Posts by George Christopher

The median price for a home in Tompkins County is now $319,475 down from the median last week which was little over $333,700. According to the Ithaca Journal, median price was down month-over-month, but up year-over-year. Median price has risen by a little under 16 percent since September, 2021. Homes also spent a median of…

On Wednesday, local politicians toured the homeless encampment behind Wal-Mart. According to the Ithaca Voice, the group included Ithaca Common Council member Cynthia Brock, Republican Congressional candidate Marc Molinaro, and Tompkins County legislator Mike Sigler. The group spoke with several residents of the encampments who said theft and drug abuse were their primary concerns. Alderperson…

The Tompkins County Legislature has approved a new transportation agreement between TCAT and its three underwriters, the county, the city of Ithaca, and Cornell University. According to the Ithaca Times, the previous agreement was set to expire in early October which would’ve left TCAT unfunded. The new contract will also allow TCAT’s three underwriters to…

Applications are now available for the Tompkins Community Recovery Fund offering grants to local organizations, small businesses and government entities totaling $6.5 million. According to the Ithaca Voice, the program was announced by the Tompkins County Legislature last week to support groups impacted by the pandemic. The program is funded by the  American Rescue Plan…

New York state’s mask mandate on public transportation has been lifted. According to the Ithaca Voice, the announcement was made by Governor Hochul on Wednesday via Twitter. TCAT General Manager Mike Smith celebrated the county’s drivers for their work in mask compliance over the past two years saying it “hasn’t always been easy.” Since COVID…

The Tompkins County Mental Health Department is promoting the new 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. People can dial 988 to speak with crisis counselors 24/7. Deputy Mental Health Commissioner Harmony Ayers Friedlander called the launch a “game changer for our community.” The 988 number is also available for someone with a family member or friend…

Last week, Tompkins County legislator Mike Sigler ended his campaign for Congress. According to Syracuse.com, Sigler dropped out after the approval of the State’s new Congressional maps. Sigler, a Republican, launched his campaign in the proposed 22nd congressional district. However, the new maps will place Tompkins into the 19th congressional district. Sigler has chosen not…