Local News: November 21, 2023

- Ithaca seeks public input for short-term rental regulations -

The City of Ithaca held a public session about its proposed short-term rental policy last week. Residents were able to talk with the city officials who are drafting the regulations.  The Ithaca Voice reports that officials explained three types of permits being considered. Two would allow people to rent out their primary residence or rooms in it. A third option would allow rentals during the summer season only. Officials say they will hold another feedback session but did not say when that will be. An online survey is open to the public until November 27.

- Molinaro to hold a telephone town hall to give seniors help with Medicare enrollment -

A telephone town hall is planned to help seniors enroll in Medicare. Rep. Marc Molinaro is holding the event on November 29 at 11 AM. The Medicare open enrollment period has started and ends on December 7. Molinaro and experts will share information and answer questions during the town hall. To sign up to receive a call to join it you can fill out this form or you can call into the town hall, 833-560-2070.

- A Texas company is seeking leases to drill for natural gas -

A Texas company with the cumbersome name Southern Tier CO2 to Clean Energy Solutions is approaching owners of 30 acres or more in Broome, Chemung, and Tioga counties. The company is seeking leases to drill for natural gas. Journalist Peter Manius reports that the company says they aren’t trying to frack which is banned in New York. Instead, they say they can extract gas using CO2. State senators Leah Webb and Donna Lupardo have written a letter to the state Department of Environmental Conservation asking for information about the process and whether it falls within state and federal laws.