Archive: News

Lansing's Town Board passed a new local law last week that consolidates rules and governs behavior in all of the Town parks.  The law was prompted by new regulations the Town will enforce at Salt Point now that the Town's lease with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is in force, but it covers all parks in Lansing.  "One of the requirements of the DEC was that we actually control activities there by setting forth management plans, rules, and regulations," says Town Attorney Guy Krogh.  "It's high time given the density and use of the Town that there be some rules and regulations to govern conduct in all the parks, and that's what this law attempts to do."

Click here for the full text of the parks and recreation law How Many Broken Laws Can You Find In This Picture? The Star stopped by Salt Point on Wednesday and found many violations of the parks law.  These men were breaking at least three aspects of the law by driving and parking off of the designated roadway, swimming in an area that is not identified as a 'designated swimming area,' and blasting their truck radio at high volume.   It is parked next to the remains of a bonfire, another violation.

WASHINGTON, DC - During consideration of the fiscal year 2008 Energy and Water Appropriations bill this week, U.S. Rep. Michael Arcuri (D-Utica), and a bipartisan majority, were able to fend off attempts to eliminate federal funding for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), which provides critical economic development assistance for Tompkins, Cortland, Tioga, Broome, Chenango, and Otsego counties.

 

"The ARC has strengthened our region's economic progress by improving living conditions, enhancing the employability of the workforce, and investing the region's basic infrastructure," said Arcuri in opposition to an amendment which would have cut all ARC funding for FY2008. "Simply put, the numbers speak for themselves. Since its creation, the ARC has reduced the number of severely distressed counties in the region by more than 65%, cut the poverty rate from 31% to 15%, and created 1.6 million jobs."

 

Lansing's Sewer committee voted this week to expand the initial service area to include six areas that had been left out of the initial plan.  The vote was in response to residents who wanted their neighborhoods included, as the committee attempts to respond to residents' concerns before a planned September referendum.  "I have already written that our last meeting will be on the 25th of July," he said.  "I have some expectations for what that means."

Tompkins and Cayuga Counties' oldest log cabin came home to Lansing last month, though it's journey is far from over.  Built by the North family in the mid-eighteenth century, the cabin has been behind the Cayuga Museum in Auburn for 49 years.  When museum officials decided to use the space for other purposes, the Town of Lansing faced deadline for removing the building -- or it would be demolished and removed.  "It's all here now," says Deputy Highway Superintendent Charlie Purcell.  "The next step is deciding where they want to place it."

Ithaca—In recognition of his dedication and commitment to Cornell University, New York State Senator Michael Nozzolio has been named to the Cornell University Council for a four-year term beginning July 1st, 2007. Senator Nozzolio was selected by the University Board of Trustees and was notified by Cornell President David Skorton, who thanked Senator Nozzolio for his leadership and counsel to the University.

“Cornell University is leading the country in the education of our brightest students as well as providing cutting edge research that will bring a brighter future for all of us,” said Senator Nozzolio. “As a Cornell graduate, I am extremely honored and humbled to be selected by the Board of Trustees to the Cornell University Council.

New Structure on Biggs Site or NYSEG Headquarters Considered for Health Department
Giving the Legislature its first look at options for a new Health Department Building, the committee that has been studying the matter for the past six months told legislators it should decide whether to construct a new building on county-owned land near the current Biggs complex or move the department to existing facilities, at the New York State Electric and Gas building on Route 13 in Dryden.

Tuesday was the first time that it was publicly revealed that the NYSEG facility is under consideration. Legislators were told that these “east side/west side” options are, in the Health Department Building Committee’s judgment, the best of a number of potential alternatives considered during the committee’s study. Legislators spent an hour in executive session, where committee members, planning staff and the County’s consultant from LaBella Associates reviewed financial aspects of the alternate proposals. Legislators have been asked to raise questions and tell the committee additional information that they need to make an informed decision.

Earlene CarrThis week has been one of farewells at the Lansing Central School District.  Superintendent Mark Lewis thanked her for her service as Interim Principal at R. C. Buckley Elementary School.  Carr has filled in as the building principal for three years since Josh Bornstein left the district.  "This is a bittersweet moment," Lewis said.  "It's been my pleasure to work with my colleague, Earlene Carr, for the past year and a half, and tonight will be her last Board of Education meeting as the principal of RC Buckley Elementary School.  I personally want to express my gratitude and appreciation for all you have done for the young people of Lansing, for your collegiality, for your support of me during my superintendency, and for what you have done in this community."

Board of Education President Bonita Lindberg presented Carr with a photograph of the school, and Vice President Anne Drake presented a cake in appreciation of Carr's tenure.  "Just a little something so that you will remember us as we will always remember you," Lindberg said.  "It has been a pleasure."

School Superintendent Mark Lewis told the Lansing Board of Education Thursday that six of the seven buildings in the district received an unsatisfactory rating by State building inspectors.  "We have six buildings that are considered unsatisfactory facilities as a result of the survey that was conducted in 2006," Lewis said.  "We just received this information in May.  We do need our building permits every year in order to occupy (the buildings).  It's critical that we address this in a timely manner. "

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Michael A. Arcuri (D-Utica) announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded the Greater Binghamton Airport a total of $365,750 to purchase snow removal equipment and enhance runway safety by removing current obstructions.

“I am pleased to announce two more grants to help The Greater Binghamton Airport improve services and security as a key part of economic growth and development for the Southern Tier,” said Arcuri, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee which is responsible for authorizing funds through the FAA. “These funds will help the airport make takeoffs and landings safer in all seasons so that the airport can continue to serve as a point of growth and development in the Southern Tier. I will continue to support development efforts at the Binghamton Airport.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S Representative Michael A. Arcuri (D-Utica) continued his opposition to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) proposal to close the office in Auburn by requesting a meeting with SSA officials in Washington.

“I am in no way convinced that the Social Security Administration has thoroughly considered the ramifications of closing their Auburn office,” Arcuri said. “I’ve asked them to provide me with a detailed account of the productivity of the office and how many beneficiaries will be adversely affected by the closing. We know that the baby-boomer generation is on the cusp of retirement and that many local residents do not have the means or the mobility to travel long distances for much-needed services. I am requesting a personal meeting with SSA officials to present them with the concerns of our local seniors.”

Legislature Supports Impeachment Inquiry
After listening to a half-hour of public comment and debating for nearly an hour on the appropriateness of local action, the Legislature took a stand on the call for federal investigation into potential impeachment charges against President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.

By a vote of 9 to 6, the Legislature called for a comprehensive investigation of what was cited as evidence that may warrant impeachment of the President and Vice President of the United States. Legislators Mike Sigler, Greg Stevenson, Dick Booth, Michael Hattery, Frank Proto and Tyke Randall voted no. The resolution adopted urges the Members of Congress who represent Tompkins County to support formation of a subcommittee to investigate and review allegations that President Bush and Vice President Cheney committed high crimes and misdemeanors, related to their actions involving the War in Iraq. It also urges members of the New York State Legislature who represent the County to call upon the Assembly and the State Senate to join in that request to Congress. The resolution, in part, alleges that the President and Vice President have misled Congress and the American people regarding Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction and have misled Congress and the nation about ties between Iraq and al Quaeda.

Trustee John O'Neill reported on a plan Monday that could reduce the deer population in the Village of Lansing later this year.  Deer overpopulation running to an estimated 80-90 deer per square mile in 2002, with more now, has plagued the Village.  Deer have caused about 35 automobile collisions per year and untold damage to plants and trees throughout the municipality.  Village officials have explored options over the past several months, and have learned that a controlled hunt is the only option available to them.  "I had a conversation with (DEC representative) Dave Richlman and things will keep going forward," O'Neill said.  "I think we can make this happen."