Local News: March 18, 2024

Former acting Ithaca Police Chief John Joly is suing the city and alleging racial discrimination and other offenses. According to the Ithaca Voice, Joly, who is white, was passed over for promotion to the permanent role after a bungled appointment process in 2022. Then Mayor Laura Lewis selected Joly for the role without the backing of the city’s selection committee. The committee favored former lieutenant Scott Garin who is Black. Joly’s suit is seeking $750,000 in damages. He remains on paid administrative leave from the department.

A home on Cleveland Ave in Ithaca will be demolished to make way for redevelopment by Ithaca Neighborhood Housing or INHS. According to the Ithaca Times, the duplex was severely damaged by a fire last year which left it structurally unsound. Construction on the new 3-bedroom home will begin this summer and is planned to go up for sale late in 2024. 

WRFI and StoryHouse Ithaca are holding another Listening Room event this Thursday at WRFI's studios. All are welcome to join us Thursday at 7:30 here at 103 West Seneca St, you only need to bring your ears. Our guest presenters this month are WSKG reporters Aurora Berry and Rebecca Redelmeier. Plus, WRFI's Felix Teitelbaum will present a few sonic treats. You can learn more here.