Local News: April 23, 2024

Cornell Undergrad Vote Supports Gaza Ceasefire, Divestment—

Last week Cornell undergraduate voted in a referendum polling their views on a ceasefire in Gaza and divestment from 10 military contractors supplying Israel. According to the Cornell Sun, nearly 50% of eligible students voted. And votes for a ceasefire and divestment outweighed those against by nearly two and a half times. Student Assembly president and fourth Ward alderperson Patrick Keuhl said the referendum results were a reaction “against the actions of the Israeli Government — not the people of Israel or the Jewish people.”

Ithaca Ordered to Clean Up Homeless Encampment—

The City of Ithaca has just over two weeks to come up with a plan to clean up one of the area’s homeless encampments. According to the Ithaca Voice, Tompkins County Environmental Health ordered the city to remove trash from the area in an April 9 letter to City Manager Deb Mohlenhoff. The area in Ithaca’s West End is owned by the city and is strewn with refuse including medical waste. The department of public works estimates that the cleanup will cost around $150,000 and would take the rest of the year to complete.

New Policy Targets Blight, Homelessness—

Elmira’s City Council has taken a step aimed at negligent landlords. According to the WENY, under the new policy, the city will maintain a public list showing all properties with outstanding code violations, and another list showing all landlords whose negligence has led to people losing their homes. Landlords on the latter list will remain there for one year. Mayor Dan Mandell said the measure is part of the city’s “fight against blight,” and that it may help reduce homelessness as well.