March 27, 2024

Snow Day Becomes Eclipse Day: Most Schools Cancel Class April 8

By Maddy Vogel

Several local school districts will be closing their doors on Monday, April 8 to allow students and staff the opportunity to witness the total solar eclipse, which will not occur again until 2044. Many school districts that had planned to stay open have now decided to be closed due to low expected attendance of students and teachers.

The following schools have issued a recess day for April 8: ICSD schools, Trumansburg schools, Newfield schools, Spencer-Van Etten schools, Lansing schools, Dryden schools, Candor schools and Groton schools. South Seneca schools will have a half day.

After a long debate at the March 12 Ithaca City School District (ICSD) board meeting, the board held a special voting session on March 18 to vote on changing the academic calendar to have a recess day. Despite many board members voicing concerns at the meeting on March 12, the motion to cancel school passed 7-1, with board member Jill Tripp voting in opposition.

Board Member Moira Lang’s main concern for canceling school was the burden that the cancellation would put on caregivers, who would be faced with a decision to take off of work or to find last-minute childcare. Ultimately, Lang said that the decisions for caregivers would be less burdensome than the decisions that would be put on schools if they remained open.

“When this first came up, I expressed in

our meeting last week a lot of concern about caregivers finding care for their children if their children were out of school,” Lang said. “That remains a concern for me. [...] Individual families who this creates a problem for if we close, they have far fewer things so challenging to consider about how to handle what happens on that day. So as much as I feel concerned about this closure, there’s a number of people who have helped me become aware of factors that I was unaware of last week.”

On April 8, 2024, parts of New York State — including more than half of the Adirondack Park — will be in the path of a total solar eclipse whenthe moon passes between the Earth and the sun in perfect alignment, leaving only the sun's corona visible.

ing the turmoil this caused.”

Board Member Erin Croyle, who seconded Lang’s concerns at the March 12 meeting, said she hopes that in the future, decisions to close will be made further in advance.

“It is not an easy decision, and we take it very seriously,” Croyle said. “I don’t think anyone necessarily wins. It’s a historic day and maybe in the future we can flag these and think about them a little more know-

T ake N ote

Board member Karen Yearwood reminded the board that the parents who are on the board may not be an accurate representation of all families in the district who will be faced with difficult decisions as a result of the school closure.

“We have parents up here too, and we’re not a representation of families out there who are struggling because they have to be at work and they can’t easily take off, whether it's three hours given, an hour, three months, it can be a hardship for families,” Yearwood said.

Continued on Page 15

X Early Voting in Tompkins County for Presidential Primary Election, 2024 Early Voting Locations

The Tompkins County Board of Elections is announcing the dates, times, and locations for 2024 Presidential Primary Election early voting.

Early Voting for this Presidential Primary Election will take place over 8 days between Saturday, March 23, 2024, and Saturday, March 30, 2024. Because only 8 days are available due to the Easter holiday, hours have been extended. There will be no Early Voting on Sunday, March 31, 2024.

Voters can use either location, the Town of Ithaca Town Hall (215 North Tioga St., Ithaca)

or Finger Lakes Library System (1300 Dryden Road, Ithaca). The Finger Lakes Library System location is temporarily replacing the Crash Fire Rescue Building for this year’s primary elections.

Once voters have cast their ballot on a machine at an early voting site, they will not be able to vote on Election Day.

Both locations will be open:

Saturday March 23, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Sunday March 24, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Monday March 25, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday March 26, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday March 27, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Thursday March 28, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Friday March 29, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Saturday March 30, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Presidential Primary Election Day is April 2, polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. A full list of Election Day polling locations can be found online at: https://tompkinscountyny. gov/boe/pollsites

Both the Democratic and Republican parties have Presidential Primary Elections on April 2nd. Only voters who are enrolled in these parties are eligible to vote in this election.

Ross Haarstad, Steve Lawrence, Marjorie Olds, Henry Stark, and Arthur Whitman

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COPYRIGHT © 2023, BY NEWSKI INC.

All rights reserved. Events are listed free of charge in TimesTable. All copy must be received by Friday at noon. The Ithaca Times is available free of charge from various locations around Ithaca. Additional copies may be purchased from the Ithaca Times offices for $1. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $89 one year. Include check or money order and mail to the Ithaca Times, PO Box 27, Ithaca, NY 14851. ADVERTISING: Deadlines are Monday 5 p.m. for display, Tuesday at noon for classified. Advertisers should check their ad on publication. The Ithaca Times will not be liable for failure to publish an ad, for typographical error, or errors in publication except to the extent of the cost of the space in which the actual error appeared in the first insertion. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason and to alter advertising copy or graphics deemed unacceptable for publication. The Ithaca Times is published weekly

PHER Q A

By Kenneth Waterhouse

WWHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR EASTER?

Council Discusses Hiring Grant Writing Consultant to Help Apply for 2024 Downtown Revitalization Initiative Grant

By Matt Dougherty

The Common Council discussed spending $40,000 to hire a grant writing consultant to help the City of Ithaca apply for New York’s annual $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) award during their meeting on March 20. The official resolution to approve allocating funds to hire a consultant will be voted on during the upcoming council meeting on April 3. The final DRI award application is due by September.

The DRI is part of the New York Forward program, and will invest $100 million in 10 communities throughout the state. It has been called “a cornerstone of the State’s economic development program” that “transforms downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers that offer a high quality of life and are magnets for redevelopment, business, job creation, and economic and housing diversity.” Previous cities that have received DRI grants are Elmira, Geneva, Oswego, Oneonta and Plattsburgh.

The city has applied for the coveted award six times over the last eight years and failed to win each time. Deputy Director for Economic Development Tom Knipe told the Council that the City decided not to apply last year because of the changes in leadership at the City and DIA and because the Downtown Plan Retail Study was still in process. Now that those plans will be completed this year and new leadership is in place, Knipe said that the City is ready to apply for the award once again — with help from a consultant.

“We have gathered extensive feedback from Empire State Development, Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council members, and people involved with successful DRI grant applications in other communities in Upstate NY. Based on the information we have gathered, we believe that the City of Ithaca is in a strong position to apply for and receive a DRI grant in 2024,” Knipe said.

According to Knipe, there is support for focusing the 2024 DRI application on the West State Street Corridor and West End. “This area, with the downtown core, was the subject of our most recent DRI application in 2022, which by many accounts was our strongest application to date,” Knipe said. He added, “These are also areas of the City where we can demonstrate a clear need and transformative impact of a DRI award.”

Regarding the need to hire a grant writing consultant, Knipe said that while researching in preparation for the 2024 application, he looked at other communities that have been successful at receiving DRI’s, and what he found was that many of them hired grant writing consultants.

“Almost every single one of those communities used a specialized grant writing consultant to help them develop their application,” Knipe said. He added, “This is a pretty big lift with very specific criteria, and we feel that hiring a grant consultant to help

us with this year’s applications would give us the best shot at bringing home that $10 million grant award to support the revitalization of downtown Ithaca.”

Knipe said, “The City and DIA will work to convene a DRI steering committee and do some preliminary work to compile projects and draft narrative.” He added that if funding to hire a consultant is approved, “the consultant will coordinate public outreach, help articulate DRI projects that align with a compelling DRI vision, and lead the development of the full DRI application.”

The council also discussed creating a grant administrator position that would help the city apply for and implement a wide variety of grants. Funding for the position was already approved as part of the 2023 city budget, and the council will vote to create the position during a meeting in April.

A summary of the position sent to the Common Council by Knipe stated that the new position comes with a starting salary of $68,216 — with the top end of the range reaching $81,859. According to Knipe, “It is expected that over time, the position will substantially increase grant revenues coming to the City.”

Knipe continued, saying, “Grants often allow the grantee to use a portion of funds to support grant administration, which will be an additional new direct source of revenue to help support this position.” He added, “It is expected that this position will also free up program staff citywide by reducing the administrative burden on grant administration to allocate more of

“Dinner with the wife and kiddos.”

– Squirrel

“Cracker barrel restaurant with the family.”

– Erica K.

“Work and hopefully time for Easter dinner.”

– Stacy L.

“Work and no plans as of yet.”

– Luke T.

“A planned photography trip.” – J. D.

A map of the Downtown Ithaca Neighborhood Plan.

Ithaca could be spending $40,000 to hire a grant writing consultant to help the city apply for a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant.

Cornell Students Arrested at Sit-In Protest Demanding Divestment from Weapons Manufacturers Complicit in Gaza Genocide

By Matt Dougherty

Agroup of 24 individuals at Cornell University began an indefinite sit-in at Day Hall, the university’s primary administrative building, on March 21. The sit-in was organized by the Coalition for Mutual Liberation (CML) and demanded that Cornell University call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and divest from weapons manufacturers complicit in what the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has deemed a “plausible” genocide.

The CML represents hundreds of students and consists of more than 40 organizations within Cornell University’s Ithaca Campus and the surrounding community.

The sit-in protest comes amidst a broader context of repression and censorship on campus, as highlighted by recent incidents of discrimination that saw a man spit on a female Muslim student in Collegetown on March 18 and the university’s crackdown on peaceful demonstrations. The protesters reference the university’s “Interim Expressive Activity Policy,” which they say is an attempt to suppress dissent and restrict freedom of expression.

As a result of the policy, several students who have taken part in CML protests have been subject to disciplinary action. The Cornell University Dispatch reported that several students engaging in the sit-in after the building was closed

at 5 p.m. were arrested by Cornell Police. According to the Dispatch, “Cornell Police entered the building at 6pm and immediately charged all the protesters present with trespassing. Occupants were then released with arraignment papers one-by-one, with the last student allowed to leave at 8:30 p.m.”

At 1:45 p.m. on March 22 the CML released a statement saying that 24 Conrell students were arrested by Cornell University Police for participating in the sit-in.

According to the statement, “This represents the first time Cornell has arrested students for protesting since 2005, and the first time since 1985 that the University has arrested more than ten protesters.”

The policy has been the subject of intense criticism among Cornell faculty and students who say it has created a “chilling effect” on free speech on campus. The Cornell Daily Sun has reported that “Faculty and students have widely condemned the interim policy due to concerns about the policy’s free expression consequences.” Additionally, the Sun reports that the CML “will continue to violate the controversial Interim Expressive Activity Policy unless the Board of Trustees agrees to consider voting on divestment from arms manufacturers providing Israel’s military with weaponry.”

The core reason for the coalition’s divestment demands stem from Cornell’s financial ties to companies that are involved in the production of weapons used by the Israeli military in their war on Gaza and,

UPS DOWNS&

Ups

The Ithaca City School District has decided to close all of their schools so students will have a chance to view the upcoming solar eclipse on Monday April 8th, 2024. The eclipse in Ithaca is expected to begin at approximately 2:08 p.m. and reach a maximum magnitude (the amount of the sun’s disk that’s covered) of 98.8% at approximately 3:23 p.m.

Downs

The Ithaca Police Department is conducting an investigation into an incident that occurred in Collegetown where a Muslim woman reported being spit on by a man near College Avenue and Dryden Road.

HEARD SEEN&

Heard

more broadly, their ongoing occupation of Palestinian land. The protesters assert that Cornell’s investments indirectly support Israel’s actions, which they have called “morally reprehensible.” Among the demands put forth by the sit-in participants is a call for President Martha E. Pollack to initiate a vote within the Board of Trustees to divest from these companies.

The sit-in comes as the Cornell University Board of Trustees is holding their regular spring semester meetings in Ithaca from March 21-22. On March 22, the Board of Trustees meeting will include an open session at 11:30 a.m. in B09 Sage Hall. The open session will consist of reports from the Student Assembly, Graduate and Professional Student Assembly, and the University Assembly.

In a message from CML organizer Sara Almosawi, who is also the Co-Chair of Cornell Young Democratic Socialists of America, on the morning of March 21, Almosawi said that the coalition would be presenting their petition calling for a student referendum for Cornell to divest from weapons manufacturers complicit in the ongoing genocide in Gaza to the Student Assembly at 4:45 p.m. in the Memorial Room in Willard Straight Hall.

Almosawi said the petition had “surpassed the minimum threshold of 483 signatures (3% of the undergraduate student body) for the Student Assembly to consider our referendum.” She continued, saying, “Currently, the petition stands at

Cayuga Heights Mayor Linda Woodard has won another term. In unofficial results from the Tompkins County Board of Elections, Woodard defeated Melanie McMurray by a margin of 30 votes, 340 to 310. It was the only contested race in Tuesday’s village election. The numbers still must be certified.

Seen

After a stellar season the Cornell Men’s Basketball team lost 88-83 to the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first round of the NIT on Tuesday March 19.

IF

CARE TO RESPOND to something in this column, or suggest your own praise or blame, write news@ithacatimes. com, with a subject head “U&D.”

24 Conrell students were arrested by Cornell University Police for participating in the sit-in at Day Hall. (Photo: CML Cornell)

Students affiliated with the Coalition for Mutual Liberation say they will continue to protest until Cornell’s Board of Trustees agrees to vote on divesting from weapons manufacturing companies involved in war crimes in Gaza. (Photo: CML Cornell)

Head and Neck Cancer Awareness

“April is head and neck cancer awareness month.” — Henry King

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Improving Your Health Care

“What’s the score on improving your health care: Joe and the Democrats have expanded health care access to millions of people without it. Trump and Republicans have promised literally hundreds of times: a “big, beautiful health plan”. Nothing. Joe and the Democrats have already negotiated lower prices from drug companies, and insulin prices are now capped at $35. Wow. Trump and Republicans? Nothing. Joe and the Democrats protect your Medicare and social security. That’s a life saver. Trump and Republicans try to roll it back…over and over again. So what’s the score for you:

Joe and the Democrats: 100.

Trump and Republicans: 0.

For your health care, vote for Democrats. They are really on your side.” — Sherwood Guernsey

2nd Annual Geneva Jazz Festival

“We are hosting the 2nd Annual Geneva Jazz Festival at Club 86 and 8 other wineries/breweries/restaurants around Geneva on April 4-7. We will feature Mike Titlebaum and Catharine Gale on Saturday, April 6 from 2-5 at Ravines Wine Cellars — and top Jazz Artists from Rochester, Syracuse and local areas. Dennis Winge will perform with Mambo King, John Viavattine on Sunday, April 7 from 2-5 p.m.

20 Concerts | 9 Venues | 4 Days | 1 City. Historic Club 86 is our HQ for ticketed concerts.” — Janelle Bradshaw

Chuck Schumer Destroys Health Care

“I can't think of anything more obscene than inviting Chuck Schumer to give an address at the Cayuga Medical Center (Ithaca TImes, Mar 5, 2024). Schumer is enthusiastically complicit in the destruction of the health care system in Gaza. According to the latest statistics available from the World Health Organization, only 12 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza are functioning, and those at a "partially

functioning” level. Healthcare Workers Watch — Palestine has documented 458 healthcare workers killed by Israel in Gaza. This violence is armed by the US, with Schumer, as the Senate Majority Leader, illegally approving weapons to the genocidal state.

Being bombed is bad for your health. Being starved of food, medicines, potable water, and access to hospitals is bad for your health. Schumer is a war criminal of long-standing (Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, etc), He should be constantly denounced and shunned, not given an opportunity to present himself as a champion of healthcare. If we have any hope for a decent future, we must stop normalizing war crimes and war criminals.” —

Bill Carini

The Rent Is Not Too Damn High

“I suspect one reason “The Rent Is Too Damn High” (March 6) is that apparently neither the reporter nor the city planning director can see beyond the recently completed or under construction apartment buildings the Times article mentioned.

Of course new construction is going to rent for more money since Americans prefer and will pay more for the new and since new buildings were built with today’s higher costs of land, labor, and materials. All of these costs were considerably lower when Ithaca’s older existing housing was built. But that older housing was ignored in the article and apparently also in the planning director’s report to Common Council.

One wonders whether the intent was to make an “affordability crisis” seem worse than it really is by cherry picking pricey new construction and ignoring existing housing. And by citing and quoting only a single source, the planning director, in a lengthy article while completely ignoring housing developers and managers and others who might have different views.”

— John L. Gann Jr.

RE: Cornell Students Arrested at Divestment Protest

“This is a terribly one-sided article. Israel was attacked by terrorists on October 7, killing 1200 people, kidnapping 240, injuring thousands, and destroying villages and cities. You left that out of your reporting.” — Bar Bartholomew

“Would the author of this cartoonishly one sided article comment on $1.5 billion donated to Cornell by Qatar?

How about some investigative reporting?

Interview 30 randomly chosen Cornell professors regarding their political views. My hypothesis is he will find 10 all out leftists, 10 left of center posing as far left for career reasons, 9 apolitical posing as left, and one conservative deep in the closet.” — Steven Baginski

RE: Report Ranks Ithaca Dead Last in Wage Growth Among 30 U.S. College Towns

“Of all places, Cornell ILR should know better than to make or use comparisons based on cherry picked locations and data. The chart is designed to make a political and economic point. Ithaca has few large employers competing for unskilled or semi-skilled labor ( in other than education) while Atlanta has many. Many communities draw their non-skilled work forces from about a thirty mile radius and wages are fixed in relation to local labor markets. Local employers don't care about wages in CA. For professors, high level administrators, and professionals a national labor market is used and appropriate. But comparing worker wages in CA with its high costs for energy for most routine jobs is irrelevant to the Ithaca labor market . And the survey has picked mostly college towns outside the south where cost of living and wages are lower.

The time periods selected were also interesting, some during pandemic and Trump years and some during the Biden administration. Different economies and period of low inflation, then high inflation. Real wages, wages adjusted for inflation, would be more meaningful, these rose in the early part of the period and have fallen back in the latter part of the survey period. And states have different minimum wages. What seems a low wage in rural Mississippi with low housing and tax costs may be a better real wage in terms of buying power than a higher wage in CA or here in NY.

You can prove almost any point you want with statistics. The entire article is based on comparing apples and oranges. If that is the kind of information you want, I can find comparisons that will prove almost any point.” —

Henry Kramer

“Ithaca was 7 of 30 when it comes to income inequality but dead last in “wage” growth Other cities on this list were in more need that Ithaca of wage growth hence this presentation seriously distorts the data! How deceitful. Raising

Governor Hochul is Wrong. New York Can and Should Raise Taxes on the Very Wealthy

By Jack Lynch

By some measurements, New York’s economy is flourishing.

The S&P 500 continues to hit record highs, and the number of millionaires in New York has grown. While Wall Street thrives, however, New York residents continue to sink deeper into the mire of our cost-of-living crisis. A 2023 United Way report found that 50% of households in NYC lack enough income to meet their basic needs without help from the government, family, or community. Statewide, more than 80% of voters across political parties say the cost of living in New York is a major problem — including 86% of Republicans.

New York possesses one of the largest economies on Earth and boasts the highest concentration of wealth in the country. As such, we have a moral imperative to harness these resources for the collective good and ensure all residents feel the benefits of economic success. By closing loopholes and amending New York State laws that currently favor the ultra-rich over working-class individuals, we can redirect more economic activity towards initiatives that benefit all New Yorkers and ease the effects of the cost-of-living crisis. Polling shows such reforms are widely popular across the state: A Siena Poll found that 71% of respondents said that the state should raise taxes on profitable corporations and the top 5% earners.

Two common-sense proposals, both of which have been proposed by the legislature this session but opposed by Governor Hochul, would be a meaningful step in the right direction.

The first is a higher tax on households making more than $5 million. Both the Senate and Assembly have proposed raising the tax rate on filers making more than $5 million per year from 10.3% to 10.8% and the rate on filers making more than $25 million from 10.9% to 11.4%. Such a proposal would effect less than 0.3% of earners, while raising billions in consistent revenue.

Profitable corporations, not just wealthy individuals, must also pay their fair share. New York’s corporate tax rate has steadily declined since the early 1990s, and is now the second lowest in the Northeast. A proposed increase in the corporate tax would end that trend and require companies that do business in New York State and make over $5 million in profit to pay 9% in taxes. That higher rate would raise additional billions while impacting less than 0.1% of corporations.

Each of these changes to the state tax code would generate more public dollars for programs that help make New York more affordable: higher wages for child care providers,, housing vouchers for New Yorkers at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness, and vital funding for our public hospitals that have a direct impact on the wallets of working families. These proposals are also not the wild dreams of a progressive minority — higher taxes on the wealthy are the boilerplate tax policy of the Democratic party, as outlined by President Biden during his State of the Union address.

Opponents of strong tax reform are quick to complain that higher taxes on the ultra-wealthy will simply force those households to move out of the state. Such fears misunderstand the nature of New York’s outmigration problem: Not only is the number of millionaires in the state increasing, the primary source of outmigration is not top earners but working and middleclass New Yorkers — the very groups that are suffering from the unaffordability crisis.

Governor Hochul is making a moral and political error. Working and middle-class New Yorkers are struggling with unaffordable prices, and many are fleeing the state. Rather than help those families in the budget process, the governor is using her precious political capital to defend the wealthiest 0.3%. She can and should work with her legislative colleagues and include common-sense revenue increases in the final budget.

The Women’s Opportunities Center’s Mary Durham Boutique

By Marjorie Olds

It was easy for Susan Weiner to admire the work of the Women’s Opportunity Center. Since 1979, the nonprofit has helped women train for jobs, build resumes, gain confidence, and pursue new careers. After the pandemic, WOC vastly expanded its programs to include a broad array of services available to any woman in any situation: domestic violence, personal conflict, homelessness, the pursuit of a new career or business, and self-exploration and growth. “Whatever situation a woman is in, she can visit the Women’s Opportunity Center to find support and advocacy to address her need,” says Susan.

In 2024, WOC created Ready? Set? Dream! The entrepreneurship program cultivates women looking to start or grow a business, and already celebrated the launch of a client’s new venture in Syracuse, where WOC has a second headquarter. Trained as life coaches, staff at both locations offer expansive services and workshops, including Project Amunet for women in physically or emotionally abusive relationships, Startup Business Mentorship Project, Personal and Professional Development Training, and Free Strategic Life Coaching.

Growing up in and around NYC, Susan worked as a writer for various publications until 9/11. In the aftermath, she reevaluated her values and decided to follow her love for animals and nature and pursue a more natural life. “I took a job in marketing at Farm Sanctuary and moved to the countryside outside of Ithaca, where I raised chickens, rescued dogs and cats, and learned a lot about gardening,” she says. “After working in vineyards and managing wineries for a few years, I landed as a coach at the Women’s Opportunity Center, before shifting roles and moving to the Mary Durham Boutique.”

An integral part of WOC, The Mary Durham Boutique is located in a historic house at 110 W. Court Street, across from Lifelong and the newly constructed Library Place apartment building. Mary Durham, an Ithaca-area activist committed to justice, peace, and ministry, lived in the house until she passed away at age 100 in 2001. The Durham family generously allows the Women’s Opportunity Center to use the

house to sell donated, high-quality clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, and accessories. The money raised through sales supports WOC and MDB programs.

One of the boutique’s most popular programs is MDB Cares. Anyone who has visited senior residences may have observed many residents express sadness that no one visits. “My family and friends have just forgotten me,” is a common and heartbreaking refrain. Each month, Susan and her co-worker, boutique manager Ronnise Way, visit area nursing homes and senior residences. “We spend time with the residents and bring clothing, toiletries, jewelry, books, coffee, and snacks,” she says, “but the most important gift is time. Our goal is to lessen their feelings of loneliness. Our society doesn’t value and respect elders as we should.”

MDB Cares provides additional community services, including free clothing and toiletries to anyone in need. “It’s not uncommon for folks needing shampoo, lotion, feminine products, or warm clothing to stop by and inquire. If we don’t have on hand what is needed, we will find it and provide it. We keep bins of free clothing and toiletries on the porch for anyone who feels shy about coming inside,” explains Susan. “We also provide gratis professional clothing to women getting on their feet and back in the workplace.

Susan Weiner’s Mary Durham Boutique is located in a historic house at 110 W. Court Street.

Housing Activists Fight to Include Good Cause Eviction in 2024 State Budget

By Matt Dougherty

In the face of a deepening housing crisis both locally and statewide, the Ithaca Tenants Union held a press conference on March 15 with Alderperson Kayla Matos and Assembly Member Anna Kelles to talk about the importance of including Good Cause Eviction legislation in New York’s 2024 Budget that is due on April 1.

The proposed legislation (A4454/S305) has been crafted to protect tenants across the state from arbitrary evictions and unreasonable rent increases. If passed, it would require landlords to justify evictions and rent hikes in excess of 3% — providing tenants with the power to challenge arbitrary, retaliatory, or discriminatory eviction actions.

According to the group Housing Justice for All, “Currently, when a lease expires for most apartments or homes in NY, the landlord can choose not to renew it for any reason and raise the rent as high as they want… As a result, landlords can kick out tenants even for patently unfair reasons — like retaliation for raising concerns about living conditions.”

The debate surrounding Good Cause eviction in New York spans several years and has seen fierce opposition from real es-

tate and landlord groups who say that the policy would discourage landlords from doing business in Ithaca.

According to Kayla Lane from the Landlords Association of Tompkins County, “Good Cause Eviction would not only drastically reduce the ability of a housing provider to enter into fair and equal contracts, but it would stifle their ability to afford the expenses of the property, due to the rent increase restrictions.” Lane continued saying, “Housing providers do not get to fight increases experienced in their real estate taxes, their insurance costs, utility costs…so limiting their ability to pay these necessary expenses will change how housing stock is maintained.” She added, “Furthermore, we could see the desire for new development to decline due to developers not having the same interest in creating more housing in our area.”

According to Lane, “Good Cause Eviction creates a contractual conflict, allowing a tenant to stay in an apartment in perpetuity and therefore revoking a property owner's ability not to renew a contract…” Lane says that this could result in more property owners selling their properties, which could give more opportunities to corporate housing providers to control more of Ithaca’s housing stock. Lane added that property owners could also decide to keep an apartment vacant longer, versus the risk of entering into a contract with an individual that could be “problematic.”

Despite the opposition from landlord and real estate groups, similar laws exist in states like New Jersey, Colorado, and Oregon, and more than 20 cities nationwide have also adopted some form of good cause eviction protections.

Second Ward Alderperson Ducson

Nguyen, who is also a landlord in New Jersey, has said, “My home state of New Jersey has provided tenants with stability since 1974 through the anti eviction Act, which is their form of Good Cause Eviction. The rental market there remains as strong as anywhere in the nation, with one key difference. The eviction rate is among the lowest in the country.” He added that by passing Good Cause Eviction, “New York can

provide the same protection to its residents and help put an end to rampant housing discrimination.”

According to Nguyen, “Good landlords have nothing to fear from Good Cause Eviction.”

New York State legislators have contemplated passing Good Cause Eviction for years, but the legislation has yet to make it into the State’s budget. Several cities in New York, such as Albany, Kingston, and Newburgh, passed local Good Cause laws of their own, but those laws have been struck down by a New York State Supreme Court decision that ruled that municipalities don't have the authority to circumvent state laws governing evictions.

During the press conference, Assembly Member Kelles said that she is negotiating with her colleagues in the Assembly to get the bill included in this year’s budget. “The Assembly has put [Good Cause] on the table for negotiations,” Kelles said. She added, “There are many people that want this [and] I know it’s the same in the Senate.”

“Good landlords have nothing to fear from Good Cause Eviction.”

— Ducson Nguyen

Now, the only way for Good Cause Eviction to become a reality in the Empire State is for it to be signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul. However, the bill has not been included in the Governor’s 2024 executive budget.

Kelles thanked Assemblymember Pam Hunter for sponsoring Good Cause in the Assembly and Senator Julia Salazar, who sponsors the bill in the Senate.

“They have done phenomenal jobs on this,” Kelles said. According to Kelles, the bill intends to prevent landlords from removing people from their homes by nonrenewal without any cause whatsoever. She continued by saying that private equity firms are getting into real estate and buying up buildings and non-renewing for everyone in the building, renovating the building, and jacking up the prices significantly. She added that

New York State Senator Julia Salazar speaks at a rally in support of Good Cause Eviction. Salazar is the sponsor of the bill in the State Senate.

Kayla Lane from the Landlords Association of Tompkins County says that if passed, Good Cause Eviction would create a contractual conflict for landlords.

in some cases, rent increases have been as high as 30%.]

This process can be seen playing out locally as residents of the Cayuga Garden Apartments (formerly known as the Chestnut Apartments) located at 139-157 Chestnut Street are being evicted by a New Jersey-based management company that purchased the complex earlier this year and is now renovating it and increasing rents. A tenant who is being evicted told the Ithaca Times that the property manager collected rent payments from her on February 14, and four days later, she found a 90-day eviction notice posted to her door. According to the tenant, if current tenants wish to stay in their homes, they are being asked to reapply for housing in the same complex at a cost of $50 per application.

Co-chair of the Ithaca Tenants Union, Katie Sims, has said that ITU runs a hotline for people facing housing issues that receives calls “all the time” from people who have had their leases non-renewed without justification from their landlord. Without Good Cause legislation, Sims explained that when they receive these calls, there is little the organization can do to help. “We have to say I'm sorry, it’s not right, but it is legal, but we're trying to change that, and that's why we need Good Cause,” Sims said.

Ongoing negotiations have resulted in two versions of the bill being discussed in the state legislature. One version would apply the law statewide, while the other would automatically apply to New York City but not the rest of the state. New York’s remaining municipalities would be left with the choice to opt-in to the law or not — creat-

ing what some Good Cause advocates have called a “swiss cheese” model of renter protections for the rest of the state that would leave a significant portion of Southern Tier renters exposed to the risk of eviction and soaring rents.

A recent analysis by Housing Justice for All sheds light on potential consequences for Southern Tier renters if New York State opts for a watered-down version of the Good Cause Eviction legislation.

The analysis indicates that, under this proposed “swiss cheese” model, at least 69% of renters in the Southern Tier, totaling approximately 59,000 households, could be denied the right to challenge arbitrary evictions and rent hikes greater than 3% or 1.5 times the rate of inflation. With nearly half of Southern Tier tenants currently paying over 30% of their income on rent, the potential impact of such limitations is alarming.

Cea Weaver, Campaign Coordinator at Housing Justice for All, emphasizes the importance of a statewide and universal Good Cause Eviction, stating, “The housing crisis is impacting all of New York State. It should not matter if you live in Allegany County or the Bronx — every tenant deserves the same protections from rent hikes and evictions. A swiss cheese Good Cause will only wreak havoc by leaving thousands of Southern Tier renters unprotected and make it more difficult for courts to enforce the law even in towns and cities that have opted in.”

Katie Sims, Co-Chair of the Ithaca Tenants Union, highlights the need for these protections not only in major cities but also

in smaller towns and villages. Sims states, “We need this protection for Ithaca, but also for tenants across our region. There’s no reason tenants in smaller towns and villages should be left out from this vital protection.”

The concern deepens as data from the analysis reveals that, even if all major cities in the Southern Tier were to opt into Good Cause Eviction, a best-case scenario, the majority of renters in the region would still lack adequate protections. This stark reality underscores the urgency of implementing a comprehensive, statewide approach to address the housing crisis.

Statewide residential evictions have increased by 12% overall from 2022 to 2023, painting a bleak picture for working and middle-class families struggling to secure affordable housing.

Corporate landlords and private equity firms are exacerbating the issue by acquiring housing stock, particularly in low-income neighborhoods of color, and evicting tenants to maximize profits.

“We need this protection for Ithaca, but also for tenants across our region. ”

— Katie Sims

The watered-down version being considered could have devastating consequences, especially in areas where more than 45% of tenants are already burdened by paying over a third of their income on rent.

The impact of this potential legislation extends beyond the immediate concerns of tenants. Holdover eviction filings in Broome County have surged by 26% from 2022 to 2023. This trend raises questions about the broader implications for housing stability and the potential for increased homelessness if tenants are left without adequate protection.

The broader housing crisis in New York is reflected in record-high rents, escalating eviction rates, and a surge in homelessness.

Advocates argue that passing the Good Cause Eviction legislation in its original, comprehensive form is crucial to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing tenants across New York State. Without such protective measures, there is a growing risk that vulnerable populations will find themselves on the streets or unable to afford living in the state.

The analysis by Housing Justice for All underscores the urgent need for a robust, statewide Good Cause Eviction legislation to protect tenants in the Southern Tier and beyond. The potential consequences of a watered-down version could exacerbate the housing crisis, leaving thousands of renters vulnerable to eviction and escalating rents.

As the debate unfolds in Albany, the focus remains on the critical importance of implementing legislation that ensures housing stability and safeguards the rights of tenants statewide.

The Ithaca Tenants Union held a press conference on March 15 with Alderperson Kayla Matos and Assembly Member Anna Kelles to talk about the importance of including Good Cause Eviction legislation in New York’s 2024 Budget. (Photo: Ithaca Tenants Union)

Tenants at the Cayuga Gardens Apartments are being evicted after the complex was purchased earlier this year by a New Jersey-based management company.

Big Red Weekend

Winter Sports Ending Seasons with Triumph, Trophies and Transitions

By Steve Lawrence

Several stories of note came from Cornell over the weekend.

Izzy Daniel became the first player in the history of the long and proud history of the Cornell women’s hockey program to win the coveted Patty Kazaier Memorial Award. The award, established in 1998, and recognizing the top player in women’s Division 1 hockey, gives Daniel the elusive “Triple Crown,” given she previously won the Ivy League and ECAC Player of the Year Awards.

Daniel capped off her stellar career at Cornell by captaining this year’s team to its 16th Ivy League title and an appearance in the NCAA Regional finals, while scoring 59 points (on 21 goals and 38 assists), while carrying the team’s second highest GPA.

a tense, marathon match to win his second consecutive national title at 133 pounds. (The mystery is that I have no idea how a defending national champ goes into the NCAA wrestling tournament as a sixth seed.)

the time was ripe for him to move on, and he did.

It was indeed a tough path to the title, despite the fact that Arujau drew the #27 and a #22 seeds to open the tournament (dispatching both with Major Decisions). After that, Vito faced the #3 seed, Kai Orine of North Carolina State, then #2 Ryan Crookham of Lehigh (winning both by 13-3 Major Decisions), setting up the title match with Fix, who had not lost all season.

In beating Fix, Arujau — now a four-time All American — won Cornell’s 25th national title, and joined Dave Auble (1959 and 1960), Gabe Dean (2015 and 2016) and Travis Lee (2003 and 2005) as two-time national champs.

As a team, Cornell finished in second place for the third time in program history.

● ● ●

● ● ●

Drama took place at the NCAA wrestling tournament when #6 seed Vito Arujau of Cornell beat #1 seed Dayton Fix of Oklahoma State by a score of 5-3 in

Brian Earl brought Cornell men’s basketball team to the brink of the Ivy League title (they would lose in the Ivy League tournament to eventual champion and NCAA first round winner Yale) and would ultimately come within a minute of upsetting Ohio State in the N.I.T. When Earl was recognized as the 2024 NABC District Coach of the Year, it was even more clear that

Earl was named as the new head coach at William and Mary, setting the stage for Jon Jacques to assume the role of Interim Head Coach. In the words of Nicki Moore — Cornell’s Athletic Director — Jacques is “deeply invested” in the program, and she is spot-on with that contention. I have watched Jacques grow from an important piece of that special team that won three straight Ivy titles from 20082010 (making a Sweet 16 run in 2010), to become a valued assistant, then Associate Head Coach. The continuity Jacques brought was valuable as the Big Red struggled to find its footing after the departure of Steve Donahue, and he knows the program from every possible angle. I love it when these “bleed Cornell Red” guys stay here and make big contributions long after graduating (like men’s lacrosse head coach Connor Buczek, class of 2015) and I personally would love to see Jacques be hired as Earl’s full-time successor.

● ● ●

Finally, make room for another banner in the rafters at Lynah Rink, as the Big Red men won their 13th Whitelaw Cup as the ECAC champs with a 3-1 won over St. Lawrence. Third-

seeded Cornell (ranked No. 14 nationally) will take the ice against the No. 2 seed in the Springfield Regional, The Big Red will face. 7th — ranked Maine, on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, MA.

Izzy Daniel became the first Cornell Women’s Hockey Player to win the award as the top Division I women’s hockey player in the country.

(Photo courtesy of Cornell Athletics)

Vito Arujau fought his way from a sixth seed to repeat as the NCAA Wrestling champion at 133 pounds.

(Photo by Allyson Schwab/Cornell Athletics)

Cornell’s Men’s Hockey team plays Thursday in a first regional tournament game against Maine. Photo by Rob Rasmussen/ECAC Hockey.

ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS SET TO SPREAD WINGS ON DRAGON DAY

By James Dean, Cornell Chronicle

Asleek, black Dragon will swoop through campus during annual Dragon Day festivities on March 29, expanding and contracting as it snakes along a parade route before fully spreading its wings inside the Arts Quad.

Designed and built by first-year B.Arch. students in the College of Architecture, Art and Planning — following a more than century-old tradition — the dragon constructed of lumber and a cardboard skin is expected to project a grunge rock aesthetic, hinting at darkness and uncertainty. It will also explore a core design concept: the relationship between solids and voids.

The designers’ theme, “the uncanny void,” may be embodied in moving tail sections that stretch and shrink accordion-style, expandable wings and a working jaw, focusing on operability and sustainable materials.

The students also aim to produce an event that builds participation and camaraderie, continuing to fill pandemic voids the campus community experienced, among them cancelled Dragon Day celebrations in 2020-21.

“This is a day where we can really show off our skills and show our design and creativity to the campus,” said Jonah Ng ’28, one of two student leaders along with Kalven Owen ’28. “One of the design challenges we’re working on is to get the entire campus involved, to get them to come to the parade and celebrate with us.”

Starting on March 29 at 12:30 p.m., the Dragon Day parade will begin outside AAP near Rand Hall, proceed down Feeney Way, then wind through Ho Plaza into the Arts Quad. The dragon will be propelled by more than 70 first-year architecture students and their traditional rallying cry: “Dragon, dragon, dragon, oi, oi, oi!” Costumed upper classmates may march alongside them while Cornell Chimes plays dragon-themed songs. McGraw Tower clock faces will be embellished in green — the event’s signature color, dating to its

origins on St. Patrick’s Day as the brainchild of Willard Straight, Class of 1901.

Along the way, if past customs and rivalries hold, the dragon may cross paths with a phoenix risen from the imaginations of Cornell Engineering students. Once on the Arts Quad, the procession plans to rendezvous with the Big Red Marching Band and the dragon — after threading the tight space adjacent to the clock tower — is expected to unfold and spread its wings to their maximum span.

“It’ll definitely be interesting to see when it’s fully itself,” Owen said. “Our construction team, they know what they’re doing.”

In the Rand Hall wood shop on a recent weekend, Andrew Sandberg ’28 and MingHuei Fisher ’28 drilled holes in boards that they began assembling into large, articulating tail sections. Applying skills honed throughout the academic year, the dragon project has involved drawings, prototypes, digital renderings and, ultimately, construction on a scale significantly larger than is involved in typical coursework.

Ng expects the grunge-inspired design to be eye-catching from afar: “That’s the vibe we’re going for,” he said.

Additional challenges include collaboration among dozens of students, coordination with university administration and public safety representatives, networking with architecture alumni and classmates who are Dragon Day veterans, and an extensive marketing effort via Instagram (@DragonDayCornell), sidewalk chalking and sales of T-shirts — designed this year by Roy Park ’28 and Hanae Matsumoto ’28.

In addition to a public parade, Dragon Day is a welcome bonding opportunity and a sort of coming out party for the fledgling architecture students, who are known to toil long hours behind the scenes to complete their projects and critiques.

“It really brings us together to focus on this design goal that supports the college and its long-standing traditions,” Owen said, “and to get an idea of what AAP is all about.”

This story was first published by the Cornell Chronicle.

Last years Dragon Day dragon was made of donated materials, supporting both aesthetic and sustainability goals wity the theme of “Rebirth”.

Extensive, Expensive and Excellent

The Heights Offers Many Beverages, Expensive and Expertly-Prepared Food

By Henry Stark

The last time I reviewed The Heights, three years ago, I wrote that they’re “serving some of the best food and

Tid Bits:

I like the hefty plates and cutlery.

Parking on site.

The Heights

903 Hanshaw Rd, (607) 257-4144

theheightsithaca.com

Mon.-Thurs., 5-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 5-10 p.m.

most interesting wine in greater Ithaca. However, it comes at a price.” It’s still true.

Even though I like the food and am happy with the service, I don’t go there on my own because it doesn't fit my budget.

The seven starters ($17-$20) include some interesting items, such as Sicilian Cauliflower. One evening the “special“ starter was a mussel dish that cost $30.

I was surprised to learn the price of the “special” starter was so far out of line with the other starters. I wish servers would routinely tell us the price of specials.

Five of the nine entrées are over $42 in addition to the four cuts of steak, ($68-$90). Some less expensive meals are available, for example five pizzas ($26-$29) however the other entrées are so good, I wouldn’t go there for a pizza at those prices and besides, there are plenty

of wonderful pizzas available at other establishments in the greater Ithaca area. There’s also a burger ($28) and a “seasonal vegetarian” entrée ($34).

All the entrées are served with a wonderful complimentary salad. The House Salad was made with mixed greens, cucumbers, carrots, peppers, cherry tomatoes, and bits of cheese. Another time I selected the Caesar. My waiter asked me if I wanted anchovies — a gesture I very much appreciated. Since I replied in the affirmative, I received four of them. The plates, and the lettuce, were always cold: another nice touch. The generous portion could have been an ideal lunch entrée.

Another nice touch was a complimentary breadbasket with olive bread and personal ramekins of olive oil, and a homemade white bean paste mixed with fresh garlic, lemon zest, and a variety of herbs.

One of my favorite meats is lamb. I’m very familiar with several cuts, for example rib, shoulder, and loin chops, leg of lamb with the bone in or removed, and lamb shank.

The Heights offers braised lamb neck ($48) which I’m not familiar with, so I ordered it. If I had been told it was a shank, I would have believed it as it arrived with a large round bone surrounded with tender lamb pieces. I was, however, disappointed

with the ratio of meat to bone. Since I had read, on the internet, that the neck was an inexpensive cut, I wondered if the neck was being used instead of a shank, to enhance markup. Many of the entrées come with tasty and creative accompanying sauces and the lamb neck did too. On the plate I found some winter squash, a very thick cut of bacon, buratta, rapini, some gnocchi, and some apricot chutney. (If you’re not familiar with buratta, it’s a soft Italian cheese made from cow’s milk.) Rapini is broccoli rabe so the entire stalk should be edible. The thick rapini stalk was inedible, and in my opinion, could have been left off.

On another visit I tried the grilled chicken ($39). It turned out to be a large thigh with sliced curried sweet potatoes, poi choi (a relative of bok choi) a few thinly sliced Thai cucumbers, Hoisin aioli, and a chimichurri garlic chili sauce. I thought, from the description, it could be spicy however it was actually on the sweet side and it too, was delicious.

A word about the beverages: I don’t know of any other restaurant in our area with a more extensive and expensive wine

Continued on Page 14

Tuesday April 9th

Cash prizes throughout event! Event Held

- 1PM

The Heights in Community Corners serves Mediterranean-inspired meat dishes and pizza. When weather permits, there is patio seating.

Coming to America

Artist’s Struggles

Heartwarming Film

By Matt Minton

Anybody pursuing a career in an artistic or creative field inevitably faces a unique set of challenges. The constant competition just to get a foot in the door and try to make yourself stand out amongst the noise of it all are just two of the many barriers to success depicted in Julio Torres’ directorial debut, “Problemista,” distributed by A24.

For Alejandro (Torres), being a toy designer at Hasbro and getting to imple

Problemista

Rated R

Written, Directed and Starring Julio Torres Currently playing at Cinemapolis

ment his original ideas into the market is the ultimate dream. It’s the reason why he moved from El Savador to the United States, leaving behind his worrying mother, Dolores (Catalina Saavedra). However, with jobs falling through and his work visa on the verge of expiring, Alejandro stumbles upon the outlandish artist, Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton), helping her set up an art exhibit in the hopes of remaining in the U.S.

The most clever moments of dry humor throughout Torres’ incredibly creative and heartwarming film poke fun at the way big corporations in America run and the pressure placed upon employees to endorse everything their company says and does. The lack of separation between people’s office jobs and their livelihood serves as an effective contrast to Alejan-

dro’s new ideas and ways of imagining art.

The walls of red tape keep dream jobs and opportunities far out of reach, especially for immigrants like Alejandro. And as the film continues, Torres skillfully conveys how the walls only seem to close further and further in. One of the film’s most striking images follows Alejandro climbing out of an office through a vent, only to find himself in a continuous, never ending maze of offices on an upward incline.

While “Problemista” largely hinges on quirky humor, storybook narration by Isabella Rossellini and colorful fantasy sequences — in a few instances relying too much —to make its points, the heart of the film still manages to come through. Torres’ adventurous film is a true testament to what it means to put yourself out there as an artist, especially when the world seemingly has no interest in what you have to say.

work (involving the impossible question of figuring out what Filemaker Pro is). Alejandro’s time spent with Elizabeth also brings in the film’s more surrealistic and dystopian elements. Might I mention the fact that Elizabeth’s lover, Bobby (RZA),

Elizabeth takes Alejandro under her wing, initially offering him some freelance

Julio Torres And TIlda Swinton star in Problemista, now playing at Cinemapolis.

COUNCIL

DISCUSSES HIRING

continued from page 4

their time to program and project implementation.”

First Ward Alderperson Phoebe Brown expressed skepticism about hiring a grant writing consultant if the city had already allocated funds to create the grant administrator position. “Every time we’re here, you’re asking for more money for another staff member,” Brown said. She added that if a consultant is hired, it should be someone from within the community.

City Manager Deb Mohlenhoff responded to Brown’s concerns, saying that “[The grant administrator position] is less about writing a grant and more about everything that comes after receiving a grant.” At the same time, the consultant

CORNELL STUDENTS ARRESTED

continued from page 5

over 900 signatures, with over 800 being undergraduate students.”

According to Almosawi, despite receiving support from hundreds of students, their demands have received “pushback” from the Student Assembly — which voted 14-4 against supporting a similar resolution proposed by the CML during a meeting on February 1. However, this time around, the Assembly voted 15-10 to pass a referendum on divestment that will be commented and voted on by the undergraduate student body.

Following the passage of the referendum CML released a statement saying, “This is the first referendum to be ap-

SUSAN WEINER PRESENTS

continued from page 7

We only require basic information for walk-ins to participate in the MDB Cares program.”

Another popular MDB program is Personal Stylist. Once an appointment is made, Susan and Ronnise coordinate outfits based on style, colors, sizes, and preferences. The service is open to all women. Guests are pampered during their free 90-minute session. “Unfortunately, many women have experienced trauma, loss, and difficult times, and may be feeling emotionally beaten down and of little value,” says Susan. “An experience like this, being cared for ,rather than caring for others or struggling to get by, enhances the process of rebuilding self-esteem and self-worth.”

would be specifically focused on crafting the DRI grant application.

Brown continued saying that many of the past DRI award winners have been smaller towns and villages in dire need of increased development, and some suspect that Ithaca doesn’t need the funds as much as other upstate municipalities.

In response to Brown’s concerns, Knipe said, “We have heard as part of the feedback about our past DRI applications that Ithaca doesn’t look like it needs it right… But we live here and know that we do have needs and that’s not true.” He added, “I believe with this consultant’s support, we’ll be able to tell that story in an effective way that will help us win that transformative award for our community.”

Regarding concerns about spending additional funds on hiring another consultant, Mayor Robert Cantelmo said

proved by the Student Assembly in over ten years, and was called after over 1100 students signed an associated petition in under 48 hours.”

In response to the increased organizing efforts on campus, Almosawi said, “This campus has not seen such political momentum in decades. Those in power have and will always use bureaucracy to cage mass movements — today is no different. I look forward to standing in solidarity with you all today and in the future.”

Jacob Berman, a member of Jewish Voice for Peace at Cornell and an affiliate of the Coalition for Mutual Liberation, expressed his sentiments regarding the protest, stating, “I am proud to be one of the Jewish students joining together with such a diverse group of people to show the Board

The Dressing Room is an essential MDB program for the many WOC clients moving up in their personal and professional lives, whether starting or going back to school, beginning a new job, leaving a toxic relationship, or working on other life changes. These new beginnings often require proper attire that can be psychologically uplifting. Established WOC clients receive a $200 voucher for clothing and accessories at the boutique and can also sign up for a Personal Stylist session.

“Women supporting women is the foundation of WOC’s mission, as is partnering with other valuable community programs. We work closely with organizations, including O.A.R. (Opportunities, Alternatives, and Resources), Catholic Charities Transitional House, Salvation Army, Ithaca Welcomes Refugees, local high schools, and others,” says Susan.

that the costs of hiring a consultant could be reimbursed if the City is successful in receiving the grant. Cantelmo added that the City has received feedback several times regarding the need to bring in a professional consultant to help craft its DRI application.

Brown responded by reminding the council that hiring a consultant doesn’t mean Ithaca will automatically win the award. “Getting a consultant for this grant, there’s no guarantee, it’s still a shot in the dark.” Brown added, “I think we should be very clear about that.”

Third Ward Alderperson Pierre SaintPerez summed up the situation saying, “This is a gamble, but it’s a gamble with a very high payout, and the amount that you’re asking for that would significantly increase our chances of success compared to the payout is very small.”

of Trustees that we will not stand by as our university continues to fund a genocide.”

Nick Wilson, representing Cornell Young Democratic Socialists of America, another affiliate of the Coalition for Mutual Liberation, highlighted the direct role of Cornell’s investments in perpetuating the conflict. Wilson asserted, “Cornell has a direct hand in the development and production of the weapons of war being used to carry out atrocities in Gaza—as students, we demand the Board stop spending our tuition money on genocide.”

Almosawi reiterated the protesters’ demands, emphasizing the need for Cornell to adhere to its guidelines on divestment. Almosawi stated, “Our demand is simple: the Board of Trustees should follow their own rules—the 2016 Divestment Guidelines. We

“I think it’s important to recognize the therapeutic value of fashion, because it’s a form of self-care. In addition to providing physical and emotional comfort, fashion helps with mental health by improving appearance, self-worth, and mood. Fashion is also a reflection of self-expression and is essential as women evolve and become who and what they want to be.”

For more information about the Women’s Opportunity Center and the Mary Durham Boutique, visit WomensOpportunity.org, or stop by the boutique, which is open from 10 AM to 5 PM Tuesday through Friday, and 12 PM to 5 PM Saturday.

The Mary Durham Boutique always needs new, unopened toiletry donations and accepts clean clothing and accessories in very good condition during operating hours.

If the City is successful in receiving the $10 million DRI award the funds would go towards implementing Ithaca’s longanticipated Downtown Neighborhood Plan. The plan was first created in 2019 and was delayed for several years due to the pandemic. Now, the City and the DIA are ready to start doing public outreach for the plan once again.

Ithaca’s Senior Planner Yamila Fournier said that public outreach for the downtown neighborhood plan will start taking place in April or May. A short survey has been designed for public feedback on the top recommendations from the plan, and an open house event will be held at the Tompkins County Public Library from 4 p.m.–7 p.m. on May 2. During the open house residents will have an opportunity to learn about the plan’s recommendations and provide feedback.

will not stop protesting until Cornell chooses to value its students over its bottom line.”

The statement announcing the sit-in protest explained that Cornell’s Board of Trustees approved a resolution in 2016 that said, “Divestment should be considered when a company’s actions or inactions are ‘morally reprehensible,’ including ‘apartheid, genocide ... and systematic cruelty to children.’”

The statement continued saying, “Cornell is complicit in the deaths of more than 30,000 Palestinians through its investments in companies that produce the weaponry for Israel’s reprehensible campaign: including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, BAE Systems, L3Harris, RTX, Leonardo, Elbit Systems and ThyssenKrupp.”

EXTENSIVE, EXPENSIVE AND EXCELLENT

continued from page 12

menu. Glasses range from $13 to $17 while bottles cost from $50 to $425. I found myself thinking: Why is it so desirable to have so many different bottles from so many different countries for a modest-sized restaurant in our area?

As a customer, none of this is my problem, of course, however each time I went to The Heights to review it, because I can’t afford their wine, I ordered a beer, ($8) again from an extensive collection. They also offer a copious number of cocktails and some ciders.

The food and beverages at The Heights are expensive, however the quality is top notch, the presentations are attractive, and the service is attentive.

SNOW DAY BECOMES

ECLIPSE

DAY

continued from page 3

Tripp said that despite hearing the comments from the community and her fellow board members, she thinks it still would be best for schools to remain open.

“I’ve read the comments,” Tripp said. “I, too, have spoken with people, and I simply can’t agree that we should change a calendar two weeks before. We provide a safe environment, we provide [...] a very healthy and exciting environment for children, and I’ve worked with my colleagues in this district long enough to think that we can do it short staffed. [...] I think we need to keep our schools open.”

ICSD Superintendent Luvelle Brown said he understood the burden that this cancellation would put on families, but that staffing challenges were a serious concern. He said that the decision was “a complex issue with no obvious solution.”

“When school is not open on a day where it's supposed to be open by the academic calendar, people don’t eat, and they don’t get paid,” Brown said. “Many of the same superintendents at school districts who had vowed to stay open are now closed because of the community pressures and the challenges around staffing. [...] Many districts across our district and state have reversed course and closed.”

When discussing what the best course of action would be at the March 12 meeting, Lily Talcott, deputy superintendent said that 14% of staff at IHS had already requested time off work April 8. Superintendent Brown

clarified at the March 19 meeting that this was around 60 educators district wide.

“Right now in our absence system for just Ithaca High School alone, this is a month out, we have about 14% to 15% of staff who have already indicated they will not be here on that day,” Talcott said. “That’s pretty significant, and we anticipate that that could grow.”

Board Member Eldred Harris said that the rarity of this event was a good reason to cancel school, to ensure that as many individuals as possible could have the opportunity to view the eclipse.

“For everyone in this community, I’d like to see us seriously consider giving as many people as possible the chance to witness this once in 50 years event,” Harris said.

ICSD had previously planned to be open and have instructional programming on April 8, they even ordered safety glasses so students could safely view the eclipse.

“Some school districts have elected to take the day off, some school districts have elected to have an early dismissal, some are creating instructional programming around the opportunity, but want all young people in the classes,” Superintendent Brown said. “We, at the time and throughout this school year, had decided that we would be in session and we would organize instructional programming around the occurrence. [...] The staffing of our school district will be a challenge for us.”

Brown explained that so far this year, ICSD has not had any snow days. They plan to use one of their unused snow days to take the day off.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

continued from page 6

wages can be a good thing but manufacturing viewpoints from cherry picked data is disingenuous to say the least. The means matter folks. Ithaca is doing well compared to all comparable sized cities on the list. Doesn’t mean it should not be better it just means this article and viewpoint is going to be unhelpful in the end. Deceit is not okay here and that is the case. Better to take about the forces of gentrification and the quixotic socialist rhetoric offered as its solution. Or the

COMING TO AMERICA

continued from page 13

is frozen inside an egg waiting to be opened hundreds of years into the future?

The core relationship between Elizabeth and Alejandro is the true secret ingredient of the film that makes it all tick. Alejandro first befriends Elizabeth out of necessity, but the two find themselves needing each other’s push more than they realized. Swinton and Torres bring this dynamic duo to life, Swinton once again proving her willingness to push herself as an actress and work with first-time directors.

In a film with such a zany exterior and the character relationships rooting it all down, Alejandro’s relationship with his mom does feel underdeveloped. The disconnection between the two is intentionally designed to show how being physically apart

delusion that gentrification is good for everyone. This town is quite obviously in the pocket of wealthy developers and suffers from a subservient relationship with Cornell. These are the driving forces and important topics.” —

Not Your Bidness

“Isn’t the elephant in the room the pay scale of Cornell University, the county’s largest employer? Wage increases barely keep up when inflation is low. There’s a huge disparity between staff pay compared to professor pay. Why is this not referenced at all in this article?” —

Nancy Cusumano

makes it difficult to connect. However, with the film’s narration allowing the perspective to switch to Dolores, there was more room to expand on her artwork back home.

Overall, “Problemista” remains a commendable achievement for Torres, who doubles down on his directing, writing and acting skills all at once. Torres’ individual voice shines throughout all 98 minutes, clearly asserting him as a filmmaker to keep close tabs on in his post-SNL career.

Like many directorial debuts from bold visionary filmmakers, it borders on becoming too infatuated with too many different ideas simultaneously. Yet the film at hand is such an endearing and energetic ride throughout that it’s hard to walk out as a dreamer without feeling a sense of earned catharsis… and perhaps some inspiration too.

March 28: 6:00 pm Maundy Thursday: Simple Supper Commemorating Jesus’ Last Meal with Disciples

March 29: 7:00 pm Good Friday: Tenebrae - A Service of Gathering Darkness

March 31: 10:00 am Easter Sunday: Worship - A Celebration of Resurrection 11:30 am