Local News for Tuesday, March 21, 2023

New Proposal Filed to Expand Ithaca’s Learning Farm

The Learning Farm in Ithaca is planning to expand. The organization filed documents with the town’s planning board for a kitchen facility, guest housing, parking areas, and walkways. A proposed second phase would include a welcome center and a juicing and bottling building. According to the Ithaca Voice, the proposal comes as the town looks for opportunities to expand agricultural and tourist attractions. Led by Christina Núñez, the Learning Farm consists of an organic juicery and sustainability agriculture education program. The Learning Farm says the expansion would provide numerous job opportunities, a community space and enhancements to the Ithaca community. 

Cornell Hosts Two Former Congressmen to Discuss Restoring Civil Political Discourse

Two former Congressmen will discuss countering political extremism at Cornell this evening. Former Representative Max Rose of New York, a Democrat, and former Representative Fred Upton of Michigan, a Republican, will address “restoring civil discourse in the face of performative politics.” The event is sponsored by Cornell’s Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, and will take place at 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Kaufmann Auditorium in Goldwin Smith Hall. 

Coalition Sues Marijuana Regulators for Restrictive Licensing Process

A group of medical marijuana license holders are suing New York State for unfairly restricting the granting of dispensary licenses. According to the Times Union, New York’s licensing process currently gives special consideration to people with prior marijuana related convictions. The Coalition for Access to Regulated & Safe Cannabis, argued in their filing that the licensing process is unlawful. They point to New York’s 2021 cannabis law, which says the application period should be “opened for all applicants at the same time.” They further argue that the regulations have hurt both medical marijuana patients and recreational cannabis users. The Office of Cannabis Management has yet to comment on the lawsuit.