Dryden Fiber Receives $8.9 Million Grant
By David Durrett
Dryden Fiber, a broadband provider operated by the town of Dryden and the only municipally owned and operated internet service provider in New York State, received a grant of $8.9 million to expand broadband internet access in Dryden and Caroline, an unprecedentedly large grant for a municipality of Dryden’s size, to expand broadband access to thousands of residents in Dryden and Caroline.
The town government, along with David Makar, executive director of Dryden Fiber, held a press conference at the Dryden town hall to announce the grant. Because of a power outage, the press conference was moved from the town board’s meeting room to the hallway outside. In addition to Makar, speakers included Jason Leifer, supervisor for the town of Dryden; Mark Witmer, supervisor of the town of Caroline; and Stacey Dimas, Senator Lea Webb’s chief of staff, who spoke on Webb’s behalf.
Dryden Fiber will construct over 125 miles of fiber to reach 2,650 new residences in Dryden and Caroline. Monthly pricing for Dryden Fiber begins at $45 per month for individual residences and $90 per month for businesses. There will be no long-term contracts for customers, who can expect speeds that are five to 10 times as
fast as other competitors.
Dryden Fiber is already live in Dryden, and will be live in Caroline within 12 months.
The money for the grant comes from a competitive grant awarded by the New York state ConnectAll Office’s Municipal Infrastructure Program, which was established through funding provided by the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021. Leifer said Dryden Fiber’s status as a municipally owned and operated system was significant, as Dryden Fiber was in complete control of the service and was accountable to its consumers.
David Makar, executive Director of Dryden Fiber(kneeling, left of front row), held a press conference on Monday, June 24 to announce Dryden Fiber receiving an $8.9 million grant. The money will fund expansion of broadband internet access in Dryden and Caroline, whose supervisors, Jason Leifer and Mark Witmer (back row, fourth and fifth from left) spoke at the press conference. (Photo Credit David Durrett)
this project, Dryden Fiber, is the way to make that happen.”
Makar recalled how, when he moved to Dryden in 2004, there was no broadband internet available, which he said would make running a business impossible. Two years later, he ran for Dryden’s town board under a platform of bringing broadband to Dryden. He compared getting broadband to rural electrification initiatives, which started in 1936 and only reached 90% completion in 1959, two decades later, and said this was proof that the government’s help was necessary to make widespread internet access a reality.
“The last mile, our underserved, unserved homes, they need help,” Makar said, “and
Take n ote
Makar praised Leifer for putting in the work to make Dryden Fiber possible since Makar’s departure from the board in 2011, even when people were skeptical about the idea of municipal broadband.
“A lot of people said, ‘You’re crazy; this will never work,’” Makar said. “(Leifer) did the work, he was not crazy and people want this to happen.”
Witmer said the town of Caroline, which is located just south of Dryden, has also been struggling with broadband for years. His predecessor worked with private internet service providers to build out internet
X Health Alert: Check for Ticks, Prevent Lyme Disease & Other Tick-Borne Illnesses
Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) is alerting the community about the risks associated with Lyme Disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Ticks can transmit over seven diseases that affect individuals of all ages, with symptoms varying by infection but often including fever, fatigue, headache, and rash. Lyme disease, caused by *Borrelia burgdorferi* and spread through blacklegged ticks (deer ticks), is the most common tick-borne disease in New York. Re-infection is possible with each tick bite. Other tick-borne diseases like babesiosis and anaplasmosis are also spreading within the state. Ticks undergo a two-year life cycle with four stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Nymphs, active in early spring and as small as a poppy seed, can still transmit diseases. Regular full-body tick checks, including hidden areas like armpits, behind knees, and around genitalia, are essential for prevention. Ticks typically cling to animals and humans when they brush against plants, as they cannot jump or fly. TCWH advises following the “ABCD method” to prevent tick bites:
• **AVOID**: Stay away from tick-prone areas if possible.
• **BUG SPRAY**: Use repellents with 20%–30% DEET on skin and clothing, and treat gear with permethrin.
• **CHECK FOR TICKS**: Inspect for ticks after outdoor activities and perform daily full-body checks.
• **DRESS FOR PREVENTION**: Wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks easily, tuck shirts into pants, and tuck pants into socks. Prompt tick removal reduces infection risk, ideally within 36 hours. The New York State Department of Health provides resources on proper tick removal. Key steps include using tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin, pulling upward steadily, disinfecting the bite site, and monitoring for rash. Consult a healthcare provider if a tick is attached for over 36 hours or if symptoms appear post-bite.
Dr. William Klepack, TCWH Medical Director, stresses the importance of tick checks and seeking medical advice for ticks attached longer than 36 hours or if symptoms develop. TCWH offers support and information through their Community Health Nurses at 607-274-6604 and the Healthy Neighborhoods Program at 607-274-6702. More resources can be found on their website and through the “TickAlert Tompkins” campaign on Facebook.
CORRECTION: Last weeks Ithaca Times cover story incorrectly stated that Kathy Taylor was the Director of Sales at the new Downtown Ithaca Conference Center, when in fact she is the General Manager. Additionally, Taryn Mullinex, Director of Sales, was incorrectly named as Taryn Moore. These corrections have been made to the online version of the story.
WEB
F r EE lan CE rs : Barbara Adams, G. M Burns, Jane Dieckmann, Charley Githler, Ross Haarstad, Steve Lawrence, Marjorie Olds, Henry Stark, and Arthur Whitman
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and The
UIRING
By Mark Syvertson
QUESTION OF THE WEEK: [HYPOTHETICALLY,] YOU’VE JUST WON AN ALLEXPENSES-PAID VACATION!* WHERE ARE YOU GOING?
“I would want a week-long pass to The Master’s in Augusta, GA.”
– Paul
“I’d go to Norway. It looks like a beautiful country but it's very expensive.”
– Katie
–
–
“I’d like to explore the Alaskan wilderness.”
– Cindi
*Disclaimer: All expenses will be paid for by the respondents. Mark Syvertson, the Inquiring Photographer, the Ithaca Times and any/all affiliates and subsidiaries are not responsible for the cost associated with your dream vacation.
Ithaca Discusses Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance to Increase Housing Supply
By Matt Dougherty
Ithaca Common Council is considering a new ordinance to ease restrictions on building accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as part of its effort to address the city’s housing crisis through increasing housing supply. Currently, the city’s zoning ordinance includes significant hurdles for residents that want to construct ADUs, including an owner occupancy requirement and a stipulation that detached ADUs must meet double the minimum lot area requirement.
During a recent council meeting, staff members presented the proposed changes to ADU regulations, highlighting the potential benefits of ADUs for increasing housing stock and providing financial relief for homeowners. According to Environmental Landscape Planner Nikkie Cerra, “ADUs are smaller secondary units located on a lot with a primary dwelling…They can be attached, like a basement or garage conversion, or detached, like a carriage house.”
Ithaca’s Deputy Director of Planning, Megan Wilson, provided the Common Council with insight into the city’s current regulations, stating, “Our zoning ordinance does not specifically define an ADU.” Wilson added, “To receive a special permit, the unit must be less than 33% of the footprint of the building and the property must be owner-occupied” She noted that these barriers often deter residents from building an ADU on their property.
The proposed ordinance aims to eliminate the owner-occupancy requirement and reduce the minimum lot area requirement, making it more feasible for residents to build ADUs. “We want to remove barriers that are in place now,” Wilson said. “Opening up ADUs to all residential properties, regardless of ownership status, could significantly increase our housing stock.”
According to Cerra, “Portland, Oregon, Seattle, Washington all started with owner occupancy and then quickly realized that enough ADU’s were not being developed.”
Second Ward Alderperson Ducson Nguyen spoke in favor of eliminating the owner occupancy requirement, saying,“There are other cities and communities that started with owner occupancy requirements and then later repealed them because they realized that not enough ADU’s were getting built.” He added, “I’m supportive of reducing barriers to doing that, especially when it's something that for
the most part is pretty non controversial.”
Mayor Robert Cantelmo has underscored the urgency of the housing crisis in Ithaca and the need for innovative solutions like ADUs. “This is a crucial step in addressing our housing shortage and ensuring we provide more options for residents.”
However, there are also concerns about the impact of ADUs on gentrification and affordability. Alderperson Phoebe Brown raised concerns about the likelihood of ADUs not being made available at affordable prices.
“They are not going to be charging affordable prices [because] they have to get back what they [spent to build the ADU],” Brown said. She added, “[ADU’s] are going to help people who probably can afford housing anywhere.” According to Brown, claiming that ADU’s would help lowincome Ithacans access affordable housing is equivalent to “false advertising.”
Alderperson Pierre Saint-Perez expressed a cautious approach, emphasizing the need for guardrails to protect against unintended consequences. “We must ensure that our ADU policy does not lead to the gentrification of our neighborhoods,” he said. “I’m concerned about the potential for landlords to take advantage of this without providing affordable housing.”
Alderperson Tiffany Kumar highlighted the importance of designing a policy that benefits the most at-risk and marginalized communities. “We need to be very purposeful in how we implement this policy to ensure it benefits those who need it most,” Kumar said.
As the council continues to debate the proposed ordinance, Mayor Cantelmo emphasized the importance of community input and further research. “We need to ensure that our ADU policy is well-
informed and considers the needs and concerns of all our residents,” he said.
The council plans to conduct additional research and gather input from the community before making a final decision on the ordinance. The goal is to create a policy that increases housing availability while protecting against gentrification and ensuring affordability.
In response to the concerns around affordability, Wilson said “ADU’s are often small, but that does not mean they are affordable. They can be expensive to construct.” Wilson continued saying that “a lot of ADU development will cater to middle incomes or even above,” but that it does add more housing units to the market at a missing middle price point.
According to Wilson, “There are other ways to get some more affordability for ADU’s, and we'll look at other communities to see how they’re doing that.”
Regarding the issue of affordability, Third Ward Alderperson David Shapiro asked if it was possible to incentivize residents to build ADU’s and make them available at affordable prices through providing them with tax breaks. “With all the tax abatements and all the housing development funds and things like that, I wondered if homeowners or property owners can have those same kinds of benefits afforded to them if they were willing to build an affordable accessory dwelling unit?”
Several members of the Common Council expressed interest in extending tax incentives to residents who build ADU’s. However, Mayor Cantelmo said that before Ithaca can provide tax incentives, the New York State Legislature must pass legislation that authorizes municipalities to provide such tax incentives — which is unlikely to happen anytime soon.
“To see the beautiful views and hike alongside the Ligurian Sea. [In the Mediterranean between France and Italy].”
Trish
“Hawaii.”
Bailey
Ithaca’s Common Council is deliberating on a resolution that would streamline the process of building accessory dwelling units in an effort to increase the city’s housing supply. However, some say that ADU’s won’t help address issues of housing affordability. (Photo: File)
Common Council Has the Opportunity to Protect Tenants Under New State Law
Guest Contributors | State Assemblymember Anna Kelles & Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo
New York State faces a severe housing affordability and accessibility crisis. Ithaca is no outlier. Although our city is relatively small in population our housing crisis matches and surpasses that found in other major upstate cities. For years, we have heard warnings from constituents, community leaders, and housing advocates alike that tenants in Ithaca are experiencing rapidly rising rent, a lack of availability of affordable housing, substantial year-over-year rent increases that far exceed income growth, and unexpected lease terminations.
Low- and middle-income residents are commonly priced out of Ithaca and Tompkins County entirely. According to an analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, as of January 2023, Ithaca was the second most expensive small city in America for renters. In the county, the median rent for a one-bedroom unit was more than 50% higher than in any neighboring county, as shown in the Tompkins County 2022 Housing Snapshot. According to the American Community Survey, since 2015
rent in Tompkins County has risen by 30%, one of the highest county increases in the state. The data is clear, rent in Ithaca and Tompkins County is excessively high. Parallel to the increases in rent, since 2007, the homeless population in New York has almost doubled. In 2020, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) identified New York as the state with the highest rate of homelessness. Housing insecurity is a significant risk factor for homelessness, leading to generational poverty, a decrease in public safety, reduced job stability, increased food insecurity, reduced educational achievement, and poorer self-reported health. Tenants in Ithaca are experiencing extreme levels of housing insecurity. According to current HUD Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy data, of Ithaca’s renters, more than half are cost-burdened, meaning they pay more than 30% of their income for housing costs. Nearly half of those renters are severely cost-burdened, spending more than 50% of their income on housing costs.
In April, the state passed the 20242025 budget, including a comprehensive housing package. Although a majority of the housing statutes focused on incentivizing housing development, the package also included one provision for tenant protections (part HH, page 108), loosely based on the existing “Good Cause Eviction” bill sponsored by Assemblymember Pam Hunter and Senator Julia Salazar.
The legislation is designed to stabilize the lives of individuals and families by helping to keep them in their homes. It also creates a modicum of equilibrium between the rate of rent increases and renters’ income and ability to pay. The law provides that if a landlord chooses to terminate a lease they must document “good cause” for lease non-renewal or when a tenant faces eviction. Similar to all other states that have good cause eviction laws, under this statute, landlords can increase rent up to 10% or the rate of inflation plus 5% annually, whichever is lower. While landlords may still increase rent above this threshold, the new law gives renters the right to challenge rent increases and to ask for legal justification for this rate of
increase in an eviction court proceeding. Unlike every other state that has passed good cause as a statewide requirement, New York only requires these protections for renters in New York City with the option to opt in for the rest of the state. This is not simply a New York City issue. According to a recent housing report from the New York State Comptroller, “New York consistently ranks as a state with one of the highest cost burdens for both owners and renters.” The report also found that cost burden is the main cause of housing insecurity for renters. The monthly cost of housing increased 11% more for renters than homeowners from 2012 to 2022 with 90% of very lowincome households being cost-burdened.
On July 10, the Ithaca Common Council will consider whether to opt in which will give local tenants who meet certain criteria the same protections as renters in NYC. Significantly more than half of the population in Ithaca are tenants, according to the Tompkins County Department of Planning & Sustainability. This single
UPS DOWNS&
Ups
On July 8, Tompkins County legislators will introduce a resolution in the Tompkins County Legislature’s Housing and Economic Development Committee calling to raise the minimum wage in the County to a living wage.
Downs
New York State is delaying its goal of achieving 70% renewable energy by 2030 to 2033. Challenges like inflation, supply chain issues, and labor shortages cited. A recent report by NYSERDA highlights the hurdles and new timeline.
HEARD SEEN&
Heard
Last Wednesday local elected officials and community members gathered in Stewart Park to celebrate the grand opening of the park's new $500,000 splash pad and upgraded large pavilion.
Seen
The Center for Community Transportation (CCT) has announced the appointment of Laura Vineyard as its new Executive Director.
IF YOU 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.”
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Should more be done to address the issue of increasing Harmful Algae Blooms in Cayuga Lake?
87 0 % Yes .
6.5% No.
6.5 % I don’t care.
Ithaca Awarded $12.7 Million for Supportive Housing Projects
By Matt Dougherty
New York state has announced significant funding for Ithaca to address homelessness and provide essential support services for vulnerable populations. As part of a broader $45 million initiative, two projects in Ithaca have been awarded $12.7 million to create 45 units of permanent supportive housing.
The funding is part of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s (OTDA) Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP) and is included in Governor Hochul's $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan, which seeks to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York State, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations.
“I am enormously grateful to Governor Hochul for this needed investment in the City of Ithaca,” Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo said. “The Governor has made housing development and affordability a centerpiece of her administration and concrete investments like this show her commitment and ability to deliver.”
Cantelmo added, “Ithaca is a proud Pro-Housing Community, and these projects will play a key role in the economic revitalization and development of the West State/Martin Luther King Jr. Street Corridor, enhancing affordability, inclusivity, and connectivity for downtown Ithaca.”
New York State has awarded $8.5 million to Rehabilitation Support Services, Inc. (RSS), to develop The Meadows of Seneca, which has a proposed location at 116 North Meadow Street. This project will create 25 units of permanent supportive housing in Ithaca on what is currently a vacant lot of land occupied by a few trees.
Project plans propose a four-story building that will include an exercise room, laundry facilities, and a community room. Support services will be provided primarily by RSS, with specialized services from The Advocacy Center of Tompkins County for survivors of domestic violence.
Executive Director of RSS, William Devita, expressed gratitude for the funding. “This critical funding will support the development of a strong and balanced community with the addition of 25 permanent supportive apartments within a larger development of 70 units in the Southern Tier,” Devita said.
New York State has also awarded Arbor Housing Development with $4.2 million to develop 20 units of permanent supportive housing as part of the Stately Apartments project, located on the corner of West State Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Street. This multi-story building will feature laundry facilities, a community
room, a garden, and commercial space, with support services provided by Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga counties.
Susan Bull, CEO of Arbor Housing and Development, highlighted the funding's impact, saying, “HHAP funds will make it possible to bring brand new affordable and much-needed supportive housing to downtown Ithaca.”
Governor Hochul has emphasized the importance of supportive housing in her administration’s efforts to reduce homelessness. “Creating new permanent supportive housing is central to my administration’s work to reduce homelessness across New York State while simultaneously supporting strong neighborhoods throughout our state,” Hochul said.
“When completed, these projects will provide vulnerable New Yorkers with an affordable place to call home and the security and services they need to live safely and successfully in their communities.”
Do you think opting into Good Cause Eviction will have a positive impact on Ithaca’s housing crisis?
Visit ithaca.com to submit your response.
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn underscored the broader goals, saying, “The Homeless Housing and Assistance Program’s investment in these projects will provide much-needed stable housing and essential support services to individuals and families experiencing or at-risk of homelessness across New York State.”
With these latest awards, HHAP has committed over $95 million of the $128 million in funding provided in the FY25 Enacted Budget, continuing the state’s work to address homelessness and support at-risk populations.
An artistic rendering of the Stately Apartment project, which will include 20 units of permanent supportive housing on the corner of West State Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Street. (Photo: Provided)
A grassy lot located at the corner of North Meadow Street and Seneca Street will be developed into a 25-unit permanent supportive housing project known as The Meadows of Seneca. (Photo: Google Maps)
An Open Letter to Landlords: Sell to Your Tenants
By Chris Skawski, Local Resident
At a recent hearing about Good Cause Eviction legislation in the City of Ithaca, the public comments fell into two groups: tenants sharing stories of precarity and urging the council to vote yes; and landlords, many of them 'small' landlords claiming they would be forced to sell if they took on the burden of proof for raising rents or evicting someone by non-renewal.
I want to take these small landlords who spoke up at that meeting at their word. Almost every one of them told a tale of being a good landlord, of providing housing, and of caring deeply for the community. So, believing that those who spoke did so in good faith, I want to encourage you, the small landlord, to put your money where your mouth is. If you cannot afford to bear the legal or administrative costs of proving good cause for non-renewal or raising rents, sell your properties to your tenants.
One of the prevailing arguments made by landlords at the public hearing and throughout this process is that by restricting their ability to non-renew tenants, they will face increased administrative and legal costs, or be ‘unable to keep up with the market,’ thereby losing income. In that scenario, they claim, they will have no choice but to get out of the landlord business and sell, probably to out of town companies.
This argument presupposes that they bear no responsibility for the security of their tenant(s). It suggests that they live on razor thin margins, and that it is somehow the Public's responsibility to protect them from lost income. It helpfully obfuscates that they bought a property as an investment and instead posits them as providers, suppliers, and community builders. Everyone needs a place to live, they say, and I give it to them. Reward me.
This threat of out-of-town companies purchasing properties as investments and evicting tenants who can no longer afford increased rents is not an idle one. There are communities in Ithaca right now facing that reality. And it is wrong. Plainly, morally, wrong. No just theory of ‘property rights’ can excuse the violence people in our community have faced. And I do not just mean the practice of hazardous
and unpleasant renovations while people are still living in the building. Turning people out of their homes for the betterment of a bottom line is itself violence.
Even in more benign cases, ownership of property by out-of-town entities means money from our community is sent away. Ironworks Ithaca is owned by a company based in Horseheads. The high rent they charge pays for services outside of our town. The income collected from rents is used to fund paychecks and projects that take place elsewhere. Investment in a community by people outside of it is not automatically harmful. But we should at least be aware of the amount of money earned by people in this community that is paid to people who have no more stake in this community than a Return on Investment.
So, when you, the small landlord, say you care more about the community than your Return on Investment and what happens to the community in your absence, I want to take you at your word. If you care about the community, about its self-sufficiency, and the lives and neighborhoods built and enjoyed by people who live here, you should sell your properties to us, tenants.
I don’t mean to suggest that every tenant would be in a position to buy — I know I wouldn’t be if my landlord presented me the opportunity. And I am sure that even in those cases where tenants can come up with the money, any money, they will not be able to put up as much as one of those out-of-town companies. By virtue of not owning an appreciating asset, tenants are kept out of accruing the wealth necessary to make big purchases. We likewise often lack access to the kind of credit necessary to finance things like that.
But give tenants the chance to pull together the money. Give them the opportunity to invest in place the way you say you have. Offer them the property whose value has increased in part because of the love they poured into it. Your assessments have gone up, you remind us frequently. The value of your property has increased well above inflation. It is almost certain that even if you sold below market rate you would still make a profit against what you paid for it in the first place. Sell. Take
Council Should Delay Vote on Good Cause Eviction
By Alderpersons Margaret Fabrizio & David Shapiro
On April 20, 2024, the New York State legislature passed the Good Cause Eviction Law, legislation intended to limit evictions, eliminate non-renewals without cause, and cap rent increases. It became effective immediately for New York City and gave the option for all other NYS local governments to opt-in.
While discussed as far back as 2021 with a previous Common Council, it was only reintroduced to Council less than 3 weeks ago on June 12. A public hearing was held on June 20. It is now slated for a vote on July 10 at 6pm despite the many questions that remain unanswered about its effect on our local housing market.
Regrettably, local property owners and tenants were not invited to come together to City Hall to discuss problem areas for both tenants and property owners and to talk about how Good Cause might impact us locally. While we like to think we are an inclusive community, we as a government failed to provide a forum for real discussion and collaborative brainstorming about the issues Good Cause was intended to address. Instead, it has become a them-v-us issue, with people on both sides of the argument trying to interpret broad and vague legislative language.
Any new legislation, let alone one that has the potential to affect so many, deserves serious deliberation and public engagement. That’s what good government does. Good government defines a problem with data, such as data on the number of local nonrenewals without cause annually, the number of evictions and their causes, and information on rental price increases relative to tax and other related increases. Good government listens with open minds to renters and to property owners to determine the community’s needs. We have not done this, but instead are racing to embrace legislation written for New York City, with no questions asked.
Mayor Cantelmo offered the Good Cause resolution but without a full presentation to explain it in detail to Council and to the public. Dozens showed up on both sides of the argument for the rushed public hearing and were granted two minutes each to state their case. Since then, many have submitted written comments to Council members and property owners
have asked to bring stakeholders to the table to better understand the legislation, as well as its unintended consequences.
Before Good Cause becomes law, the Mayor and Council have a responsibility to clearly define our local problem and understand not just how this may help, but also how it may hurt. Rushing as we are to be among the first municipalities in the state to opt-in, we are not giving ourselves the time required to study and understand it.
In the interest of information gathering and bringing tenants and property owners together we will be hosting a Community Conversation about Good Cause on July 9 at 6 p.m. at the Tompkins County Library. The Ithaca Tenants’ Union, the Landlords Association of Tompkins County, and all interested residents are invited to discuss our most pressing local rental housing problems and how this will help or hinder them. We are eager to learn more and invite our colleagues to join us.
The version Council is poised to adopt diverges from the state version significantly. It defines “small landlord” to be a property owner holding more than one unit; the state legislature has defined it to be more than 10 units. Additionally, Ithaca’s version would exempt only properties with rent equaling more than 345% of the Fair Market Rate, as defined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (so even by Ithaca standards, super, super high rent). These two tweaks, allowable by the state, ensure that all owning more than one unit of rental housing will be subject to the law. It has been drafted locally to cover the housing market as broadly as possible. Council did not discuss why these changes were indicated.
One quarter of our Albany legislators are also landlords and they authored legislation in a way that exempts all but seven of them. If a Certificate of Occupancy was issued after 2009, for instance, they are exempted from the law for 30 years. Or if the units are required to be affordable for certain income levels, they will not be subject to the law. This represents an unknown but large number of local units, and certainly all of Ithaca’s new,
Cornell Faces Public Backlash Over Plans to Install Artificial Turf at Meinig Fieldhouse
By Matt Dougherty
Cornell University’s proposal to install several artificial turf fields as part of its new Meinig Fieldhouse project has ignited significant public opposition, with residents and experts voicing serious environmental and health concerns during a public hearing on Tuesday.
The $55 million project at 239 Tower Road aims to enhance the university’s sports and recreational facilities. However, the plan to use artificial turf instead of natural grass has raised alarms among Ithaca residents who argue that the synthetic material poses substantial risks to human health and the environment.
The controversy over artificial turf is not new to Ithaca. Last year, Ithaca College faced similar opposition when it proposed installing synthetic turf at Butterfield Stadium. In December 2022, the college initiated a campaign to install the turf and was met with substantial local opposition.
Despite an online petition from Ithaca College students and a letter from the Town of Ithaca Conservation Board, the Planning Board approved the college’s plan with only one dissenting vote. Now, the planning board is in the process of deciding whether or not to approve another artificial turf project at Cornell.
“Artificial turf is a fossil fuel product containing thousands of toxic chemicals,” said Yayoi Koizumi, a local environmental activist and founder of Zero Waste Ithaca. “The potential health impacts on our children, athletes, and the environment are profound and unacceptable.”
According to a recent study from Barcelona, artificial turfs have been identified among the top causes of outdoor microplastic pollution. Plastic blades of grass from these turfs account for 15% of larger plastic pieces found in the environment. Environmental advocates also highlight the lifecycle of artificial turf, from manufacturing to disposal, as a significant contributor to plastic pollution. They emphasize that these turfs shed microplastics during use and are nearly impossible to recycle — despite industry claims — leading to substantial plastic waste.
Ithaca Planning Board Chair, Mitch Glass, said that a more thorough review of the differences between artificial turf and natural grass is necessary before the board advances the project. He added that heat retention in artificial turf is a “major concern.” (Photo: Cornell University/Provided)
In addition to environmental concerns, artificial turf is associated with severe health risks. Synthetic turfs contain perand polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals” due to their longevity in the environment. Numerous scientific reports indicate that PFAS pose severe threats to water systems and human health. They have been proven to cause several reproductive disorders, including Crohn’s disease and breast, testicular, kidney, prostate, and liver cancers.
While the industry claims that artificial turfs are “PFAS-free,” evidence suggests these chemicals are present in the infill crumbs and plastic grass blades. Critics argue that these substances can leach into the soil and groundwater, causing long-term contamination risks.
Retired science educator Margaret McCasland highlighted the dangers in her comments. “Endocrine-disrupting chemicals like PFAS are found in drinking water and can cause severe health issues even at very low levels,” McCasland said. She
Jay Peters, a risk management consultant from Haley and Aldrich, explained that PFAS detected in existing synthetic turf fields are likely due to environmental contamination from rainwater, and not directly linked to the turf itself.
(Photo: Haley & Aldrich/Provided)
added, “There’s [also] a growing body of evidence that athletes are more likely to receive joint injuries on artificial turf, especially to their ACLs.”
Critics have argued that synthetic surfaces can lead to a higher incidence of certain injuries, such as ACL tears. According to NFL injury data collected from 2012 to 2018, there have been 28% more non-contact lower body injuries and 69% more non-contact foot and ankle injuries on turf fields than on natural grass.
Heat retention in artificial turf is another significant concern, as studies have shown that synthetic turf can get more than 50 degrees hotter than natural grass. “Artificial turf can become substantially hotter than natural grass, posing serious risks to athletes,” said Mary Ann Krasny, a professor in Natural Resources and the Environment at Cornell. “Is that really what we want to subject our young children to?” Krasny asked. “During hot weather, these fields can reach temperatures that are dangerous to play on.”
Founder of Zero Waste Ithaca, Yayoi Koizumi, has led several local efforts advocating against the installation of artificial turf at Cornell University and Ithaca College, citing environmental and health concerns.
(Photo: File)
Additionally, PhD student in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Cornell, Amina Mohamed, said, “The heat retention in artificial turf is a major concern, especially on hot days when the surface temperature can soar, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses for athletes.” As climate change continues to take its toll, athletes playing on synthetic surfaces are increasingly impacted by heat-related illnesses.
In response, environmental consultants from Haley and Aldrich, who opponents of the project criticize for being hired by Cornell, defended the project’s safety measures.
Jay Peters, a risk management consultant from Haley and Aldrich, explained that the specific type of synthetic turf proposed for the project uses a fluorinated polymer considered safe by multiple regulatory agencies. “Our synthetic turf is not made using PFAS,” Peters said. “The polymer used, known as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), is inert and does not leach harmful chemicals into the environment.”
Peters continued saying that PFAS detected in existing synthetic turf fields are likely due to environmental contamination from rainwater, which contains low levels of PFAS from various sources. “The presence of PFAS in synthetic turf is a result of anthropogenic conditions in the environment,” Peters said. “It’s present in rainwater and air, and this leads to its accumulation on surfaces, including synthetic turf.”
While this claim seemingly points to a positive for synthetic turf, it simultaneously confirms that PFAS contamination in the environment is taking place at an uncontrollable scale.
In their defense, the consultants emphasized the advancements in artificial turf technology. Trey Sasser, an engineer from Sasaki, contended that turf is just as safe as natural grass because modern synthetic fields are designed to mimic the properties of high-quality natural grass. “The goal of the synthetic turf fields is to provide a safe playing surface that reduces the risk of injuries,” Sasser said. “These fields are designed with safety in mind, incorporating materials that absorb impact and reduce stress on athletes’ joints.”
Sasser continued by saying that synthetic turf is safer than natural grass because it provides a padded surface that helps prevent head injuries while providing a “consistent playing surface over time.”
Despite these assurances, planning board members echoed public concerns, requesting more detailed data and comparisons
with natural grass alternatives. “We need a more rigorous assessment of natural turf fields,” said board member Andy Rollman. “What are the true benefits of artificial turf, and do they outweigh the potential risks?”
Board Chair Mitch Glass emphasized the need for a thorough review. “I don’t feel I have a good handle on the health impacts to the human body,” Glass said. “We need specific data to make an informed decision.”
He continued saying, “The heat retention in artificial turf is a major concern. We need to understand how this could affect athletes, especially during extreme weather conditions.
Board member Emily Petrina voiced her concerns about conflicting evidence being presented about artificial turf. “We’ve received a lot of conflicting information
about the safety and environmental impact of artificial turf [and] it’s crucial that we have a clear detailed comparison to understand the potential risks and benefits.”
Cornell aims to address these concerns by providing the planning board with additional data. The project timeline includes a comprehensive review process, with the planning board expecting more detailed presentations in the coming months.
In response to growing concerns, several legislative efforts are underway to address the issues associated with artificial turf. In January 2023, New York State passed Bill S834-2023, which prohibits the sale of carpets containing PFAS. Depending on how the bill is interpreted, this could effectively ban the sale and installation of
artificial turf with PFAS in New York State.
Additionally, New York State Bill S7239 proposes a moratorium on the installation of artificial turfs. However, advocates argue that this bill needs amendments to address known carcinogens and other harmful chemicals in synthetic turfs. Another bill, S4693, calls for a public health study by the Department of Health on the installation of artificial turf.
Despite the responses from Cornell representatives, public sentiment remains largely opposed to the project. The next steps include a detailed environmental impact statement and further risk assessments of artificial and natural turf options. The project timeline suggests a decision could be reached by late summer 2024.
This natural grass field occupies the land that sits on the potential future site of the Meinig Fieldhouse, which will replace the natural grass with artificial turf fields. (Photo: Mark Syvertson)
An artist’s rendering of Meinig Fieldhouse, looking southwest. Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2024, with opening planned for 2026.
Breaking the Ice Ceiling
Cornell Alum Jessica Campbell Becomes First Female NHL Coach
By Steve Lawrence
Many — okay most — people making the national sports news have some big-time Division 1 background. They are often full-scholarship athletes, and when they arrive at the pinnacle of their sport, few are surprised. It pleases me to say that two athletes with local ties are getting it done on the big stage, without that athletic scholarship pedigree, and in one case, having gone to a Division III school.
First up: Jessica Campbell — who graduated from Cornell exactly a decade ago — was recently named as the first
Campbell was a forward on Cornell’s Women’s Ice Hockey team from 2010 to 2013. During her junior season, she scored a career-high 16 goals on the season and was second on the team in goals. (Photo: Provided)
woman ever to be hired as an assistant coach in the National Hockey League.
After leaving Cornell, Campbell went on to play for the Canadian National Team, and was hired as an assistant two years ago by Dan Blysma, the head coach of the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the American Hockey League. When the Firebirds made the Calder Cup (AHL finals) the past two seasons, Blysma caught the attention of the Seattle Krakens of the National Hockey League, and the team hired him on May 28. Blysma brought Cambbell with him, and when asked “What's she like?”, Blysma said, “She’s a coach. She brings a lot to the table.”
At her first press conference as the first female assistant coach in NHL history, Coach Cambbell expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, and added, “I am humbled to be the first, but that has never been the focus. The focus has been on the impact I can have on the team winning, and hopefully, to open up doors.” Addressing some whispers of skepticism regarding how well her skills, knowledge and experience might transfer to the men’s game, Campbell pointed out that she played boy’s hockey up until the age of 17, and that she was confident in the transition. Fortunately, Coach Blysma and the Krakens share that confidence.
be rowing in her fourth Olympics. Musnicki — who won gold in London (2012) and Rio (2016) — initially retired after the Tokyo games, but has returned to make the team to row in either the Women’s Four or Eight boat in Paris. (She also has five gold medals from the World Championships.)
Team USA’s website calls Meghan — a native of Naples, NY , “one of the most decorated rowers in U.S. History,” and at age 41, she will be the oldest rower ever to take a seat for Team USA. Upon making the Olympic team for the Paris games, Musnicki said, “I love competing, I love pushing my limits, and I love being a part of a team of women going after an incredibly lofty goal.” She added, “I am lucky enough that my body is holding up, and I still have more to learn.”
Hall of Fame in 2013, and in 2015, joined the graduation festivities once again, that time as the commencement speaker.
In one publicity event, Team USA rowers were asked to pose in their college rowing garb, and Musnicki pointed out that while “Most of my teammates came out of powerhouse Division 1 programs,” she was proud to pose in her Bomber uniform. ●
Also making the big news stage is Ithaca College grad Meghan Musnicki, who will
The Musnicki family name is held in very high regard at Ithaca College, as in 2005, the Bombers dedicated a rowing shell to Meghan’s late father, Bill Musnicki III, class of ’75. Meghan was a first-team All American as a Bomber, and led the program to two straight national championships in 2004 and 2005. She was inducted into the Ithaca College Athletic
Speaking of I.C. Rowing, the retirement of women's coach Becky Robinson will mean that a Robinson will not lead a Bomber team for the first time in four decades. Dan Robinson (Becky’s husband) retired as the men’s coach in 2022 after coaching on South Hill since 1984, and Becky is following suit.
After rowing for the Bombers from 1985-87, Robinson took over as head coach in 1995, and led the program to many medal finishes at the NYS Championship regattas, to 23 NCAA Championship appearances, and — as stated earlier — the program won two national titles under Coach Robinson’s leadership.
A decade after graduating from Cornell, Jessica Campbell has become the first woman to every be hired as an assistant coach in the National Hockey League. (Photo: Provided)
Ithaca’s Restaurant Reshuffle
What’s
on the Menu for Restaurants Coming Up
By Kira Walter
As summer heats up, we aren’t the only ones cooking. During the past month, downtown Ithaca has witnessed a restaurant reshuffle, with businesses starting up and switching locations. From Thompson & Bleecker’s Barr Building transition, to The Lotus’s grand opening on North Aurora & E. M.L.K. Street, many surprises are unfolding for diners this summer. These changes point to a flourishing local economy as Ithaca’s dining scene continues to excite the masses.
THE LOTUS
On June 20th at 11:00 a.m., The Lotus welcomed customers for the first time and celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Since Viva Taqueria moved out of its long-time location on the corner of East State Street and North Aurora Street in April of 2023, this prime corner location has been renovated into a traditional Korean restaurant. With its classic brick walls and gorgeous interior design, the Lotus promises familiar rice and noodle dishes emphasizing authentic Korean flavor. The new destination also offers Korean-style fried chicken, a crispy delicacy in various sweet or savory sauces.
At the opening celebration, Sungyoon Hwang was thrilled about proximity to the commons and The Lotus’s innovative atmosphere. As owner of collegetown staples Koko and Le Cafe, this is her third business entering the Ithaca food industry.
“I’m so happy. I think the location is perfect,” she said.
Meanwhile, Manager Gyeongtak Kang spoke to The Lotus’s objectives in comparison with Koko. While this initial business prioritizes fast service and making Korean food accessible to studying students, The Lotus is more focused on fine dining.
“We wanted to expand our services more towards locals and the community built around here, not just near school, near Cornell,” Kang told the Times.
Importing spices from Korea while preparing both meat and marinade in-house are significant aspects of The Lotus menu. The new hotspot serves a love for Korean culture Tuesday through Sunday.
THOMPSON & BLEECKER
Another long-time restauranteur making changes for Ithacan eateries is George Papachryssanthou. After growing up at beloved family restaurant Souvlaki House, he and his wife Milany opened Thompson & Bleecker in 2018. For six years, the Papachryssanthou’s provided the downtown community with fresh Neopolitan pizza and pasta options. Now, the couple is expanding business with a bigger location, an exciting cocktail menu, and other future developments.
“We were sort of limited to what we were able to do as far as food production. We’ve fixed that here with different equipment and a larger kitchen,” Papachryssanthou explained.
As 211 East Seneca Street was a former office building, the conversion process mandated a lot of time and effort. It took owners exactly a year to convert the location, but designing the space was an exciting venture. As the Papachryssanthou’s own the building, they’ve had more
autonomy with business decisions.
“We’re not beholden to any landlords. Once we had the opportunity to move into that, we took it,” he said.
Besides introducing a new cocktail program, the Thompson & Bleecker team will continue their mission to “provide good food in an upscale-casual ambiance with attention to service.” They’ve also alluded to potential projects like a similar business in college town or a fast-salad-focused joint in the commons. Regarding expansion, entrepreneurs at this Ithaca favorite have a lot on the horizon.
ITHACA DELI
That’s not all that’s coming for Ithaca diners. Down the block, at the intersection of East Seneca and North Tioga Street, the vacated Starbucks location is being filled by Ithaca Deli. Though enshrouded in ominous scaffolding, renovations to open this restaurant during the summer are well underway. Adjacent to the commons, this upcoming business is destined to be a prime spot for grab-n-go lunches. An official date for open doors is still unclear, but at peak picnic season, the developing restaurant is on many sandwich lovers’ radars.
(Interview With Omar Obadi On Monday At 10:00 AM)
COLTIVARE
Meanwhile, a former top-of-the-list restaurant may be reopening within the next two to three months. Coltivare’s closing in the Spring of 2023 disappointed many dedicated
& Entertainment
Thompson & Bleecker has relocated from its previous location on the Ithaca Commons and reopened in a new and larger location at 211 East Seneca Street in downtown Ithaca. (Photo: Mark Syvertson)
The Lotus officially opened on June 20th in the former Viva Taqueria storefront located on the corner of East State Street and North Aurora Street. (Photo: Mark Syvertson)
Mon-Sat 9 am-9 pm Sun 11 am-6 pm (607)
“Escape to Margaritaville”
By Barbara Adams
Summer’s the perfect time for frothy escapist musicals, and Cortland Repertory Theatre obligingly offers up one of the most frivolous: “Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville.” If you happen to be in upstate New York and not basking on the beach, you can still go there vicariously, joining the group of eager white tourists at an admittedly fourth-rate tropical resort replete with blunts and booze.
This jukebox musical is built around Buffet’s most popular songs, which at their best are bouncy and catchy, like the iconic title number. The plot features two best friends (and polar opposites), Rachel and Tammy, heading to a bachelorette getaway on a Caribbean island. Brooke Melton’s Rachel is a workaholic scientist determined to discover new energy sources (in the humble potato), while Olivia Goodman’s Tammy, the bride-to-be, is all about the present—food, fun, and flirting.
Island life works its magic, with Rachel finally letting down her hair and bedding Tully (Nick Brogan), the laid-back guitarist and club performer who hustles all the vacationing women. Tammy, meanwhile, is attracted to the bartender, Brick (Caleb Miofsky), but with her wedding imminent, settles for a genuine friendship.
Although the play premiered barely seven years ago, its storyline (courtesy of Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley) comes out of decades-old sitcoms, with conventional mores (like marriage and fidelity) paired incongruously with the pursuit of lots of
sex––whenever, however, with whomever. The female tourists are of course seen as fair game for the hedonistic island-dwelling guys. (The one exception is Xander Benton’s Jamal, the busboy.) Over-the-top sexism — epitomized by Tammy’s creepy fiancé, Chadd, who’s enforced a drastic diet so she’ll lose weight for the wedding — is mocked yet still reified.
And then there’s the old horndog, J.D. (Jason Thomas Sofge), the one-eyed Hemingwayesque bar hound who can’t stop propositioning anyone in a skirt — with a special penchant for Marley (Amirah Joy Lomax), the decades-younger hotel owner. In act one, pursuing sex seems the main resort entertainment; cheesy double entendres fly as thick as mosquitos; and vacation-inspired decadence is celebrated in songs like “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” and “Why Don’t We Get Drunk and Screw.”
The sexual stereotyping is so blatant (and tired) that you eventually look past it and connect to the production, which features energized acting and some delightful dance numbers. Artistic director Kerby Thompson keeps the action moving, and choreographer Aisling Halpin provides wonderful and varied dances for the game ensemble. My favorite: Brick’s fearful fantasy of zombie insurance agents prowling in a parody of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” (Grotesque or merely beachwear, Angie Andrea’s costumes are spot-on throughout.)
Rozy Isquith’s cartoonish set works well, strikingly lit by Eric Behnke. Elizabeth Reaves provides amusing cheesy props (like
and the cast
production of
the tempting pile of hamburgers, the blue cloth making ocean waves, and the vertical blankets the couples canoodle under). Most convincingly, at the end of act one, the volcano in the distant background begins to rumble and steam; its eruption continues throughout intermission.
The second act covers a lot of ground, including escaping the endangered island via boat and seaplane and attending the eventual wedding rehearsal back in Cincinnati. Tammy finally stops taking Chadd’s abuse and welcomes Brick’s acceptance of her as she is. But Rachel and Tully part ways, each to pursue their own careers—her valuable research, his music. Three years later, though, it’s happily ever after for everyone; classic comedy dictates that no one we care about goes uncoupled. Even the Viagra-popping J.D., who’s revealed his inner life, scores in romance.
The acting and singing by the key figures is just fine (Miofsky is especially vocally strong); and the ensemble members assume multiple personalities, which is great fun. Music director Shoshana SeidGreen heads a lively seven-piece band that buoys the comic action.
Corny yet winning, “Margaritaville” truly offers an escape — a few hours when
you’re not worrying over the state of the nation. That’s quite a gift.
P.S. Back in Ithaca this past weekend: a shoutout to the fabulous, impressively mature, and all-too-brief run of “Chicago” (teen edition) produced by Running to Places, with Joey Steinhagen directing and Tucker Davis choreographing. Terrific ensemble work, dynamic dancing, and stunning costumes dazzled the audience; the standout leads were Lily Ryan’s Roxy Hart, Sabrina O’Connor’s Velma Kelly, and Hayden Sheley’s Billy Flynn.
Barbara Adams, a regional arts journalist, teaches writing at Ithaca College.
“Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville.”
by Greg
and
Repertory Theatre, Little York Lake Road, Preble, NY. Evenings at 7:30 p.m. through July 12, with 2 p.m. matinees on July 10 and 12. For tickets: https://cortlandrep.org/ or 607-756-2627.
high end housing. Those not exempted are the many small property owners, including those with older properties and high maintenance costs. As such, the legislation will put rent caps on them only, and it is conceivable this disproportionate leveling of the law will spawn litigation. Tenants’ rights organizations believe legislation is needed to protect against landlord discrimination, harassment, and eviction threats, and to prevent renters from eviction if unable to pay rent increases. It is meant to protect against “runaway rent hikes,” according to the Ithaca Tenants’
Union. Local property owners are concerned protracted eviction proceedings (instead of non-renewals for problem tenants) will necessitate rent increases and that the legislation overall will decrease long term rental stock and additionally cause many longtime local owners to sell to out-of-town conglomerate investors who will buy at a high price resulting in significant rent increases.
of the overall tax levy. Simply put, good cause will raise taxes on residential properties.”
democratic, collaborative, and deliberative approach to solving these problems. Let’s look at the data, let’s understand if this will do more good than harm. Let’s understand both tenants’ and property owners’ rights and responsibilities. We should not rush to implement something that may produce the opposite effect of what was intended. We can and should do better. July is not the month to vote on Good Cause. Postponing now is not being unsupportive of renters. It is rather called informed decision-making. Please join us on July 9 to better understand local housing concerns and possible solutions and on July 10 for the second public hearing. For details on the legislation, see https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/RPP/216 COUNCIL SHOULD
The County Assessor, Jay Franklin, said, “Good cause will undoubtedly cause a decrease in the value of apartments due to increased regulation and risk with this property class. It will also cause a decrease in net operating income, which also leads to a decrease in value. Decreasing values on apartments just means that they will become less of the tax base and be responsible for less
Mayor Cantelmo was recently quoted in an Ithaca Times June 12, 2024 article as saying that Ithaca is the second most expensive rental market among small cities in New York and that he sees this legislation as helping to address our unaffordability issue.
It is undeniable that rent here is too high and it will likely continue this way as long as we have a higher demand than supply. Also undeniable is the fact that property taxes here are too high. These go hand in hand. If Council agrees to limit rent increases, then it should follow that we must also hold the line on expenditures come budget season. It is simply too early to vote on this legislation. Our community deserves a more
Book
Garcia
Mike O’Malley; music and lyrics by Jimmy Buffet. Directed by Kerby Thompson; Aisling Halpin, choreographer; music director Shoshana Seid-Green. At Cortland
Nick Brogan as Tully
perform “License to Chill” in Cortland Repertory Theatre’s
“Escape to Margaritaville”, running now through July 12. (Photo: Eric Behnke)
Scenic Dining at the Boatyard Grill
By Henry Stark
Ifrequently drive along Route 89, going up the west shore of Cayuga Lake, and glance across the Cayuga Inlet at The Boatyard Grill. When I do, I can’t help thinking about the Phoenix in Greek Mythology who rose from the ashes. That’s because The Boatyard Grill was constructed where there used to be a toxic nautical junkyard. The site had been strewn with bits of broken boats, rusty motors, gasoline drums from an Agway shop, rusted fuel storage drums from a Mobil station, and debris from the Lehigh Valley railroad station. The Department of Environmental Conservation did a careful study, found the soil contaminated, and helped with the cleanup. What a marvelous transformation it has been, not to mention that the restaurant opening, in January 2001 created 125 jobs at the time.
Have you heard people say something like: “If a restaurant has a great view you can count on it having inferior food.” They usually refer to revolving restaurants on the tops of tall buildings. This, however, does not apply to The Boatyard Grill. The view here is indeed lovely: from the large windows you can see up the lake past the college boat houses and the Farmers Market and in clement weather it’s fun to see the college crews practicing their strokes. However the food here is also top drawer.
COMMON COUNCIL HAS THE OPPORTUNITY
continued from page 5
The menu at The Boatyard has been significantly reduced since The Pandemic. Here are some comments on what remains:
I like the Wood Fired Chicken Pasta ($13) which comes with a few broccoli florets, and red pepper slices and is served in a thick creamy sauce which reminds me of Alfredo. The chunks of chicken mixed in are quite tender.
I also enjoy Geogia Peach Grilled Chicken which I order as s Small Plate ($13). It serves as a filling meal for me with mashed sweet potatoes and a vegetable. The entrée portion ($20) comes with two breasts instead of one and more veggies. The other night I had wished that the string beans were cooked a bit more and the chicken a bit less.
Steaks are important here and there are four of them. I recently ordered the Sizzling Garlic ($32), not because I care about the sizzle, but because I love garlic on anything. I was disappointed with this item. The sirloin was delivered medium rare as I had ordered it and there was some sizzling going on in the pan however, I can’t eat the sizzle. I had ordered it for the garlic and neither my companion nor I were able to discern even a hint of it. Complementing the beef were some cooked onions, toma
piece of legislation has the potential to make an immediate difference in the lives of the majority of our constituents. By opting in to the law, our city government can provide tenants with insulation from unreasonable rent increases and evictions without cause, thus helping to stabilize housing for the majority of Ithacans.
toes, and rosemary potatoes. Another evening, I selected Scallop Stuffed Shrimp ($34). When it was delivered to the table, I was initially disappointed to see only three shrimp widely spaced out on the plate. However, after eating them, along with the stuffing and diced zucchini, I found it to be a complete, and satisfying entrée.
There’s a Mac & Cheese dish with bits of lobster and shrimp ($26). It’s served in a Gouda-Parmesan cheese sauce that’s quite good and there’s a fair amount of shellfish in the mix.
Lobster lollipops ($35} comes with a part of the lobster tail and shrimp on a skewer with rice and is very enjoyable.
NOTE: I was able to do a bit of sleuthing and learned that the following new items will be added to the summer menu: a ribeye steak, seafood risotto, scallop piccata, lobster and shrimp sliders, and a jambalaya double smash burger. If you enjoy their seafood nachos, I suggest you hurry in to get them before they disappear.
BEVERAGES: or Liquid Indulgence, as it’s called here.
Major concessions were made in the budget to the Real Estate Board of New York, as a result, the tenant protections were far from what advocates had hoped to help stabilize housing across the state.
This “Good Cause Eviction” law is the weakest of any in the country to date (see Table 1) with significantly more exemptions that will leave millions of renters unprotected. In acknowledgment of this imbalance, language was added to the legislation giving municipalities the option
$8.9 MILLION GRANT
continued from page 3
access, but many residents remained underserved, so the problem remained unsolved.
“I had a friend note to me, ‘Wow, this is incredible that you’re doing this, but building out broadband in rural areas is really tough,’” he said. “That’s true for businesses, but I think
If you don’t care about vintages, and most people don’t, the wine menu is perfect. All the major varietals and their locales are covered and the markups are fair. Glasses are offered in two sizes and cost $7 to $20. Bottles range from $28$135. New York State is more than fairly represented. The beer menu, too, is almost complete. (I couldn’t find Heineken) with draft pints ($7-$8), mugs ($7-$11), and bottles ($6 and $7). There are also nine interesting cocktails ($10-$12) and a few ciders on offer.
Tid Bits:
Reservations are not accepted. You must call the day of your visit, but not before 3 p.m., to get on their priority seating list which still could lead to very long, (two hours when busy) waits.
You may order a beverage at the bar and take it outside to the spacious lawn overlooking Cayuga Lake. You’ll be given a vibrating buzzer to alert you when your table is ready.
Parking is available but could be a long walk. It’s usually noisy here.
to strengthen protections beyond the baseline language of the law.
The Ithaca City Common Council has proposed strengthening the state law to align with criteria set in every other state that has passed good cause eviction legislation by setting the eligible portfolio size for anyone with more than one rental unit (see Table 1).
These protections do not stop landlords from raising rents, nor do they prevent
Continued on Page 15
this highlights why this is such an important initiative for government to take on, so I’m really delighted with this today.”
Witmer thanked everyone who made municipal broadband fiscally possible, such as President Joe Biden and his illustration, U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and his colleagues in Dryden, among others.
Rising from the ashes of a former nautical junkyard, this lakeside restaurant in Ithaca, NY, offers stunning views of Cayuga Lake and a delectable menu.
AN OPEN LETTER TO LANDLORDS
continued from page 7
the windfall. Turn over these places to the people who call them home. You claim that you will not be able to afford the burden if Good Cause passes. You don’t have to. Allow us to bear the burden of our own lives.
Law like Good Cause, and even stronger
COMMON COUNCIL HAS THE OPPORTUNITY
continued from page 14
landlords from evicting tenants who break any agreement as defined in their lease. Additionally, they do not stop landlords from investing in their properties. Under these tenant protections, landlords can raise rents if they have expensive repairs or make improvements to their property. By opting in to these protections, the Common Council will create a code of conduct
ITHACA’S RESTAURANT RESHUFFLE
continued from page 11
patrons, but the restaurant — operated by Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) — is forecasted to return while the heat is still on. The Coltivare team issued an official message to the public on their website, explaining difficulties with intentions to triumph.
“Like so many businesses, we’ve faced staffing challenges in the post-pandemic world and are now taking a pause to thoroughly reevaluate every aspect of our operations,” they stated.
Still, the team promises to “re-open soon — better than ever.” The space is being utilized for events while undergoing minor renovations. Yet, in a recent interview with local podcast All Things Equal, New Executive Chef Scott Riesenberger imparted some exciting updates about Coltivare’s progress.
“We’re planning for a late summer relaunch to the public. There’s some minor refresh to the public space that I’m looking at, and some operational equipment concerns to the back of the house. On top of that, we’re rebuilding a whole staff here,” he said.
In spite of a packed agenda, Riesenberger was optimistic regarding Coltivare’s transition and preserving its mission.
Originally from Rochester, New York, Riesenberger collected his impressive culinary resume in both Paris and the Big Apple. A “new transplant” to the Ithaca area, he is interested in Coltivare’s farmto-table concentration.
tenant protections beyond, begin to place the burden of eviction on the person putting someone out of their home. Landlords in our community have claimed that this burden is unaffordable for them. But they claim lots of things are unaffordable for them. Renting at below-market rates to a family who will stay and invest is unaffordable compared to shoving twice the number of desperate college students into the same
between landlords and tenants by setting reasonable expectations for behavior on both sides and threading a needle to preserve an environment where small community landlords can thrive.
This kind of code is needed more than ever as the housing market becomes increasingly dominated by large real estate corporations and private equity firms that make their money not by taking care of tenants and property, but by hiking rents, ignoring repairs, and pushing longtime tenants out — all to flip
“The real roots of Coltivare are to be community-oriented in learning. And it’s learning not just through the classroom but through exposing folks to local, regional products that we’re growing at our farm, that are growing at the farms around Ithaca,” he told All Things Equal Riesenberger was also adamant about continuing Coltivare’s purpose as a resource for TC3 students. He hopes reopening will give them insight into reallife restaurant scenarios and help direct their careers.
space. Timely repairs are unaffordable, ignoring tenants’ warranty of habitability is unaffordable. And even when it is affordable, landlords in this community have proved they would rather deny Section 8 renters their rights than let their properties to someone they didn’t like.
Good Cause represents a modicum of power taken back by tenants in a relationship usually characterized by powerlessness. Small
the property and make quick cash. These tenant protections are aimed at preventing these exact types of irresponsible and unbalanced rent hikes.
This corporate business model is not just bad for tenants and the local real estate market. It is also bad for neighborhoods. Research from the National Low-income Housing Coalition shows that a lack of access to affordable housing adversely impacts public safety, increases family poverty rates, makes it harder for kids to succeed in school, reduces eco-
Ithaca’s dining community continues to blaze with even more activity. Following almost a year of renovations, Angelhearts Vegan Diner is expected to transition back to their former location at 401 East State Street. Though the business has been active through the Gateway Center and online order, customers look forward to a larger venue for vegan comfort food.
Nearby, owner Helen Kiluk is also planning to move Rosie’s Ice Cream into former Alley Cat Cafe location on East Seneca. After managing the iconic ice cream truck
landlords, and large ones for that matter, are not entitled to that power. The size of someone else’s profit margin should not be the deciding factor in whether a person can continue to be housed, to maintain their relationships, their community, the home they’ve built. Tenants in this market are subject to precarity every single year if they’re lucky, and every single day if they’re not. And your bottom line is not worth that.
nomic mobility, jeopardizes public health, and leads to reduced job stability. When large real estate corporations and private equity firms are allowed to run rampant, we all pay the price.
While there is much more work to be done to address the current affordable housing crisis, enacting these tenant protections locally will offer our city the unique opportunity to provide thousands of Ithacans with improved housing stability that will have far-reaching, positive socioeconomic impacts throughout our community.
down Rosie’s Alley, she looks forward to expanding business with a cafe layout.
Prolific shifts in downtown Ithaca have delighted City Planner Lisa Thomas who spoke positively about the town’s abundance of food options.
“We have a really large amount of restaurants for our population, and it is one of the main reasons why people come to the center of the city,” Nicholas said. “It brings locals down, it brings tourism, it brings visitors. A thriving restaurant team is great for our economy.”
