Headlines for Friday, October 21st

The Ithaca Planning and Economic Development Committee has advanced a memorandum to allow a new bike share program in the city. According to the Ithaca Voice, the program will be run by the Center for Community Transportation and will allow Ithacans to access bicycles through an app. The city is also making a move to spend $50,000 on electric bikes that will make uphill travel easier. The plan would have the first bikes hit the streets in the late winter and gradually bring in more during the spring. The plan must now go to the Common Council for final approval. 

Next Saturday is National Drug Takeback Day. The Schuyler County Coalition on Underage Drinking and Drugs is encouraging community members to drop off any unwanted, unused, or expired medications at the Tyrone and Odessa Fire Departments. Drop off is available from 10 am to 2 pm. The drop off initiative is organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Officials say pills left in the home can be abused or taken accidentally by children. 

Dick’s Sporting Goods is moving from Lansing to the former Tops Grocery Store on South Meadow Street in Ithaca. According to the Ithaca Voice, the plans were revealed in a pre-application filing for site plan review. The Tops site has been empty since May. Site plans include renovations to the building including sectioning part of the property to be rented out to another retailer. The move will also create a big opening at the Ithaca Mall in Lansing which continues to deal with high vacancy.