Fulton announces “Home to Grow” program, offering up to $20K for first-time home buyers

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FULTON, N.Y. — First-time homebuyers in the city of Fulton who meet income-eligibility requirements could receive up to $20,000 toward the purchase of their first home under a new city government program. Sarah Farley, executive director of the Fulton Community Development Agency (CDA), announced the city’s new “Home to Grow” program on Oct. 3. “We’re […]

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Pop-culture store, FYE, opens at Destiny USA

Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — FYE (For Your Entertainment), which bills itself as a “premier pop culture destination for the whole family,” has opened at Destiny USA. The 4,500-square-foot retail store is located on level 1, next to Buckle in the former FootAction space, Destiny announced. FYE offers fans of entertainment brands like Marvel, Star Wars, Pokemon,

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SUNY Poly obtains funding for STEM scholarships

Health Care, Regional News, Subscriber Only, Technology

UTICA, N.Y. — SUNY Polytechnic Institute has received funding to help support the growth of New York’s workforce in fields of innovation. Carolyn Rodak, associate professor of engineering; Edmond Rusjan, associate professor of mathematics; Jiayue Shen, assistant professor of engineering; and Andrew Cotronea, SUNY Poly coordinator of the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP),

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UTICA, N.Y. — SUNY Polytechnic Institute has received funding to help support the growth of New York’s workforce in fields of innovation.

Carolyn Rodak, associate professor of engineering; Edmond Rusjan, associate professor of mathematics; Jiayue Shen, assistant professor of engineering; and Andrew Cotronea, SUNY Poly coordinator of the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP), received $750,000 from the National Science Foundation Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program.

The award supports degree completion by students in engineering and engineering-technology programs by focusing on experiential learning and self-directed professional development to further bolster the state’s innovation workforce.

“This program will immediately produce recognizable results as it supports engineering-focused students with scholarships,” SUNY Poly Acting President Tod A. Laursen said in a news release. “But also, longer term, it will lead to the establishment of an important, replicable model for enabling student success across a number of degree programs as the institute continues to focus on the ways it can support the needs of New York state’s advanced workforce.”

The six-year initiative will initially focus on providing scholarships and programmatic support to about 20 undergraduate students studying civil engineering, mechanical engineering, civil-engineering technology, or mechanical-engineering technology. Scholarships for first-year students and transfer students will begin in the fall of 2024.

Along with financial support, the program will focus on facilitating experiential-learning opportunities through internships and hands-on undergraduate research in engineering fields. As they participate in the program, the selected scholars will also gain access to specialized programming, additional mathematical preparation, faculty mentorships, and funding to enable self-directed professional-development opportunities.

“In addition to the exciting hands-on engineering-centered research opportunities, this initiative will provide a pathway for us to better understand how to increase student success so they can obtain STEM-focused careers for which our industry partners are eager to hire,” Nathaniel Cady, interim VP of research and Empire Innovation professor of nanobioscience, said.

The program is an example of meeting students where they are and preparing them for success after graduation, Michael Carpenter, SUNY Poly interim dean of the College of Engineering, said.

Rodak and Shen will act as primary points of contact to support students within their academic departments, while Rusjan will work with incoming scholars to support mathematical preparation. Cotronea will help with much of the professional development and career programming and collaborative events with other groups on campus while an external evaluator will collaborate with the team to maximize the program’s effectiveness.

The National Science Foundation Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics program helps colleges and universities to fund scholarships for academically talented low-income students and to study and implement a program of activities that support their recruitment, retention, and graduation in STEM disciplines.

Port of Oswego inks pact to help deepen Oswego Harbor

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Subscriber Only

OSWEGO, N.Y. — The Port of Oswego Authority (POA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have signed a $600,000 agreement to deepen the port’s harbor, “transform” its capabilities, and ignite new growth. That’s according to William Scriber, executive director and CEO of the Port of Oswego Authority. The signing took place on Sept.

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That’s according to William Scriber, executive director and CEO of the Port of Oswego Authority. The signing took place on Sept. 13.

New York State recently awarded the Port of Oswego $300,000 and USACE is contributing an additional $300,000 toward a joint feasibility study to deepen the harbor, Scriber said.

The study represents the first phase in a three-step process that will lead to the design and construction of a deeper harbor.

To commemorate the agreement, Francis Enwright, who chairs the Port of Oswego board of directors, and port representatives joined Lt. Col. Colby Krug, commander of the USACE Buffalo district, on the port’s east dock to sign a poster that commemorates the project partnership. It also symbolizes the mission to “collaborate to deepen the federal navigation channel within Oswego Harbor, to maintain a strong national economy and adapt to future Great Lakes Navigation System needs.”

“After this has been discussed for more than 25 years, deepening the harbor and opening up our port for greater investment and growth will finally be a reality,” Scriber said. “For the past three years, I’ve worked with the New York State Department of Transportation, our local congressional delegation, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to convince them that there is a federal interest in deepening our harbor. This joint feasibility project is the important step before taking action.

Pursuing the project

Scriber went on to say that he’s also worked in cooperation with the port’s commercial neighbors — including Lehigh, W.T. Oswego, and Lafarge — to earn their support for this project.

By deepening the harbor, the Port of Oswego will be able to accommodate Seawaymax class freighters, which are 740 feet long, 78 feet wide and have a draft of 27 feet, according to Scriber. Those vessels are the maximum size that can fit through the canal locks of the St. Lawrence Seaway, linking the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean.

In addition to accommodating larger vessels, the Port of Oswego also cites the USACE in indicating that deepening the harbor will have other benefits. They include the retention and sustainability of existing port inbound and outbound commodities like grain and potash and expanding the capabilities of the port as the only New York deep draft port on Lake Ontario.

The benefits also include the continued support of the wind-energy industry with an enhanced ability to accept wind-turbine components to the region; increases in port-related economic activity and job creation; increasing annual commodity and freight tonnages with additional commodity distributors and users located near the port; and enabling smooth truck and rail connections at the port to accommodate increased movement of commodities and freight.

Quanterion Solutions lands $150,000 Air Force contract

Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Manufacturing & Engineering, Regional News, Subscriber Only, Technology

UTICA, N.Y. — Quanterion Solutions has been awarded a $150,000 U.S. Air Force Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) effort to support the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Information Directorate’s research of the “Secure Internet of Things (IoT) Operational Planning Environment (SIoTOPE).” The project revolves around building IoT capabilities for the Air Force and pioneering integration

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The project revolves around building IoT capabilities for the Air Force and pioneering integration strategies from other supporting capabilities within the U.S. Department of Defense. Quanterion Solutions will establish an interoperable cloud ecosystem for integrating and testing IoT devices to produce technological solutions in support of Air Force “mission use cases.”

“The proliferation of IoT devices offers a wealth of new capabilities to the warfighter,” Alex MacDiarmid, director of advanced programs at Quanterion, said in a news release. “At the same time, it is absolutely critical that we properly secure these technologies so as not to introduce new attack vectors.” MacDiarmid is leading the in-house team of technical experts working on the SBIR.

In the first phase, Quanterion will design and implement a scalable cloud-hosted environment that provides the necessary ecosystem and infrastructure to test and evaluate disparate edge devices, data streams, processing pipelines, and analytics, as well as decision-support displays with research into digital twin modeling, big-data analytics, and edge-processing capabilities. The results of this effort will ultimately support IoT/Internet of Battlefield Things solution development, increasing situational awareness, force readiness, and operational efficiency.

Quanterion Solutions says it has worked for a long time at the forefront of Department of Defense IoT implementations, providing assessments and guidance to organizations including U.S. Central Command, AFRL Information Directorate, U.S. Marine Corps, the National Security Agency, the FBI, and the Department of Energy.

The Utica company is a small business and technical-solutions provider that specializes in analytical services, products, and training in disciplines including cybersecurity, managed cloud services, information-systems management, software development, and more.

Syracuse’s Lally Complex gets big gift from the Jones brothers

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Nonprofits, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — As construction work continues on the John A. Lally Athletics Complex, two former Syracuse University football standouts have made a “seven-figure commitment” to the project. The donation from Arthur and Chandler Jones will help with construction of the new Football Operations Center at the complex, the university said Oct. 12. Syracuse didn’t

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — As construction work continues on the John A. Lally Athletics Complex, two former Syracuse University football standouts have made a “seven-figure commitment” to the project.

The donation from Arthur and Chandler Jones will help with construction of the new Football Operations Center at the complex, the university said Oct. 12. Syracuse didn’t release a specific dollar figure.

In recognition of the Jones brothers’ commitment, Syracuse will name the second level football suite in the new Football Operations Center in their honor, Syracuse said.

The brothers, who grew up in Endicott in Broome County each starred on the defensive side of the ball during their time wearing orange. Arthur Jones graduated in 2009, and Chandler Jones graduated in 2015.

The Lally Athletics Complex, which is currently under construction, is a “state-of-the-art” academic and athletics village that will benefit more than 600 student-athletes, as described in the school’s news release.

“My father being a pastor, he instilled in my brothers and me that it’s always better to give than to receive,” Arthur Jones said. “Syracuse University has been a blessing to my family and me throughout the years. The impact that SU has made on me is priceless, and you can’t put a dollar amount on that. I am a proud alumnus of the greatest school in the world!”

The Jones brothers’ commitment represents a “major boost” for the university’s $1.5 billion Forever Orange campaign and “continues to build momentum” toward completing the project’s first phase.

Initial components of the first phase began in the spring with construction of a new front entrance into the complex. Additional renovations included in the first phase are “dependent upon philanthropy being secured,” including the new Football Operations Center and the updated Olympic sports wing, Syracuse said.

Designated as a “core priority” of the first phase and “vital to the future of Syracuse football,” the Football Operations Center, once complete, seeks to boost recruiting efforts and support new levels of development for Syracuse football student-athletes.

“Syracuse Football is a great piece of my history that I will always cherish,” Chandler Jones said. “It is an honor for me to give back and be part of shaping the future of Syracuse Football. Together, we can continue to build a legacy of excellence on the football field and in the classroom. Being able to lift up others to assist in accomplishing their dreams is something I look forward to telling my children one day.”

NFL success

A defensive lineman from 2005-2009, Arthur Jones was a two-time All-Big East First Team selection and was selected in the 5th round of the 2010 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens. He played for the Ravens from 2010-2013, including the team that won Super Bowl XLVII in the 2012 season

Chandler Jones, a defensive end for the Orange from 2008-2011, and All-Big East First Team selection, was a 1st round pick by the New England Patriots in the 2012 NFL Draft. During his four seasons with the Patriots, New England won Super Bowl XLIX in the 2014 season. From 2016-2021, he played for the Arizona Cardinals before signing with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022. Chandler has recorded the most sacks and forced fumbles of anyone in the league since 2012. His 71.5 sacks during his first five-plus seasons with the Cardinals (2016-21) ranks third in the NFL during that span and first all-time in franchise history. A four-time Pro-Bowl selection (2015, 2017, 2019, 2021), he was named to the NFL 2010’s All-Decade Team in April 2020.

BAE to produce electric-drive systems for transit buses

Manufacturing & Engineering, Regional News, Subscriber Only, Technology

ENDICOTT, N.Y. — El Dorado National (California)(ENC) plans to use the Gen3 product line from BAE Systems for its next-generation, battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell transit. ENC is a subsidiary of Brookfield, Wisconsin–based REV Group (NYSE: REVG). BAE Systems manufactures heavy-duty electric propulsion systems. “BAE Systems and ENC have worked together for years to help

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ENDICOTT, N.Y. — El Dorado National (California)(ENC) plans to use the Gen3 product line from BAE Systems for its next-generation, battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell transit.

ENC is a subsidiary of Brookfield, Wisconsin–based REV Group (NYSE: REVG). BAE Systems manufactures heavy-duty electric propulsion systems.

“BAE Systems and ENC have worked together for years to help cities improve air quality with electric bus solutions,” Steve Trichka, VP and general manager of power & propulsion solutions at BAE Systems, said in a release. “Our expanded collaboration now includes multiple zero-emission options, delivering efficient, proven, and clean transportation solutions for transit fleets.”

ENC’s Axess battery electric bus (EVO-BE) and Axess hydrogen-fuel cell electric bus (EVO-FC) will integrate BAE Systems’ Gen3 power inverters and electric motors for a common structural powertrain across both platforms.

Using a modular design, BAE Systems’ modular-power control system (MPCS) and modular-accessory power system (MAPS) offer ENC the flexibility to have one common electric-drive propulsion and accessory power-management product across both of its new zero emission, transit-bus offerings.

Along with BAE Systems’ Gen3 hardware, ENC’s EVO-FC will feature a 125kW hydrogen-fuel cell from Plug Power, which is headquartered in Latham, near Albany. The ProGen 125-kilowatt fuel cell provides power density, fuel-based operational flexibility and range flexibility for hydrogen fuel cell buses. Over 55,000 Plug fuel cells are in daily service across North America, serving fleets — both small and large.

BAE Systems’ Gen3 Series-EV battery electric and Series-H hydrogen fuel-cell products power buses around the globe, the company said. BAE has more than 15,000 propulsion systems in service on transit buses worldwide.

Its electric-propulsion technology is developed and serviced at its facilities in Endicott and in the United Kingdom.

About BAE Systems

Headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of UK–based BAE Systems plc, a global defense, security, and aerospace company. Its website says the firm employs nearly 90,000 globally. That figure includes more than 1,300 employees in Endicott, per a company spokesman.

DEC starts work on $1.6 million accessibile boat launch in Verona

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Energy, Environment & Sustainability, New York News, Nonprofits, Regional News, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

VERONA, N.Y. — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has started construction of a new boat launch on the Barge Canal at Cove Road in Verona that will enhance recreational opportunities for fishing and boating. The project is funded with $1.6 million from the Environmental Protection Fund and NY Works. The site

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The project is funded with $1.6 million from the Environmental Protection Fund and NY Works.

The site will have several ADA-compliant features along with a two-lane concrete launch ramp with floating docks, canoe/kayak launch, fishing pier, parking area with spaces for 24 cars and 49 car/trailers, accessible parking, and port-a-johns.

The launch provides access to Oneida Lake, which is the state’s most heavily fished inland water and the largest lake lying wholly within the state. Walleye, yellow perch, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and panfish live in the waters along with lake sturgeon, which are protected and cannot be fished.

“DEC continues to invest in new facilities to provide safe and accessible experiences for anglers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a news release. “Once complete, the Barge Canal Cove Road boat launch site will attract more visitors to enjoy boating and fishing on Oneida Lake and its tributaries, as well as those just looking for a place to experience Oneida County’s natural surroundings.”

The project is the result of several years of advocacy and collaboration on the part of many people and agencies, Oneida Lake Association President John Harmon said. “This launch site fills an important need for our members who want to utilize the great resources and recreational opportunities of Oneida Lake.”

The state’s canal system provides a tremendous recreational resource for boaters, paddlers, and anglers, said New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton. “DEC’s new launch on Cove Road will provide safe access on the east end of Oneida Lake,” he said. “Recreational boating increased on New York’s canals this past season and, through infrastructure upgrades like this new launch, we expect more and more residents and visitors to discover our waterways in 2023.”

Syracuse awards $2M in ARPA funds to businesses, nonprofits

Law, Accounting & Taxes, Nonprofits, Small Business, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Selected Syracuse businesses and nonprofit organizations will use 43 grants funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Commercial Corridor Improvement Fund. The Syracuse Common Council authorized the $2 million program earlier this year. It represents a “key part of Mayor Walsh’s ARPA investment strategy,” the office of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Selected Syracuse businesses and nonprofit organizations will use 43 grants funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Commercial Corridor Improvement Fund.

The Syracuse Common Council authorized the $2 million program earlier this year. It represents a “key part of Mayor Walsh’s ARPA investment strategy,” the office of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said in the Oct. 18 announcement.

“The grants epitomize the purpose and the promise of the American Rescue Plan. The funds will help businesses and organizations recover from the impact of the pandemic. In addition, we structured the program to also ensure the grants have a permanent positive impact on neighborhoods,” Walsh contended. “$2 million in pandemic relief funds will leverage a total of $54 million in investment across 17 different neighborhoods.”

Grant amounts range from $10,000 up to $100,000. Recipients are using the funding to make interior and exterior improvements to existing properties, support new construction and infill development, and site-work enhancements to support beautification efforts and “eliminate blight.”

Funded projects include upgrades to assist with the reopening of Laci’s Tapas Bar in the Hawley Green neighborhood. exterior façade enhancements to 701 South Geddes St. on the city’s west side. and the renovation and adaptive reuse of 1418 Grant Boulevard that will serve as the new headquarters for NJ Jones Plumbing on the north side.

In addition, two community organizations will $100,000 grants to pay for neighborhood-wide improvements. Growing Good Works, Inc., will apply its grant toward a project to add ornamental street lighting to the James Street corridor in Eastwood. The Downtown Syracuse Foundation will use its funding for new lighting, gateway signage, and kiosks throughout downtown.

The Commercial Corridor Improvement Fund supports the redevelopment and improvement of underutilized commercial and mixed-use properties, and quality of life and “catalytic,” neighborhood-development programs, Walsh’s office said.

The funded projects plan to create more than 230 jobs and retain another 92 jobs. They will also pay for the construction of 75 units of housing.

Two-thirds of the grants to for-profit entities support BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) and women entrepreneurs.

ARPA Commercial Corridor Improvement Fund Recipients

304 Hawley LLC $50,000
1970 W Fayette Street, LLC $50,000
African & Caribbean Central Market $25,000
Biscotti Cafe & Pastry Shop Inc. $25,000
Bright Structures, LLC $50,000
Broom Closet Coffee + Company $25,000
Cedric Stevens, Inc. $50,000
Eva’s European Sweets, LLC $50,000
Gails Enterprises, LLC $25,000
Home HeadQuarters, Inc. $50,000
Hopeprint, Inc $50,000
Indaria Jones $50,000
Joseph’s House for Women, Inc. $50,000
Lovely Enterprise LLC $25,000
Luna Loca Syr, Corp $25,000
Mercy Works at the Clarence Jordan Vision Ctr $50,000
NJ Jones Plumbing, LLC $50,000
North Area Athletic Club, Inc $50,000
Page West, Inc $50,000
Pastimes Athletic Club $50,000
Road to Emmaus Ministry of Syracuse, Inc $75,000
Salina 1st, LLC $50,000
15th Ward Developers LLC $50,000
350 Montgomery, LLC $50,000
751 North Salina, LLC $25,000
1543 S. Salina Street Management, LLC $50,000
Ambergate Holdings, LLC $50,000
Syracuse Cooperative Federal Credit Union $50,000
Cueva Contract, Inc / Jasso Properties, LLC $75,000
Downtown Syracuse Foundation, Inc. $100,000
Fastbreak Knights LLC $75,000
Garrett Heater / Mike Penny $50,000
George & Rebecca Barnes Foundation $50,000
Growing Good Works, Inc. $100,000
Hayner Hoyt Corporation $50,000
Gavin Maloney LLC $50,000
LandColv, LLC $50,000
Marla Cohen $25,000
Morgan & Morgan Home Inspection, LLC $15,000
Right Price Companies, Inc. $25,000
Safe Space, The $25,000
Simply Ingram, LLC $50,000
Sound Univercity, LLC $10,000

Greater Binghamton real-estate consultant certified as SDVOB

Construction, Design & Real Estate, Nonprofits, Regional News, Subscriber Only

New York Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner Jeanette Moy recently announced that a real-estate consultant in the greater Binghamton area has been certified as a service-disabled veteran-owned business (SDVOB). The New York OGS Division of Service-Disabled Veterans’ Business Development (DSDVBD) issued the certification to Brian Haynes, who runs a real-estate services business from Johnson City. Haynes

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