Local News: April 26, 2024

Adjustments Expected to Ithaca Water Bills

Ithaca property owners may face unexpected water bills starting this year. The city has relied on equipment to remotely read water meters since 2005. However, batteries in the equipment started to fail during the pandemic and were never replaced. This means that many bills have been based on estimated water use. Now that the city has started to replace the equipment, bills based on actual usage can be issued. Many accounts may have been underbilled and some overbilled. Customers who’ve overpaid will be reimbursed. According to the Ithaca Voice, Common Council is looking at a plan to place a $1,000 cap on back charges to customers who were under-billed.

Ithaca Revisits Downtown Plan, Seeks Input

Ithaca’s planning department is returning to its stalled Downtown Plan and wants your input. The plan’s definition of downtown includes the downtown core, the W State St corridor, and the West End. According to the Ithaca Times, the city is currently looking at just over 100 specific recommendations. They want to make sure that they gather feedback from as many people who interact with the area as possible. They’re gathering input through an online survey, and paper surveys available at City Hall and Tompkins County Public Library. There’s also an open house Thursday May 2 from 4 to 7pm at the library.

Finally, just a quick update on our story last night about the pro-Palestinian encampment at Cornell. Friday afternoon four student protestors at the encampment were "temporarily suspended." According to the Cornell Sun, the students will not get credit for coursework from the current semester or be allowed to attend classes. Those living on campus will be given a short grace period to make other accommodations.