RyeCity REVIEW THE
!!!! BATTLE AT PLAYLAND!
Rye’s Dean Kim is taken down from behind as he scores a goal against Mamaroneck on Jan. 10. Kim had two goals as the Garnets topped the Tigers 6-2 at Rye Playland. For story, see page 16.
Emelin Theatre receives $25K grant from state Emelin Theatre for the Performing Arts announced a grant award totaling $25,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support the nonprofit arts and culture sector. Through New York State’s continued investment in arts and culture, NYSCA has awarded over $80 million since spring 2023 to more than 1,500 artists and organizations across the state. Gov. Kathy Hochul said, “Research confirms what we’ve always known here in New York: arts and culture are a powerhouse, with a staggering return on investment for our economy and our communities. Nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences generated
$151.7 billion in economic activity nationwide in 2022 and New York’s unparalleled arts and culture sector is leading the way to benefit our residents, our students and our visitors every day. I commend these grantees on their achievements and look forward to their contributions in the coming year.” NYSCA Chair Katherine Nicholls added, “Thanks to the unwavering support of Governor Hochul and our Legislature, NYSCA is so proud to support the work of organizations and artists from all across New York. Spanning the entire breadth of the arts and culture sector – from world-renowned performers to after-school programs, from long established museums to community
arts collectives – these organizations and artists together are a powerful driver of health, tourism, economy and education for our residents and visitors. On behalf of Council and staff, congratulations to the Emelin Theatre and thank you for your perseverance, your creativity and your tireless service to New York State.” Emelin President Mark Ettenger stated, “NYSCA is the critical catalyst for the arts and the cultural powerhouse in NY. We are grateful for NYCSA’s grant and for Governor Hochul and the legislature’s focus on and support of the arts in New York State. The Emelin is committed to serving its region and to NYSCA’s vision for the arts.”
January 19, 2024 | Vol. 10, Number 3 | www.ryecityreview.com
Latimer advocates for study on Penn Station access study Westchester County Executive George Latimer is taking proactive steps to address the transportation needs of the region, as outlined in a letter addressed to Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Janno Lieber, Latimer is calling for a study to have the Hudson Line have direct one seat access to Manhattan’s Penn Station. In his letter, Latimer said: “The advantages of such a connection are abundant. Improved transportation links would not only further ease congestion but also foster economic growth, enhance accessibility to job opportunities, and contribute to the overall quality of life for residents in Westchester County, the Bronx and beyond.” Expressing his continued support for the progress made with West Side Access on the New Haven Line, which links Metro North’s New Haven Line service with four new Bronx Stations into Manhattan’s Penn Station on the West Side, Latimer said it is time for a parallel initiative on the Hudson River side of Metro North. According to statistics from the MTA provided in its 2022 overview, the Hudson Line’s ridership rose 56.7% from 2021 with approximately 3.6 million more rides. The total annual East of Hudson (Harlem Line, Hudson Line and New Haven Line) ridership was approximately 48 million, approximately 17.9 million more rides than the 30.1 million for 2021. These increased ridership numbers show a serious appetite for greater access to MTA trains. Latimer wants the MTA to undertake a comprehensive
study to evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of establishing West Side Access from Westchester and the Bronx on the Hudson Line to Penn Station. The existing Amtrak line in the corridor presents a strategic opportunity to leverage the infrastructure for the benefit of the communities along the Hudson River. Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said: “As the fastest growing big city in New York State and the gateway to the Hudson Valley, Yonkers support Westchester County’s quest to expand transportation access to the metropolitan area. I commend County Executive Latimer for advocating for our residents and businesses that will result in economic growth and improved quality of life. Together, we can make access to Penn Station a reality.” Yonkers City Councilwoman and Majority Leader Tasha Diaz said: “As the Majority leader and Councilwoman representing a large portion of the West side of Yonkers it is imperative that we make it easier for people to commute by public transportation. Yonkers would greatly benefit by having direct access to Penn Station. Access to public transportation should be efficient and easily accessible for the residents of Yonkers. The MTA must do their job in growing public transportation initiatives throughout Westchester.” Westchester County Legislator Shanae Williams said: “I support County Executive Latimer and all my colleagues in government in calling on the MTA to conduct a study for the Hudson Line to have direct one seat access to Manhattan Penn Station.”