Headlines for December 23rd, 2022

Ithaca Project Wins Restore NY Grant for Renovations

New York State has awarded $1.5 million to a project in the City of Ithaca to rehabilitate two century old buildings on South Cayuga Street. According to the Ithaca Voice, the renovation plans call for the 115-121 and 123 buildings at South Cayuga street to be refurbished with 16 new apartments and a restaurant on the ground floor. The total cost of the project will be $9 million. The city had requested 2 million from the state. 

TCAT Says Fare-Free Travel Not Feasible 

TCAT’s planning committee has released a report saying that a fare free model for public transportation in the county is not feasible at this time. According to the Ithaca Voice, the report says that staffing issues and maintenance concerns as well as financial constraints make the transition unlikely. The DSA’s FreeCAT campaign which has led the fight for fare-free transportation in Ithaca says Cornell is to blame. While TCAT’s report acknowledged Cornell’s crucial role, it also said financial buy-in from the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County would also be necessary to eliminate fares.

Upstate Minimum Wage to Increase in January

After the New Year the minimum wage in upstate New York will increase $14.20. According to News10,  the $1 increase is part of a gradual increase to a statewide $15 minimum wage. Upstate counties have seen their minimum wage increase at a slower rate than down state areas like Westchester, New York City, and Long Island. The minimum wage for home care aids will also increase in the new year to $16.20. 200,000 workers are expected to benefit from the wage hikes.