Ithaca · Local digest

Ithaca is participating in the National Homelessness Response Program, a national learning cohort that connects communities tackling similar housing and homelessness challenges through shared problem-solving. Monthly sessions run through early 2027 and focus on identifying service gaps and borrowing best practices from peer cities, with insights feeding directly into Ithaca's ongoing coordination efforts [WBNG]. Johnson City, in the Finger Lakes region, secured $3.687 million through New York State's Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation (LIFT) grant for lead service line replacement and water infrastructure upgrades, marking the largest federal intervention in years for the aging regional water systems [WBNG].

Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo has implemented a moratorium on all student events and special event permits at Cornell University, effective until the university conducts an accounting of its protocols to prevent and prosecute crimes of sexual violence and publicly releases new standards and practices to keep the community safe. The moratorium comes in response to a reopened investigation into an alleged 2024 gang rape at the Chi Phi fraternity, which has prompted Gov. Kathy Hochul to call for an independent review of Cornell's response to the allegations. Cornell has stated it supports the district attorney's decision to bring the case to a grand jury and will work with the mayor to address his concerns.