The Peru Gazette

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From the office of Congressman Owens 

PLATTSBURGH – Congressman Bill Owens (NY-23) outlined federal tax relief today for New Yorkers affected by severe weather last year.  Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee caused untold amounts of damage for many New Yorkers, and as they continue to recover from their losses, Owens wants to ensure that those affected get every penny of tax relief available. Tax relief provisions are available for Presidentially-declared disaster areas in New York that were eligible for Individual Assistance, which includes Oneida, Clinton, and Essex counties.

“As New York continues to rebuild in the wake of spring flooding, Hurricane Irene, and Tropical Storm Lee, it is critical that those affected have all the support available to get their lives back in order,” Owens said. “I urge those impacted by severe weather to take a look at the information my office has available, apply for this tax relief if eligible.”

Owens outlined provisions for which many New Yorkers in areas affected by severe weather may qualify:

·         Individuals and businesses that sustained damage may be eligible to deduct storm-related losses from their income tax returns.

·         Taxpayers who reside or have a business in a disaster area may be eligible for extended deadlines from the IRS.

·         Taxpayers who lost tax documents due to Irene may be eligible to receive replacement documents free of charge. Read more »

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Watertown Daily Times | Federal budget builds at Drum, but cuts swath of programs.

Man arrested in connection with 2011 Peru School burglary » Local News » Press-Republican.

By Donald McBrayer

Why is Peru adopting a new Zoning Law and what changes are being proposed?

The Town of Peru Zoning Update Committee, appointed by the Peru Town Board over three years ago to revise the Town’s zoning ordinance, has completed the document. This effort was really initiated in 2003 when a larger committee began the process of completing a Comprehensive Plan, which is essentially a blueprint for guiding future growth and development of the Town. The Comprehensive Plan <http://d1091839.domain.com/PeruTown/zoning/CompFinalPlan.pdf>  (http://d1091839.domain.com/PeruTown/zoning/CompFinalPlan.pdf) was initiated in response to a number of issues that had arisen over the years, including loss of open space, increased housing starts and subdivisions, increase in commercial development and perceived loss of town character. The residents of the Town of Peru are blessed to live in a community that is diverse, well organized, and pleasant in character. The zoning ordinance is a key tool to allow the Town to protect those community values that we share in common and to allow the Town to continue to grow in a well planned manner.

The draft schedule for the adoption of the new zoning law anticipates that it will be adopted by the Town Board in June. Read more »

By Donald McBrayer

The Town Board held their regular meeting Monday night. Everyone except Kregg Brune (excused) was present.

Town Supervisor Peter Glushko reported  the town is to receive the $1,000.000 NYS Emergency Hurricane Loan Program money on Thursday. This money is to be used to pay for damages from the spring flooding, and Tropical Storm Irene until FEMA funds become available. So far the town has received $307,000 of the proposed $614,000 from FEMA and will continue to work with FEMA to secure more help as repairs continue.

Glushko also reported the town would not be receiving Clinton County Sales Tax income this year because of a $9,700 shortfall in sales tax revenue. Glushko intends to look into it, saying this was disappointing news. He reminded the board to keep spending tight.

The board also:

• Approved a request by Highway Superintendent Mike Farrell to sell a 1961 single-pass crusher. The town no longer needs the machine, which is valued between $20,000 to 30,000. Farrell reported two parties might be interested in purchasing it.
• Discussed amending the Planning & Zoning Fee Schedule to pass attorney fees to applicants in the event they contact the attorney directly for information that results in a cost to the town.
• Appointed Peter Glushko to be the liaison to the Zoning Update Committee during the process of adopting the proposed new zoning law.
• Reported the town received a “notice of claim” regarding the November 15th accident that claimed 4 lives on the Peasleeville Road. Peasleeville Road is a county road not maintained by the town.
  

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30.

Watertown Daily Times | Plattsburgh woman to challenge Assemblywoman Janet Duprey.

Carnival invasion (with slide show) – AdirondackDailyEnterprise.com 

TOWN OF PERU   

 PLANNING BOARD

&

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Immediate Volunteer Openings

Any interested persons are to submit a letter of interest along with any pertinent background information to:

TOWN OF PERU  

Codes Office

3036 Main St.

Peru, NY  12972