The editor is John Ryan at email: perugazette@gmail.com. The Peru Gazette is a free community, education and information website. It is non-commercial and does not accept paid advertising.
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As promised several weeks ago, I stated we would advise when we had a network in place to deliver priority items to Ukraine. We are now ready to move forward.
Our contact, Devi Momot, is connected with a family from NH, whose family members live in Ukraine, some of whom have and/or are on the front lines. This family will handle the shipment and/or flying of items as part of their care and commitment. In turn, some have already flown back and forth to Ukraine with items.
As always, we are being asked to be the heart, hands and feet of Christ, or God, or whomever we believe our Creator to be named. We are all called to do what we can in the face of evil.
So, here’s the plan:
When and where can items be delivered: There are 3 options for you to consider…
A. Saturday, April 23rd at our Warehouse in Peru, NY from 9-noon. Address is 3452 State Route 22
B. Wednesday, April 27th at our Warehouse in Peru, NY from 9-noon. Address is 3452 State Route 22.
C. Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM at Centennial Abstract on Margaret St. here in Plattsburgh, NY. That address is 185 Margaret St. That is the office of our Leadership President, James Carlin, and he has also graciously offered this option to provide more time frames.
Where do we find the list of food and other items needed? See below. Please make sure all food items are non-perishable and the dates are good. It would be very helpful if you packed “like” items with like items. In other words, keep food items separate from medical and keep medical separate from blankets, etc. That will expedite and streamline the process.
Do we need anyone to help receive or pack the items? YES, absolutely. If you come early on Sat or Wednesday, some of our regular MOHtown volunteers will be present to guide and assist.
If you have any further questions, please email or text me.
And most importantly, thank you. Devi Momot reached out to us, trusting that the Mission of Hope would respond and so, we are! Thank you.
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik released a statement following the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) announcement to extend vaccine mandates on Northern Border travelers into the United States.
“The Biden Administration’s hypocrisy is showing as they impose vaccine mandates on legal, essential Northern Border travelers, while failing to address their surge of illegal immigration across the Southern Border. For over two years, communities in Upstate New York and the North Country have been devastated by Northern Border travel restrictions, which hurt tourism, harm supply chain, and keep families apart. Instead of leading the way for our Canadian partners by dropping all restrictions on Northern Border travel, the Biden Administration is doubling down on harmful restrictions on Northern Border travel, while proposing an end to Title 42, which will fuel illegal immigration across the Southern Border. In the midst of this weak and failed leadership from the Biden Administration, I will continue to stand up for families in Upstate New York and the North Country who deserve an end to restrictions on Northern Border travel, so families can be reunited, small businesses can thrive, and our supply chain can be restored.”
Peru, NY – Peru Knights of Columbus dine-in and take-out spaghetti dinner, Saturday, April 23rd at the St. Augustine’s Parish Center. Regular & gluten-free spaghetti, salad, bread and dessert. 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. $10 (Adults), $5 (children 15 and under).
April 21th – April 24th – Saturday 9 am-6 pm Sunday 9 am-1 pm
Location – Kickin’ Up Dust Farm 362 Peasleeville Road Schuyler Falls, NY 12985
Donated items can be brought to the farm or if local we can pick them up.
We will also be collecting clothing shoes and other items for our blue boxes.
The farm will be open to visit the horses, donkeys, alpacas, goats, and a variety of birds. There are new babies on the farm to visit. Please come out and support our programs so we can continue to offer our services.
Thera-Pets take Miniature Donkeys to visit the elderly and disabled. We have groups for disabled children on the farm and we support many community events. We are an all-volunteer organization, 100% of your donation goes to make our programs possible.
Donations can be mailed to Thera-Pets PO Box 319 Peru, NY 12972
It is my pleasure to announce Rebecca Boire-West as a 2022 Woman of Distinction under the category of North Country Neighbor.
Before her career as a medical massage therapist, functional nutritional health coach, and personal trainer, Rebecca worked in the pharmaceutical industry in various positions. She is now the proud owner of Body in Balance Therapy in Plattsburgh. She is a graduate of the Center for Natural Wellness and Massage Therapy in Albany, NY, Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York, NY, Functional Nutritional Alliance and has multiple certifications. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology from SUNY Empire State.
Rebecca is not only a liaison between patients and medical teams, but a mother to three, aunt to 12, great aunt to 17, and a grandmother to seven.
I am grateful to have Rebecca as part of our community and she is more than deserving of the Women of Distinction award.
Don’t forget to join me in honoring the awardees on Thursday, April 28th at 6 PM at the Stafford Theater at Clinton Community College.
It is my pleasure to announce Rebecca Boire-West as a 2022 Woman of Distinction under the category of North Country Neighbor.
Before her career as a medical massage therapist, functional nutritional health coach, and personal trainer, Rebecca worked in the pharmaceutical industry in various positions. She is now the proud owner of Body in Balance Therapy in Plattsburgh. She is a graduate of the Center for Natural Wellness and Massage Therapy in Albany, NY, Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York, NY, Functional Nutritional Alliance and has multiple certifications. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology from SUNY Empire State.
Rebecca is not only a liaison between patients and medical teams, but a mother to three, aunt to 12, great aunt to 17, and a grandmother to seven.
I am grateful to have Rebecca as part of our community and she is more than deserving of the Women of Distinction award.
Don’t forget to join me in honoring the awardees on Thursday, April 28th at 6 PM at the Stafford Theater at Clinton Community College.
“Kritsidimas added that Nova Bus is hoping to increase its production rate so it can absorb Prevost employees who are losing their jobs.” Indeed, its order from the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) in Texas is up to 40 electric buses, he said.
“Prevost employees — of which there are about 50 in Plattsburgh — were disappointed but not surprised by the news, which came down last week.”
“Prevost will officially cease operations a few weeks after delivering the last bus to New York City, sometime in December.”
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced that, as result of recent shareholder proposals he has filed on behalf of the New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund), companies are taking action to address investment risks posed by climate change and impacts of environmental justice.
“The climate emergency presents enormous risks and opportunities for investors, but corporate America has to step up, adapt and address the challenges they’re facing,” DiNapoli said. “As the state pension fund’s trustee, it’s my responsibility to protect and strengthen our investments. Making sure our investments—and the retirement security of our 1.1 million members, retirees and beneficiaries—are protected from the impact of climate change is a top priority.”
The Fund engages with portfolio companies on a range of issues to address investment risks and opportunities, including climate issues. It encourages companies to adopt robust climate policies, practices, and disclosures. Shareholder proposals can be an effective way to directly communicate with portfolio companies, their boards and fellow shareholders about transitioning to the low-carbon economy and protecting shareholder value. When filing a shareholder proposal, the Fund seeks a productive dialogue with the company. If the company agrees to implement the proposal’s request, it is withdrawn by the Fund.
Climate Risk Shareholder Proposals in 2022Read more »
Assemblyman Billy Jones: Over $9 million in state funding coming to Assembly District 115 for water infrastructure projects
“North Country towns and municipalities are working hard to ensure that all North Country residents have access to clean water, but they need state support to make necessary repairs to the infrastructure. Today the awardees of the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act grants were announced, and it is great news that over $9 million will be coming to the North Country to assist local governments for water projects. More funding will continue to come to our region as a result of the enacted budget that allocated $5oo million in clean water infrastructure funding on top of $400 million for the Environmental Protection Fund. It’s important to me to protect our natural resources and our waterways and I will continue to advocate for more funding for water infrastructure to protect the North Country and the Adirondack regions for generations to come.”
Residents John Ryan and Alex Gibson addressed the board during the community input section of the April 11, 20022 Peru Town Board meeting.
John Ryan (Peru Gazette Editor) addressed the board on two issues: Attracting new residents and zoning law enforcement related to two abandoned, deteriorating homes.
Ryan expressed his belief that Peru is competing with the Town of Plattsburgh to attract new residents and growing families. Both communities offer all the services people seek. Peru is currently upgrading its sewer system, in part, to accommodate future growth; however, the expansion is being financed by long-term borrowing, making an expanding tax base essential.
Peru’s population declined 3.1%, from 6,990 (2010) to 6,772 (2020), while the Town of Plattsburgh held steady at 11, 870 (2010) vs, 11,896 (2020).
Ryan gave the counselors handouts stating the following:
In 2020 Peru issued eighteen single-family residential building permits
In 2020 Plattsburgh issued twenty-two similar permits
In 2021 Peru issued eight single-family residential permits (-55.5%)
In 2021 Plattsburgh issued twenty single-family permits (-9%), plus multiple affordable housing permits.
Most children residing in the Town of Plattsburgh attend schools in either Peru, Beekmantown, or Saranac.
Over the past four years:
Beekmantown Central School District K-12 enrollment increased 2.1%, from 1,871 to 1,910.
Saranac School District enrollment has held steady at about 1,422 and 1,423.
Peru Central School District enrollment decreased by 5.6%, from 1,877 to 1,772.
Ryan noted that Peru’s subdivision growth is at a virtual standstill, especially at Orchard View (Washington Street). Ryan asked the board to be proactive in reaching out to new developers and to encourage current developers. He asked the board to research if affordable housing would be a good match for Peru. Many workers in our region’s growing industries might qualify for affordable housing. Today’s affordable housing is attractive and could be a community asset. Zoning-Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup commented that not long ago the town changed the zoning classification of a property adjacent to the Dashnaw Road in hopes of encouraging residential development. Guynup said that a group that is meeting to discuss changes in the zoning law might discuss affordable housing. Counselor Kregg Bruno said he has spoken to Mark Hamilton, who heads affordable housing in the City of Plattsburgh, about affordable housing. Bruno plans to continue that conversation.
Ryan also discussed the deteriorating homes on School Street and North Bend Street presenting photos of the properties to the counselors. Bob Guynup stated that he issued a citation to the School Street property owner; however, the property owner failed to appear in Peru Town Court. Supervisor Brandy McDonald said the Peru Town Court gave the town a copy of a letter from the NYS Office of Court Administration advising that the Court should not issue arrest warrants for misdemeanor charges. Ryan said he consulted a local attorney who believed that the town could directly petition the NYS Supreme Court on zoning enforcement issues.
Supervisor McDonald stated some time ago an asbestos assessment firm examined the North Bend Street home and deemed the building in such disrepair that it would be treated as all asbestos meaning It would cost approximately $30,000 for monitoring the asbestos removal and disposal. Ryan said it might be worth $30,000 to get rid of the situation. Michael Farrell interjected that he would be very concerned about setting a precedent. Counselors Kregg Bruno and Rick Barber cited similar situations in other towns where buildings have been deteriorating for many years. Ryan urged the counselors to continue researching remedies to the problem.
Alex Gibson, who owns property at the dead-end of McGarr Road in West Peru, addressed the board. Gibson is concerned about Peru Highway Department’s truck turnaround area, which he believes is on his property. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell said town snowplows had used the turnaround area since the early 1980s. Gibson said he wants to reach an amicable settlement with the town. The board referred the matter to Town Attorney Matt Favro for his opinion.
In other town news:
The board is scheduling ten Sunday evening concerts at Heyworth-Mason Park beginning June 26 through August 28th, 6 to 8 p.m.
Mike Farrell plans to introduce a road salt reduction program next winter. Salt reduction reduces groundwater, stream, and lake contamination. Farrell recently visited Lake George and Hague, which have implemented the program. Now, he’s a believer commenting, “It works!” Hague reduced its salt usage from 400 tons to 150 tons per lane mile and might be able to go to 100 tons. Farrell cautioned that the equipment needed to start the program would be expensive; however, he’s confident that savings would be considerable over time.
The board accepted Luck Brothers’ $1,257,000 bid to construct culvert wing walls at the intersection of Telegraph and Sullivan Roads. However, it does not include the needed 185 ft. long box culvert. Luck Brothers was the only bidder.
The board also accepted Luck Brothers $1,000,505 bid for the Elm Street portion/or phase #2 of the sewer line upgrade project. Once again, Luck Brothers was the only bidder. Rifenburg Construction should complete phase #1 soon. The Maiden Lane pump station is online and the Sanborn Lane pump station will soon be online.
The Peru Lions Club is organizing an April 23rd community-wide cleanup connected with Earth Day and the United Way’s Day of Caring Day. Casella Sanitation is donating bags and equipment for roadside pickup. (The Peru Gazette plans to publish a future story on the cleanup plans)
Councilman Melvin Irwin, the board’s Youth Commission liaison, has been working on improving the grounds at Sullivan Park. Irwin thanked Adirondack Farms for contributing “natural” fertilizer and said grass seeding would occur very soon.
On Saturday, April 23rd, the Peru Lions Club is partnering with the Peru k-5 PTO to organize a Peru town-wide pickup/cleanup event to recognize Earth Day. We invite all Peru individuals and organizations to join us.
Casella Waste Management has donated supplies, including bags, vests and pickers, and vouchers so people can drop off the full bags at the convenience stations free of charge. These supplies will be available beginning at 7 AM at the Peru Fire Station parking lot. The official kickoff will be at 8 AM, so bring a friend and join us. After your pickup, return to the Firehouse until noontime to return your vest and pickers.
Thanks to Casella for their support of the project. Hope to see you Saturday.
April 21th – April 24th
From Assemblyman Billy Jones 
