uncertainty about the plant's future. Gaiser says the lawsuit was filled by the Entergy Corporation. In another development, Gaier says the last turbine that's in operation will be "mothballed" by next Jan. 1. Unlike the Huntley plant, Gaier says the Dunkirk plant is not being retired.
Young, and Horrigan vow to fight to keep NRG project moving foward, and keeping plant open...
Local and state officials, who played an important role in championing the NRG Repowering project two years ago, vow to continue to fight for the project. State Senator Cathy Young tells us that she will work with state officials to keep that project on track. Young says she, the governor, and Public Service Commission remain committed to keeping the plant open, and viable. County Executive Vince Horrigan says he remains upbeat about the project. He participated in a conference call Tuesday concerning the NRG announcement. Horrigan says "we worked long and hard" on the project, and reconfirmed his commitment to it. Dunkirk Mayor A.J. Dolce says he is disappointed with the delay in the project because of the widespread community support for it. He also says he stands ready to take action should it be needed.
Dead body recovered at bottom of overlock area in Allegheny Nat. Forest...
A body has been found at the Jake's Rocks Overlook area of the Allegheny National Forest in Warren County. The Warren Times-Observer says the discovery was made Tuesday night... but, the identity of the person has not yet been released. Warren County Sheriff Kenneth Klakamp says the body was discovered earlier Tuesday evening by deputies. Officials aren't sure how long the body had been there. Klakamp says the body was found about 75 yards down the very steep hill from the first overlook.
Jamestown man jailed without bail after alleged burglary...
A city man is jailed without bail for allegedly breaking into a home on Jamestown's eastside... and, stealing a purse. City police responded to a reported burglary at 529 Crescent Street just after 9:30 this past Monday night. Officers say the female victim arrived at the residence... and, saw 45 year old Angel Diaz exiting her house through a window. Police were able to obtain a video of Diaz carrying the purse from the residence and postivitly identify him. Diaz was located near the scene... and, taken into custody. Diaz was arraigned on charges... including second-degree burglary... and, sent to the county lock-up.
Fallowses talk about rebounding of small cities and towns from 2008 recession...
For the past two years, well known authors James and Deborah Fallows have been traveling to small and middle size cities that have rebounded from the shock of the recession. Deborah Fallos says it's places like Eastport, Maine... Columbus, Mississippi... Winters, California... and they went to those places to see how they did it. She says one of the things they found was a focus on education of a particular kind... those being career track programs that allow them to go into specific career fields. One of the things people in turnaround communities almost never discuss is the 'disfunction in Washington...' and, they're not quite sure why. The Fallows work is part of Atlantic magazine's 'American Futures Project' and will be featured in a cover story early in 2016. They spoke Tuesday as part of 'Creating Livable Communities' week at Chautauqua.
Teresi says public hearing next Monday night will be on final design plans for new, Third Street Bridge configuration...
A public hearing will be held next Monday night in Jamestown on final plans to reduce the four-lanes of traffic on the Third Street Bridge to two... and, include new bicycle lanes. That from Mayor Sam Teresi who... along with Public Works Director Jeff Lehman... discussed those plans at Monday night's City Council work session. Lehman says the state Department of Transporation has drawn up it's final plans for the project. Teresi says officials have already considered several plans to include a two-lane bridge with a turning lane, primarily for Porter Avenue, and two bicycle lanes. He says the move should be a welcome change from the span that's been there since 1986... and, at times has become a "drag strip" for people trying to pass slower traffic. In recent years... he says local affiliates with the Safe and Complete Streets programs have been urging the city to make the streets more "bicycle-friendly." There would be a middle "turning lane..." with seven-foot bicycle lanes on each side of the street. Next Monday night's public hearing begins at 6:30 p.m.
