January 21, 2022 Daily Headlines
On Wednesday the Ithaca Planning and Economic Development Committee met for the first time in 2022. According to the Ithaca Voice, the committee discussed a proposal to require landlords to provide 180 day notice before lease renewal, showing a rental unit to a new client, or entering a rental agreement with a new client. The proposal received pushback from area landlords who said 180 days was too long. A counter proposal of 90 days was proposed by a local landlord during public comments. The 90 day proposal received support from committee member and 1st ward Councilor Cynthia Brock. Ultimately a compromise of 120 days was agreed to. The amended legislation will be circulated before next month’s meeting.
——-
The Downtown Ithaca Alliance has announced that the 24th Annual Chili Cook off will be postponed to March 5th. According to the Ithaca Journal, the delay is because of the recent covid surge brought on by the Omicron variant. The yearly event draws thousands of community members, with dozens of restaurants participating.
——-
New York State Attorney General Letitia James is suing two energy service companies over alleged overcharges and false advertisements. According to News10, James filed suit against Major Energy Services LLC and Major Energy Electric Services LLC. An investigation by the Attorney General’s office found the companies charged New Yorkers millions more than they would have paid to their local utilities. The investigation also found the companies engaged in misleading sales tactics including promising savings that did not materialize and having sales representatives pose as workers for local utilities.
——-
The New York state liquor authority will now allow movie theaters to sell wine and beer. According to WKBW, the measure was approved unanimously, and will go into effect immediately. Theaters will still need to apply for liquor licenses. Previously theaters could only sell alcohol if they were classified as a restaurant. In addition drinks were required to be sold at a bar for “pre-movie consumption” or brought to a table in the theater. Now movie goers will be able to purchase alcohol at concession stands.