Local News for Monday January 30, 2023

Gillibrand Anticipates Challenge from Zeldin

Senator Kristin Gillibrand of New York is expecting a challenge from Lee Zeldin in 2024 who ran a competitive race for New York Governor in November. According to the Times Union, the two-term Democratic incumbent sent fundraising emails cautioning her supporters that “Zeldin very nearly won the New York governorship.” In response, Zeldin attacked Gillibrand on Twitter and dubbed her “Senator What’s Her Name.” Privately, Republicans close to Zeldin confirmed there are early discussions about him running. 

City of Ithaca Receives $1.3 Million to Fight Flooding

The Ithaca Voice reports that the City of Ithaca has received $1.3 million in federal funding to help reduce flood risks. Ithaca’s iconic waterways tend to flood after heavy rainfall and when  winter ice melts. FEMA’s new floodplain maps suggest that area properties are facing increased  danger from flood waters. The funding was released as part of the 2023 federal budget, and will support design and construction of floodwalls, backflow prevention devices, and possibly even new stormwater pump stations. The city is applying for additional flood mitigation funds from FEMA. The hope is the improvements will reduce flood risk and flood insurance rates for Ithaca property owners. 

County Eyes Historic Ithaca Home for Demolition, Parking Lot

According to the Ithaca Voice, Tompkins County is leaning towards tearing down a 150 year old building in Ithaca for car parking. 408 N Tioga Street—dubbed the “Red House”—was part of a $1.8 million purchase the county made in 2019. According to the Ithaca Times, the property has long had historical value, and sits in the DeWitt Park Historic District. However, the county says the structure is in danger of falling down and renovations are estimated at more than $1 million.