What's the deadline for filing my appeal with the Appellate Division?

The adverse party served me with the judgment for my Article 78 proceeding on November 1, 2008. I filed the Notice of Appeal on December 1, 2008, upon the opposing party and served it this same day via personal service. I was told by the clerk that I have nine months to file the request for appeal with the Appellate Division. I also have to request poor person's relief for the costs of copying the record for the appeal. Was this nine month deadline correct? It is now July 14; can I file the poor person's order and get the appeal on the calendar for the Appellate Division before the nine months is up? What options do I have for requesting an extension? I do know that this is not an appeal as of right (b/c it's an Article 78 proceeding), so I have to request the Court's permission.