Local News for May 12, 2023

- Hochul Declares State of Emergency Because of Rising Immigration -

Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on Tuesday because of the increasing number of “migrants seeking shelter” in New York State. The Albany Times Union reports Hochul made the move because New York City Mayor Eric Adams has started sending some migrants to upstate communities. The declaration allows state and local officials to more quickly distribute $1 billion for migrant support in the newly passed budget. New York City’s already providing temporary housing for about 37,000 people. Most were bussed to the city from the U.S.-Mexico border by Texas governor and presidential hopeful Ron De Santis. 

- New Affordable Housing Project In Ithaca Gets $9 Million State Grant -

An affordable housing project in downtown Ithaca has gotten a $9 million grant from the New York State Department of Homes and Community Renewal. The Ithaca Voice reports the local development firm, Visum in partnership with Arbor Housing of Corning, will build a 57-unit structure on MLK, Jr. Street. Twenty of the units will be for previously homeless people. The $30 million project will also include supportive services, community and retail spaces. A construction start date has not been announced.

- School Board Budgets: Watkins Glen, Bradford, and Odessa-Montour -

Next Tuesday voters get to select new school board members and vote on school district budgets. All this week we’ve been giving you information about the budgets in districts in our listening area. Here are links to Schuyler County districts: Watkins Glen, Bradford, and Odessa-Montour.