Governor’s Aide Named To Replace Ousted DEC Commissioner

“DEC accounts for approximately 2.5 percent of the New York State workforce subject to executive control,” and yet, “DEC's layoffs will comprise more than 10 percent of the 2,000 positions that the governor plans to eliminate.” - Memo from DEC Commissioner Alexander B. Grannis to Gov. David A. Paterson. The memo says laying off another 209 employees is unfair and disproportionate. Mr. Grannis was fired by the governor’s top aide, Larry Schwartz, after the memo was leaked.

Albany

Gov. David A. Paterson is replacing a Pete with a Peter. On Thursday he announced that his deputy secretary for the environment, Peter M. Iwanowicz, was taking over as acting commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation after the dismissal of Alexander B. Grannis, better known as Pete, according to the New York Times.

Judy SandersPeter M. Iwanowicz

Mr. Iwanowicz, 43, will remain in his current post and hold both positions.

He first joined state government in 2007, when Mr. Grannis named him director of the state Climate Change Office.

Last week, Governor Paterson fired Mr. Grannis after the leaking of a memo warning of dire consequences from the administration’s budget cuts to the department. Mr. Grannis denied he had anything to do with the release of the memo and complained that he was dismissed by Lawrence Schwartz, the governor’s secretary, without ever getting a chance to talk to the governor.

As the governor’s deputy secretary for the environment, a position he assumed in March, Mr. Iwanowicz is responsible for environmental policy matters.

As the first director of the New York State Office of Climate Change, he oversaw the state’s participation in the cap-and-trade program among Northeastern states known as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI, pronounced “Reggie.”)

Before joining state government, Mr. Iwanowicz was vice president of the American Lung Association of New York State and also worked for the Albany-based Environmental Advocates of New York.

Alexander B. Grannis in his Albany office in April. He was fired on Thursday October 21, after a memo about cuts in his staff was leaked. (Photo:Mike Groll/Associated Press)

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Governor’s Aide Steps In for Ousted Environment Chief

New York Times Green Blog - October 28, 2010

- By Mireya Navarro

A New Commissioner and More Cuts for the DEC (VIDEO)

WENY -

October 29, 2010

- By

Jane Park

Gov. Paterson Replaces DEC Commish; Loses Spokesman

New York Daily News - October 28, 2010 - By Celeste Katz

DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis Fired Over Leaked Critical Memo

A Walk In The Park - October 22, 2010

Internal DEC Memo Warns Governor Against Further Agency Cuts

A Walk In The Park - October 20, 2010

Internal DEC Memo Warns Governor Against Further Agency Cuts

"This is an administration that is openly disdainful of any and all things environmental," said Assemblyman Robert Sweeney, a Long Island Democrat who is chairman of the chamber's Environmental Conservation Committee.

ALBANY

An internal memo from the Department of Environmental Conservation paints a bleak picture of a gutted agency unable to accomplish its full mission if Gov. David Paterson achieves the job cuts he wants, according to Times Union.

If DEC cuts the 209 jobs demanded by the governor, the agency will have lost 22 percent of its staff since April 2008.

To reach this latest cut, DEC may have to turn over unspecified programs to either federal or local officials, according to a memo sent by the agency to the state Budget Division and obtained by the Times Union.

The unsigned, undated memo warns that fewer polluted sites would be cleaned up, fewer regulators would be available to oversee the potential natural gas drilling boom in the Marcellus Shale, and stocking of game fish could halt.

In order to avoid cuts to programs that protect human health or address immediate environmental damage, the memo suggests the most logical places for deep cuts would be outdoor recreation and sports -- including skiing, fishing, hunting, camping and hiking.

"Many of our programs are hanging by a thread. The public would be shocked to learn how thin we are in many areas," it states. "DEC is in the weakest position that it has been since it was created 40 years ago."

DEC spokesman Yancey Roy referred comment on the memo to the state Budget Division, which did not return a call. Roy said he was not aware of any pending layoff notices at DEC.

In April 2008, DEC had 3,775 staffers; Paterson's goal of 209 further job cuts, coming on the heels of 260 staffers who left last month under an early retirement program, would reduce that to 2,926 by December. Paterson has called for a total reduction of 2,000 additional state workers by the end of the year, although unions have threatened legal action to block that action.

"This is an administration that is openly disdainful of any and all things environmental," said Assemblyman Robert Sweeney, a Long Island Democrat who is chairman of the chamber's Environmental Conservation Committee. "This is penny-wise and pound foolish. We are paying a price for this, and already are unable to access federal funding for ourselves and not-for-profit agencies because DEC no longer has the people to do the paperwork. How dumb is that?"

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DEC warns governor against further cuts

Times Union - October 19, 2010 - By Brian Nearing

State Assembly Passes Park Legislation To Reopen Parks

Dozens of shuttered state parks should reopen, just in time for the Memorial Day weekend.

Early this morning, the State Assembly passed a bill that would provide $11 million dollars for park operations this year, according to NY1.

The Senate is expected to vote on it later today.

The agreement reached with Governor David Paterson yesterday takes the money from the state's Environmental Protection Fund. In fact, a total of $74 million would be cut from the fund.

The Paterson administration had closed 41 parks and 14 historic sites, including Bayswater Point Park in Queens to try to save money. Others, including Riverbank State Park in Manhattan, had services and hours cut.

Opponents say cutting the environment fund will lead to drastic cuts for other institutions like the Bronx Zoo and the Botanical Garden.

State Senate To Vote On Parks Legislation

NY 1 - May 28, 2010

Hostage No Longer, Deal Reached to Reopen Closed State Parks

Chester Higgins Jr./The New York TimesFire it up: Picnickers in Riverbank State Park in Harlem in 2007. A last-minute agreement in Albany will undo program cuts at Riverbank and reopen dozens of closed parks around the state. The deal cuts $ 77 million from the Environmental Protection Fund, including $ 59 million for much needed land  acquisition.

"The fund’s budget for land acquisition, for example, which was $59 million last year, is zero under the agreement, an official in the governor’s office said."

ALBANY

Just in time for the ritual lighting of the grills this weekend, the governor and the Legislature reached an agreement to reopen the 58 state parks and historic sites that closed last week, casualties of the state’s budget crisis, according to the New York Times.

Gov. David A. Paterson told a WOR-AM radio host, John Gambling, Thursday morning that the staff members “worked until about 4 o’clock in the morning” and appear to have resolved the issues about the state parks.”

The Legislature still needs to approve the measure, but Austin Shafran, a spokesman for the State Senate Democratic leader, John L. Sampson, said at 4 p.m. that the Senate had received the draft of the legislation and was reviewing it.

“We have the framework of the agreement in place to reopen the parks this weekend and for the remainder of the year,” Mr. Shafran said. “Our conference is reviewing the specific details and are hopeful to pass the legislation shortly” – possibly as soon as Thursday evening.

A spokeswoman for the Assembly leadership said that legislation was “close.”

Read More:

Deal Reached to Reopen Closed State Parks

New York Times City Room - May 27, 2010-  By Andy NEWMAN

State Parks Deal Nearer - $77 Mil. Environmental Protection Fund Cut

ALBANY

Gov. Paterson this morning said he’s reached a deal with lawmakers to re-open state parks in time for the Memorial Day weekend - so long as both houses of the Legislature adopt it later today, according to the New York Daily News. 

“We worked until about four o’clock in the morning and the staffs of the Senate and Assembly and the governor’s office appear to have resolved the issues about the state parks,” Paterson said on WOR’s "The John Gambling Show."

Paterson said legislative leaders have come up with the necessary spending cuts to re-open the 41 state parks and 14 historic sites that have not opened this season because of the budget crunch.

“The legislature has made the tough choices to may satisfaction that will enable us to open the parks,” Pateron said. “That’s the good news. Now the bad news is that it has taken about four days to find 11 million to keep the parks open.”

Paterson’s initial proposal to re-open the parks, which the Legislature rejected on Monday, took the money from the Environmental Protection Fund. But to approve the deal, lawmakers had to go along with Paterson’s proposal to shave $77 million from the fund’s total budget, which the governor said is necessary to help close the state’s $9.2 billion budget deficit.

Read More:

Finally a parks deal?

New York Daily News - The Daily Politics - May 27, 2010 -  By Glenn Blain 

State Parks May Open This weekend

It looks like the state parks will be open this weekend, reports NY Daily News Glenn Blain from the State Capitol Bureau:

Legislative sources are claiming a “handshake agreement” with Gov. Paterson to reopen the 41 state parks and 14 historic sites that were closed because of the state’s budget crunch.

“We have a tentative agreement that will keep parks open this weekend and for the remainder of the year,” said state Senate Democrats spokesman Austin Shafran.

Details of the deal are still murky, but sources said it involves taking about $6 million from the state’s general fund to keep the parks open. It would also restore funding to zoos, botanical gardens and aquariums that Paterson had proposed cutting in half.

Paterson administration officials say talk of a deal is premature but confirm that negotiations are progressing and an agreement is imminent.

“There is no deal yet, but I expect to get there today,” said a top Paterson administration official.

Sen. Jose Serrano, chair of the Senate’s Parks Committee, had been planning an 11:30 press conference to announce the deal, but that session has been cancelled.

“They need to work out the language,” said Serrano spokeswoman Juliana Hernandez.

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State Parks Could Be Open This Weekend! UPDATED

New York Daily News - May 26, 2010 By Celeste Katz

Gov. Paterson's Park Funding Plan Not Flying With Lawmakers

Sign Of The Times. Bayswater Point State Park, Queens, NY. 

(Photo: Geoffrey Croft/NYC Park Advocates)

The Governor’s Bill Did Not Make It To The Floor Of Either House Monday.

“This excuse of re-routing $110 million from the Environmental Protection fund and telling all of you that it’s a $6 million program, he’s taking $104 million to do other things,” said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. “It’s inappropriate.”

ALBANY

Governor David Paterson presented a plan Monday that would reopen some state parks but lawmakers say they do not like the strings that are attached. NY1’s Erin Billups filed the following report.

The governor has a plan to re-open parks just in time for Memorial Day. But when you have a $9.2 billion deficit, nothing comes without a price.

“We’ve provided them with an option at this point,” said Governor David Paterson’s Communication Director Morgan Hook. “It is an option that has difficult choices in it that includes cuts and funding to programs that nobody wants to see cut.”

But lawmakers and park advocates say Paterson is trying to back them into a corner.

“This is really just a ploy by the governor to use the fact that the parks are closing to press the Legislature into hacking the [Environmental Protection Agency] in half,” said John Sheehan, spokesman for the Adirondack Council.

The governor’s proposal would earmark $6 million of the Environmental Protection fund for state parks operations. In order to do that though, Paterson proposes redirecting $67 million in revenue away from the fund, a number lawmakers say is even bigger, and will result in other devastating cuts.

“This excuse of re-routing $110 million from the Environmental Protection fund and telling all of you that it’s a $6 million program, he’s taking $104 million to do other things,” said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. “It’s inappropriate.”

“Whether it’s the Buffalo Zoo or zoos in New York City, or botanical gardens in Erie County or parts of the Bronx, they would be cut 40 percent and the Legislature has not weighed in on those restorations,” said State Senator Antoine Thompson, chairman of the Environmental Conservation Committee.

Read More:

State Government May Reverse City Park Cuts

NY1 - May 25, 2010 -  By Erin Billups

Gov. Paterson Bid to Restore Funding To State Parks - 6 Million Cut In EP Fund

A Walk In The Park - May 23, 2010

Park Closings/Service Cuts Not "Serious Issues" - Gov. Paterson

A Walk In The Park - May 19, 2010

Gov. Paterson Catches Heat for Timing of Park Opening

A Walk In The Park - May 18, 2010 

Riverbank State Park Hours and Programs Slashed:Bayswater Point In Queens Closed

A Walk In The Park - May 17, 2010 

Gov. Paterson Bid to Restore Funding To State Parks - 6 Million Cut In EP Fund

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP/1010 WINS)  -- Senior officials in the Paterson administration say Gov. David Paterson will introduce a bill Monday that would keep all New York parks and historic sites open for the year including the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, according to 1010 WINS via AP. But the officials say the Legislature will have to agree to take $6 million from the Environmental Protection Fund to pay for it. The staffers say lawmakers in stalled budget talks as recently as Saturday insisted that a top priority is to keep the parks and historic sites open. Paterson sees the move as a way to address a chief concern he shares, but only with the corresponding cut he has insisted upon. Read More:

Paterson Bill to Keep All NY Parks Open

1010 WINS - May 23, 2010

Governor Patterson Signs Child Safe Playing Field Pesticides Act

(Beyond Pesticides, May 21, 2010) Governor Patterson of New York signed the Child Safe Playing Field Act into law on Tuesday, marking a huge victory for grassroots environmental and human health groups. The law helps to protect children by banning the use of pesticides on school playing fields and play grounds. Schools will have one year to comply with the regulations. In New York and across the country, schools routinely apply pesticides and “weed and feed” products (pesticides mixed with chemical fertilizers), which are linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, learning disabilities, asthma and other problems. Strong opposition from the pesticide industry had led to a previous version of the bill being defeated nine times. While the earlier versions of the legislation included all outdoor school grounds, the scope was narrowed to include only playgrounds and playing fields to help ensure passage. In addition, over 8,000 letters were sent to legislators in favor of the bill and over 18,000 people signed a petition, according to Citizens Campaign for the Environment.

The Child Safe Playing Field Act requires that all schools, preschools, and day care centers both public and private to stop using pesticides on any playgrounds or playing fields. The law does allow for emergency application of pesticides for infestations if the County Health Department, the Commissioner of Health, the Commissioner of Environmental Conservation or the school board deems it an emergency. Containerized nonvolatile bait stations are also permitted for insect and rodent control. “The archaic practice of poisoning children’s play grounds is coming to an end in New York State. We will now raise a generation of healthier, safer children because of this legislation,” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens’ Campaign for the Environment.

While opponents of the bill argued that current pesticide regulations offer adequate protection to humans and the environment, many studies have shown that human health is increasingly at risk from pesticide exposure. Children are particularly in need of protection from pesticides, because their organ systems are still developing. They also have a faster rate of metabolism than adults meaning that with respect to body weight they take in more pesticides from food they eat and the air they breathe. Most recently, a new report has linked everyday pesticide usage to ADHD in children.

Read More:

Grassroots Celebrates the Child Safe Playing Fields Act: 

New Law Prohibits Chemical Pesticides On All School Grounds in New York State

CT Environmental Headlines.com - May 21, 2010

Child Safe Playing Field Act Signed into Law by New York Governor

Beyond Pesticides Daily News Blog - May 21, 2010

S4983C: Prohibits the use of certain toxic chemicals for lawn and grounds maintenance

NY State Senate - May 10, 2010

Park Closings/Service Cuts Not "Serious Issues" - Gov. Paterson

Bayswater Point State Park - Queens NY.- May 16, 2010.  The 12 acre natural area located in far Rockaway Jamaica, was closed over the weekend. Gov. Paterson's attempt to hold parks hostage has not endeared him to fellow lawmakers or to the public. (Photo By Geoffrey Croft/NYC Park Advocates)

With no budget deal in sight, one of Governor Paterson's cost-cutting proposals is receiving national attention. NY1's Erin Billups filed the following report.

According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Governor David Paterson's proposed reductions for state parks makes the Empire State the poster child for endangered parks and historic places.

"There are very few states where the situation is as dire as it is in New York State," said National Trust for Historic Preservation Northeast Director Wendy Nicholas.

More than 80 parks and historical sites are facing closures or a reduction in their hours because the governor wants to cut more than $11 million from their budget.

Speaking to legislative leaders during a meeting Tuesday, Paterson said he’s trying to send them a message.

"The reason we’ve had a bare-bones emergency appropriations is to try and get all of you to act on the budget," said the governor.

Instead, Paterson says lawmakers seem to be fixated on restoring funding to parks during an election year rather than focusing on the bigger budget picture. In a Monday meeting with Assembly Democrats, Paterson said concerns over park closures came up four times.

"When you start hearing ancillary discussions when you have the governor in your midst and you could be talking about the serious issues. You get the impression that people aren’t serious," Paterson said.

Lawmakers, however, say the governor is the one who doesn’t get it.

Read More:

Park Closures A 'Dire' Example Of State's Standing

NY 1 - May 19, 2010 - By Erin Billups

Gov. Paterson Catches Heat for Timing of Park Opening

Keh for News

On the day massive cuts to state park services were implemented Governor Paterson attended the ribbon cutting for a section of Chelsea Park in Manhattan. Hudson River Park in Chelsea features a huge skatepark along with lush greens.

MANHATTAN 

In a case of really bad timing - or political tin ear - Gov. Paterson cut the ribbon on a new Manhattan park Monday just as budget cuts forced dozens of state parks to close, according to the NY Daily News.

"It's not smart politics, and it's not good politics either," said Assemblyman Herman (Denny) Farrell after Paterson welcomed a new section of the Hudson River Park in Chelsea.

Farrell's Harlem constituents are furious their beloved Riverbank State Park was cut back by several hours a day.

"The governor should know this community is constantly concerned that they're not getting their fair share," Farrell said.

Statewide, 81 parks and historical sites are closing or cutting their hours because of the ongoing Albany budget crisis, according to a list on a state Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Web site.

Riverbank has been ordered not to open its outdoor pool this summer and to slash summer concerts. Another state park in the city - Bayswater Point in Queens - is completely closed.


Read More:

Gov. Paterson gets flak for unveiling Chelsea park as many others close
New York Daily News - May 18, 2010 - By Erin Einhorn

Riverbank State Park Hours and Programs Slashed:Bayswater Point In Queens Closed

May 16, 2010. Locked Gates, Bayswater State Park, Queens, NY. Mott Avenue, btw.  Beacon Pl. and Jamaica Bay. (Photos By Geoffrey Croft)

By Geoffrey Croft

New York followed through this week on its threat to dramatically cut access and services to state parks. On Monday - the day Governor Patterson attended a ribbon cutting opening up a new section of Hudson River Park in Manhattan -  the state closed and reduced services in 41 parks and 14 historic sites. 

Riverbank State Park in Harlem had its hours cut by 40 percent. Its popular outdoor pool will not open, and programs were eliminated for seniors, including Learn To Swim and Aqua-aerobics for Arthritics, as well as exercise, art, and quilting classes. The park will now close before dark. 

The park was built for the community as mitigation for the building of a large water sewage plant on prime waterfront real estate. New York City ranks dead last in the provision of public swimming pools for a high density city. 

The cuts at Riverbank State Park in Harlem and the closing of Bayswater Point State Park in Queens would save approximately $ 750,000 and $ 5,500 dollars respectfully, according to a spokesperson for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Harlem resident Marcia Johnson, 56, said she arrived at Riverbank State Park on Monday at 6:30 a.m. to find the large green gates locked.

"It makes no sense," said Ms. Johnson,  a cancer survivor  who moved to New York from Jamaica in the early 1980s. She uses the park in the morning to exercise, walking around the track. "You have to get out of the house. A lot of people use this park – old people, people in wheelchairs, young people. The politicians don't care. People who live around Central Park shouldn't be the only ones with nice parks. We need them too."

In Bayswater Point State Park in Far Rockaway, the two gates were already padlocked last weekend. A small square sign affixed to a pole read, "Park Closed." The 12-acre park located on the south shore of Jamaica Bay in Queens is a popular spot for fishing and family outings.

"You gotta be kidding," said Rick Hill, 39,  when told how much the state would save by shutting down the park. "That's ridiculous – I mean, to close a park for $5,000. That's not even money."

A father of four, Mr. Hill said one of the main reasons he bought his house five years ago was because it was next to the park. He also fears the closed park will become neglected and overgrown. 

On May 14th, The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced it was accepting a $100,000 donation from Citibank to restore services cut last year at Long Island State Park as well as to fund summer programs in Westchester and Rockland Counties. The gift will also allow the swimming area at Zach’s Bay to extend its operating season through Labor Day.

Meanwhile in Harlem, more than 60,000 people will be without an outdoor pool and thousands more will be affected by program cuts – unless the budget is restored. 

"These parks keep children out of trouble," said Ms. Johnson. "The politicians don't spend money where they should."

Marcia Johnson of Harlem reads the new hours of Riverbank State Park. Park hours have gone from opening at 6:00am and closing at 11:00pm, to 11:00am to 7:00pm, a reduction of 40 percent.

On Monday Gov. Paterson was asked about the irony of having the ribbon cutting event on the day the state was shutting down dozens of parks and historic sites because of the state’s budget crisis.

“This kills me to stand here in a park knowing that I have probably closed down 41 parks and 14 other cultural sites and reduced funding for seven others."

Last  Friday state Senator Jose Serrano introduced a bill that would maintain the same hours of operation as last year at all state parks, and require the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation to carry out summer preparations.

Read More:

Hudson River Park Opens,  but 41 More Close

The Epoch Times - May 18, 2010 -  By Jack Phillips

NYS Closing 55 Parks,  Historic Sites Monday,

Residents Not Pleased With Gov. Paterson's Latest Attempt 

To Get Legislature's Attention On Overdue Budget

WCBS TV - May 17, 2010 - By Tony Aiello 

Video Only - May 17, 2010

Cambio de horario y cierres en el parque Riverbank 

NY1 Noticias - May 17, 2010

Riverbank State Park Begins Limited Hours; Queens Park Closes

NY 1 - May 17, 2010 - By Roger Clark

Cuts Force Closures and Reduced Hours at State Parks

WNYC - May 17, 2010 - By Jenna Flanagen

Farewell to Bayswater Point

New York Times City Room -  May 17,  2010 -  By Andy Newman

NYS to Close or Cut Hours at 55 Parks

WNYC - May 14, 2010 - by WNYC Newsroom

NY State To Close 55 Parks, Historic Sites Monday

A Walk in the Park - May 14, 2010 

New Yorkers To Save Riverbank

Save Riverbank