Local News: March 27, 2024

- The Town of Caroline approves its first zoning law -

The Caroline Town Board approved its first comprehensive zoning law by a vote of 3-1 during its meeting last Wednesday. WSKG Public Radio reports the decision comes after about four years of sometimes contentious community debate. The law was designed to limit development and maintain the town’s “rural character.”

- Elmira building collapse highlights city’s problem with “zombie” properties -

The collapse of a neglected building in downtown Elmira on March 7 has city officials considering the fate of similar structures. WSKG Public Radio says zombie properties are abandoned to deteriorate by often absentee owners. Elmira’s mayor says city officials are working on a plan to deal with the zombies.

- Ithaca College students hold die-in to protest administration’s silence about deaths in Gaza -

About two dozen students at Ithaca College held a die-in to protest the school’s failure to make a statement about Palestinian deaths in the current war with Israel. The protest was on March 23, Admitted Students Day. The Ithacan reports students met with College president LaJerne Cornish to discuss their list of demands. Among them is an end to birthright visits to Israel run by the Ithaca College Hillel and a statement by the administration acknowledging a genocide of Palestinian people. Cornish agreed to take their demands to her leadership team and have a follow-up meeting with students.