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Your Award-Winning News Source for the Upper Delaware River Valley Region Since 1975 Vol. 42 No. 45 Q NOVEMBER 10-16, 2016 Q www.riverreporter.com Q $1.50 Film tax credit expanded Orange, Ulster, Sullivan included By FRITZ MAYER also supported the bill. He said that, by signing it, “Gov. Cuomo LBANY, NY — Gov. An- signaled to the filmmaking in- drew Cuomo has signed dustry that our region is open for Alegislation that expands business. With so many unspoiled the New York State Film Produc- locations to choose from to get the tion Tax Credit to counties where perfect shot and a tax credit that it was previously not available, puts us on an even playing field and that includes Orange, Ulster with the rest of the state, shoot- and Sullivan counties. The bill ing a film in the Hudson Valley is was signed on November 4. a no-brainer. This type of credit The legislation makes the coun- supports an industry that embrac- ties eligible for an additional 10% es, but doesn’t exploit our natural credit on top of the 30% statewide resources.” credit, in an effort to attract film “This legislation was about lev- and television productions to up- eling the playing field,” said Todd state New York. Diorio, president of the Hudson The legislation was sponsored Valley Building and Construc- by Assemblywoman Aileen Gun- tion Trades Council. “Assembly- ther. She said, “The film industry woman Gunther understands has brought billions in revenue to that members of the construction the State of New York. Expanding trades have had to travel more it to include the Catskills will en- than an hour to work on produc- able our communities to tap into tions in the studio zone, negative- that revenue, while creating jobs ly impacting their quality of life, which is why she fought so hard and advancing the local economy. TRR photo by Jonathan Fox I’m grateful for Gov. Cuomo’s for this new law. This is an oppor- commitment, not only to this in- tunity to capitalize on an extraor- dustry, but to the 100th Assembly dinary economic development District.” opportunity—one that benefits Hot times in the The measure was also support- unions as well as private sector ed by a number of entertainers businesses.” including Chevy Chase, Natalie According to industry experts, Town of Bethel Merchant, Debra Winger, Mary- a moderate-sized, six-month pro- Stuart Masterson, Mark Ruffalo duction will bring approximately HITE LAKE, NY — Why is Town of Marie Smith? and Aidan Quinn. $3 million into the local economy Bethel Supervisor Dan Sturm posing For the answer turn to Jonathan Fox’s column Ramsay Adams, executive direc- in food and lodging alone. Wwith strippers Jenna Hiatt, left, and on page 20. tor of Catskill Mountainkeeper, SPANNING 2 STATES, 4 COUNTIES, AND A RIVER THAT UNITES US Shakespeare at Yoga International The Cooperage ...and local, in Honesdale 37 plays in 90 minutes 15 18 2 • NOVEMBER 10-16, 2016 THE RIVER REPORTER Record reservoir IN BRIEF Liberty budget has no tax increase Hawley man sentenced to prison LIBERTY, NY — The Liberty Town Board has adopt- HAWLEY, PA — A Hawley man who led police on boating season ed a budget for 2017 with no tax increase for residents. a high-speed chase through Cherry Ridge Township The budget was adopted at the board’s meeting on Oc- has been sentenced to up to 14 years in prison by Presi- EW YORK STATE — The New York City Depart- tober 17. Despite rising costs and a reduced tax base, dent Judge Raymond L. Hamill. ment of Environmental Protection (DEP) on No- the board was able to hold the line on taxes thanks in District Attorney Janine Edwards said the charges vember 7 announced that a total of 1,668 boats were N part to its implementation of cost-saving initiatives. against James Sullivan included possession with in- used in 2016 through its recreational boating program in The town has also been the recipient of almost $4 mil- tent to deliver a controlled substance, possessing in- the Catskills, another all-time high for the program since lion in grant money over the last six years. struments of a crime, resisting arrest and conspiracy it began in 2012. This year also marked the first time that “The Liberty Town Board is determined to keep tax to commit theft. kayaks and canoes rented from local businesses in the increases at or near zero percent to encourage growth Sullivan and others led police on a chase in August, Catskills accounted for the majority of boats used on the in the town,” said Liberty Town Supervisor Charlie and he was eventually captured by Pennsylvania State four reservoirs, a trend that underscores the program’s Barbuti. “Keeping municipal services at the level peo- Police and found to be in possession of wax packets support of local tourism and outdoor recreation econo- ple expect and not increasing taxes is difficult; but with containing heroin residue, crack cocaine and bur- mies. smart business and residential growth, it is possible.” glars tools such as a black facemask, black gloves and Overall participation in the recreational boating pro- Barbuti said to achieve that growth, the town has a black headlamp. Sullivan pled guilty to the charges gram represented a 14% increase from the previous year, been proactive in creating a marketing plan to attract on October 13. during which 1,463 boats were used. That increase was interest from businesses and homeowners looking for Edwards said “The sentence imposed reflects the driven by the success of the rental program, which allows all the assets Liberty has to offer. He says Liberty’s seriousness of the crimes this defendant committed. visitors to rent a kayak or canoe from one of six busi- town parks, easy access to major highways and prox- This defendant and his co-defendants led police on nesses in the Catskills that store pre-cleaned rental boats imity to New York City make it an excellent choice as a a high-speed chase putting lives in jeopardy, and he alongside the reservoirs. Local businesses rented a total place to live, work and play. stole regularly from innocent community members. of 912 boats in 2016, an increase of 34% from the previous This is the third year in a row that the Liberty Town The court’s sentence of significant state time is a clear year. The rental program, administered in partnership Board has managed to keep town taxes level. Details of message that selling drugs, stealing and risking lives with the Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC), began the budget are available on the Town of Liberty web- is not acceptable and will incur appropriate punish- in 2013 to provide easier boating access for visitors to the site at www.townofliberty.org. ment.” Catskills and for local residents who don’t own a boat. It has also helped support local businesses by providing a new source of revenue. Honesdale man sentenced for sex Police arrest 242 in crackdown The recreational boating program at Cannonsville, with minor NEW YORK STATE — New York State Police report- ed 242 arrests for driving while intoxicated during Neversink, Pepacton and Schoharie reservoirs comple- HONESDALE, PA — Jimmy Rife, age 49, of Hones- the Halloween DWI Crackdown on impaired driving. ments the traditional use of metal rowboats for fishing, dale Borough, was sentenced to up to 20 years in a state The campaign, which started October 28 and ended which has been permitted for decades on all New York prison after pleading guilty in August to one count of November 1, is aimed at significantly reducing deaths City reservoirs. involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, a first degree and injuries caused by motorists driving drunk or im- “This year’s results show that our recreational boating felony and one count of corruption of a minor related paired by drugs. program in the Catskills is hitting two important marks,” to sexual offenses, a third degree felony. “Drunk and impaired drivers pose serious dangers DEP Acting Commissioner Vincent Sapienza said. “The Rife was also found to be a violent sexual predator to themselves and other motorists,” Gov. Andrew program is providing more revenue to local tourism busi- by President Judge Raymond L. Hamill and ordered to Cuomo said. “I commend the state police and local law nesses and outdoor equipment shops, and it is making pay restitution up to $5,000 in counseling for the vic- enforcement for their continued vigilance in getting this type of recreation more accessible and affordable for tim. The crime involved a 13-year-old female victim. these dangerous drivers off of our roads.” those who don’t own a boat. Paddling or sailing on New The series of attacks occurred over a seven-month pe- Officers also targeted drivers who were distracted, York City’s reservoirs in the Catskills continues to at- riod from April to October in 2015. speeding, not wearing seatbelts and not abiding by the tract people who want to explore the scenic beauty of the District Attorney Janine Edwards said, “The sen- “move over” law. region.” tence Mr. Rife received is a strong statement by this Troopers issued 11,497 total tickets during the five- “DEP’s recreational boating program plays an impor- court that sexual crimes against children will not go day campaign, including 4,342 for speeding, 322 for tant role in promoting tourism to our area, and we con- without severe punishment. The hard work of ADA distracted driving, 333 for child restraint and seatbelt tinue to highlight and encourage use of this outdoor op- Deborah Rothenberg, Wayne County Children and violations, and 176 for failing to “move over.” Addi- portunity,” said Roberta Byron-Lockwood, president and Youth Services and the Honesdale Borough Police De- tionally, troopers investigated a total of 1,111 crashes, CEO of the Sullivan County Visitors Association.