Astorino delivers State of County

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino delivered his 2015 State of the County address Wednesday.
The Republican announced a "long-overdue" facelift for Rye Playland. The troubled amusement park that has been on a financial roller coaster for years. He says that he has found the right management company to restore the 87-year-old park, and that Standard Amusements will also introduce new rides and concessions.
It's a deal Astorino says would infuse cash into the county's coffers.
Under the five-year, $25 million agreement, Standard Amusements will pay the county more than $2 million upfront, $300,000 more annually, and 7.5 percent of profits once they recoup their initial investment.
Astorino says it won't cost taxpayers anything, but the Board of Legislators must approve the plan.
The executive avoided a county tax increase, something that has become a trend in recent years. Astorino says that while the county is not broke, there is not a penny to spare.
Astorino also announced his plan to lure businesses into the county and away from Manhattan. He plans to open an office across from Grand Central Terminal to promote Westchester's competitive advantages.
Former New York Knicks star Allan Houston was in attendance at the address, promoting the county's partnership with the Knicks that brought the team's development league team to the Westchester County Center.
The Democratic response to the address was delivered by Westchester County Board Chairman Michael Kaplowitz. He spoke about what he and the board have accomplished due to their bipartisanship and cooperation with Astorino.