Local News: August 4, 2023

- Molinaro Supports New Food Supply Chain Bill -

Congressman Marc Molinaro is part of a bipartisan group who’s introduced a bill to lower food costs. The House Republican represents the 19th Congressional district that includes Ithaca, Binghamton, and part of Catskills.  The bill is called the Food Supply Chain Capacity and Resiliency Act. It would expand a USDA supply chain loan program that supports food processing, storage, distribution, and other businesses that get food from farms to stores. Molinaro says the COVID-19 pandemic exposed shortcomings in New York’s regional food supply chains. It’s hoped the bill would lower food prices by strengthening the food supply chain.

- Cortland Residents Oppose Affordable Housing Plan -

City of Cortland residents have again voiced opposition to a plan that would turn an unused school building into affordable housing. Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Service or INHS wants to buy the former Parker School and convert it into housing for moderate-income working people, people with mobility needs, and those with intellectual and developmental challenges. The non-profit submitted the only bid to buy the building. The Cortland Voice reports residents spoke out in a second public hearing about the proposal earlier this week.

- Lansing Solar Farm Gets State Environmental Approval -

A 5-megawatt solar farm in Lansing got its State Environmental Quality Review or SEQR approved. The review concluded the 18-acre project wouldn’t have a significant detremental environmental impact on the area. Tompkins Weekly reports that energy produced by the project would go to local electric grid. The facility is a project of Genie Solar of New Jersey. The project still has several more things to do before it can begin construction. They include Lansing planning board approval and negotiating a Payment In Lieu Of Taxes agreement with the town.