Siena Poll: Majority of New Yorkers back federal land use for migrant shelters

A recent Siena College Research Institute Poll reveals that a majority of New Yorkers support the idea of utilizing federal properties as temporary shelters for migrants. With a margin of 56% to 36%, respondents voiced ... more
DMV wants harsher penalties for speeding, fleeing accidents, and DWI: What would change?

In response to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s recent State of the State address advocating for increased safety measures on the roads, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has proposed a series of stricter ... more
Auburn considers hotel tax; local concerns over impact on tourism swirl

Following the governor's approval of hotel tax bills for Weedsport and Skaneateles, Auburn city officials are contemplating the implementation of a similar tax. The Auburn Citizen reports that during a recent City Council meeting, City ... more
Public hearing slated for Canandaigua marina zoning change

A petition from the owner of German Brothers Marina, seeking a change in the zoning of the marina property, will be the subject of a public hearing by the Canandaigua Town Board on September 18 ... more
Cayuga County reaffirms state of emergency, intensifying stance on migrant housing

Chairman David Gould of the Cayuga County Legislature has reaffirmed the county's state of emergency, intensifying its stance on migrant housing. The recent order, signed this past Saturday, prohibits any organization from collaborating with local ... more
State Supreme Court deals blow to NY ethics commission amid Cuomo book controversy

A significant blow was dealt to New York's ethics oversight on Monday, as State Supreme Court Justice Thomas Marcelle declared the newly established Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government unconstitutional. Marcelle, a Republican judge ... more
Tompkins County takes on homelessness in new working group

In an effort to collaboratively address the growing concerns related to Ithaca's West End homeless encampment, known as “the Jungle,” Tompkins County is forming its own task force. Dubbed the “Land Use & Homelessness Working ... more
Dunkin’ development in city of Geneva finally moves forward after clearing environmental hurdle

The once-stalled development project at the intersection of Exchange and North streets, known as the Gateway Parcel, is gaining momentum after receiving environmental clearance. The project, reported on this weekend by the Finger Lakes Times, ... more
Twisted Rail Brewing, City of Canandaigua look for solutions on noise complaints: Live music paused temporarily

Twisted Rail Brewing Co., a favored brewery and dining destination along Canandaigua Lake, has temporarily suspended outdoor amplified music after receiving noise complaints from neighboring residents. The Canandaigua Messenger reports at least two complaints emerged ... more
Mike Sigler to challenge Lea Webb in 52nd District next year

Republican Tompkins County Legislator, Mike Sigler, is setting his sights on the New York State Senate, announcing his intention to run against incumbent Democrat Senator Lea Webb for the 52nd state Senate District in 2024 ... more
Deer population problem in the city? Geneva council turns down proposal

Geneva City Council, in its meeting on Wednesday, turned down a proposal to control what some claim is a growing deer population in the city's Ward 1. The Finger Lakes Times reports the discussion was ... more
New York STAR tax relief program: What do homeowners need to know?

New Yorkers have begun receiving their STAR benefit checks and exemptions for school property taxes, a relief program expected to run through the end of the year. The STAR program is designed to offer qualified ... more
Gillibrand introduces bill to safeguard SNAP benefits for job trainees

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand unveiled the Training and Nutrition Stability Act on Thursday, aiming to close existing gaps in the SNAP Employment and Training program. Presently, earnings from job training can jeopardize an individual's eligibility ... more
State lawmakers will address cannabis market rollout challenges at October hearing

New York State's slow progress in the recreational cannabis market is set for a review as lawmakers schedule a public hearing in Albany on October 30. This comes after the state legalized recreational cannabis in ... more
Geneva City Council moves forward with short-term rental policy

A unanimous decision on Wednesday night by the Geneva City Council moves forward a proposal to implement comprehensive regulations for short-term rentals in the city, properties typically leased for periods not exceeding 30 days. The ... more
Ithaca mayor blasts Cornell University after PILOT negotiations stall: City’s 2024 budget remains in limbo

Ithaca Mayor Laura Lewis announced on Thursday, September 7 that financial negotiations between the City of Ithaca and Cornell University have stalled. These negotiations were part of the City's goal of achieving an updated Payment ... more
New poll shows diminishing support for Biden’s 2024 re-election campaign amongst Democrats

A recent CNN-SSRS poll reveals growing reservations among Democratic-leaning voters regarding nominating President Joe Biden for a 2024 re-election bid. The survey indicates that two-thirds of these voters believe the Democratic Party should opt for ... more
Seneca Falls Town Board kills draft host agreement with Seneca Meadows, seeks probe into high lung cancer rates

By a 3-2 vote, the Seneca Falls Town Board last night shot down a draft 15-year host community agreement (HCA) between the town and the Seneca Meadows Inc. landfill that supporters said was worth more ... more
Cayuga County continues emergency order over asylum seekers

Cayuga County's Legislature Chair David Gould has renewed a five-day state of emergency order amid concerns over potential influxes of migrants and asylum seekers in the area. This latest mandate, like its predecessors, prohibits any ... more