A new study released today by Westchester Residential Opportunities (WRO) found that while inroads were made over the past six years, housing discrmination still exists in the lower Hudson Valley. 

In 2005, WRO says 46.5% of tests conducted found discrimination in rental housing in Westchester. In the current round of testing, the percentage was down to 17.54%. Discrimination in Rockland was 34.6% and it was 14.3 percent in Putnam County. 

The findings were released at a news conference hosted by Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino in White Plains.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and and the Executive Director of the New York State Bridge Authority (NYSBA) Joseph Ruggiero announced major counterterrorism upgrades at five Hudson Valley bridges, including the Bear Mountain Bridge.

Schumer says the upgrades will be completed thanks to funding from the Department of Homeland Security. A total of $3.45 million has been allocated by the DHS  for use at the Bear Mountain Bridge, the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, the Mid-Hudson Franklin D. Roosevelt Bridge, the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge and the Rip Van Winkle Bridge. In addition, the New York State Bridge Authority will contribute an additional $1.15 million to the security upgrades.

Schumer says security upgrades at the Bear Mountain Bridge are of particular importance, noting its close proximity to the Indian Point and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.