Local News: March 8, 2024

- Newfield to review mobile home park law in public meeting -

The town of Newfield will review its mobile home park law at a public meeting on March 28. The law has not been updated since 1998. Tompkins Weekly reports residents say there are problems with severe potholes, frequent water main breaks and other issues. Town leaders say parts of the law aren’t applicable because of newer state and county laws or regulations. The board decided to review the existing law instead of creating a new one during its February meeting.  The current mobile home park law can be found here.

- First woman promoted to captain in Elmira police force -

Elmira has its first female police captain. Erica Lapierre was promoted in a city hall ceremony on March 8. WETM-TV reports Lapierre is a 17 year veteran of the department. She’s moved up the ranks from patrol officer to investigator, trainer, and platoon leader.. Two years ago she became the department’s first female lieutenant.

- State’s marijuana ‘potency tax’ likely to be replaced in budget negotiations -

New York governor Kathy Hochul and state legislators are negotiating an excise tax to replace the marijuana potency tax. The Albany Times Union reports current tax has been criticized by some in the emerging industry as too complicated and burdensome for producers. Proposals from the governor and lawmakers would make marijuana taxation more like that for alcohol. Both houses of the legislature will release their budget proposals during the week of March 11. The deadline for the budget’s approval is April 1.