Local News for Friday, March 31, 2023

Ithaca Seeks Residents Input In Search For New Police Chief

Ithaca residents can now contribute ideas about their preferences for a new police chief through an online survey. The survey is on the city’s website. The Ithaca Voice reports it’s available in four languages: English, Spanish, Chinese and Russian. The search was reopened after the mayor’s first choice was rejected by the Common Council in December.

DeNardo Sworn In As Watkins Mayor

Finger Lakes Daily News is reporting that the new mayor of Watkins Glen Laurie DeNardo was sworn in a few days early. According to WENY, her priorities include developing more long-term housing and addressing concerns over marijuana “sticker stores.” She says she wants to engage more young people in the community and will welcome all residents to become “part of the solution.”

REI May Come to Ithaca

REI, the national cooperative recreational equipment retail outlet  may be coming to Ithaca. The Ithaca Voice reports that documents submitted to the city’s planning committee by the developers show an REI store would be in the space currently occupied by Staples on South Meadow Street. The planning application has not yet been approved and no opening date for the store has been announced. Staples will be moving to a larger space in the same shopping plaza.

Ithaca Farmers Market Opens Saturday

The Ithaca Farmers Market will return to Steamboat Landing tomorrow. The Saturday market will be open 9AM to 3PM. Sunday market at the Landing will open in May. Farmers at the market all come from within a 30 mile radius. They sell locally-raised produce, meats, wines and ciders.