Regional Briefs – October 26, 2015

HEAP for NY Funded With a $326 Million Federal Grant

ALBANY – Federal authorities are releasing more than $326 million to help low-income New Yorkers pay their heating bills this winter. Funding has declined since Congress cut it from $4.7 billion in 2011 to $3 billion in the current fiscal year.

NY Gives $42M for Security At NYC Public Housing

ALBANY – New York state will spend $42 million on security cameras and other equipment to reduce crime at NYC public housing. But Mayor Bill de Blasio had expected Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s funding to go for roof repairs. Violent crimes at the complexes where 400,000 people live were up this year.

Small Jersey Shore Town Plans To Disband Police Department

LAKE COMO, N.J. – A small town is disbanding its 10-member police force because it can no longer afford it, the Asbury Park Press reported. Lake Como is requesting law-enforcement services from neighboring towns. Seven cops make $100,000 a year protecting an area with three aggravated assaults and nine burglaries in 2013.

NY Tax Collections Up $676 Million Above Projections

ALBANY – New York state’s tax collections reached $38.2 billion in the first half of the current fiscal year, almost $676 million higher than projections, largely due to strong personal income tax receipts, Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says. He also credits the improved cash position on lower spending.

Midlevel Court Upholds New York’s Tougher Gun Law

ALBANY – A midlevel court on Thursday rejected a challenge to New York’s 2013 gun law, dismissing arguments it was pushed through the state Legislature improperly and that its restrictions violate the Second Amendment, The Associated Press reported.

Water Main Break Floods Streets in Queens

QUEENS – Flooding caused by a massive water main break on Friday closed off streets and disrupted bus and subway service in Elmhurst, The Associated Press reported. Crews were installing shorings when they struck a main. Water entered at least five buildings.

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