ALBANY-New York State reports it has paid $3 million to acquire two parcels of land in Orange County totaling 634 acres of open space that will expand Sterling Forest State Park to almost 18,000 acres.

FRAMINGHAM, MA-Colortyme, a rent-to-own/rental-purchase franchiser, opens its eighth store in the state in the Bullard Building at the junction of Routes 126 and 135. The Greater Boston franchise is looking to open two to three additional locations in the area.

NEW YORK CITY-The 15-story build-to-suit will be constructed at 30-30 Northern Blvd. in Queens, pending leasing commitments for at least 60% of the tower. Developer Edward J. Minskoff says he is hoping to lure decentralization-minded Midtown firms across the river.

ORLANDO-Zion's Hope Inc., a so-called non-profit group headed by a Baptist minister who converted from Judaism, expects to break ground by fall 2003 on a replica of Noah's Ark with live animals; an exhibit on creationism; and a 1,600-seat outdoor theater.