Get Local: Your daily headlines and more for Saturday, May 24th!
Auburn leaders mull budget shortfalls and abandoned theater, Waterloo and Macedon celebrate DRI progress, and much more from today's newsletter! Check it all out here!
Finger Lakes towns awarded $19M for downtown revitalization: Waterloo and Macedon get projects ID’d
Governor Kathy Hochul announced $19 million in state funding for 31 downtown revitalization projects in Waterloo, Webster, and Macedon. The funding, part of New York's DRI and NY Forward programs, will support efforts like infrastructure upgrades, housing, and public space enhancements. Waterloo will receive $9.7 million for 13 projects, while Webster and Macedon will each receive $4.5 million for 11 and 7 projects, respectively. Each municipality developed a Strategic Investment Plan, and the state will now work with local leaders to implement the initiatives.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Showers and breezy.
Showers are expected today in the Finger Lakes, with highs near 56 and gusty west winds. Rain chances diminish overnight, but scattered showers and possible thunderstorms may return Sunday afternoon. Memorial Day will bring drier, sunnier weather with a high near 67, followed by a gradual warm-up into the 70s by Tuesday. Another stretch of unsettled weather arrives midweek, with daily chances of showers from Wednesday through Friday.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
During a public hearing, Auburn residents voiced mixed reactions to the city’s proposed budget and tax cap override, raising concerns about rising garbage fees and ambulance billing practices. City officials defended the $250 lift-assist fee and clarified it targets care facilities, not individual residences. The Council also advanced efforts to reclaim the long-stalled Schine Theater property through legal proceedings, with plans to transfer it to a new developer. No budget decisions were made at the meeting, but additional actions are expected in the coming weeks.
New York State has activated its 2025 Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) alert system, NYHABS, to help residents track and report blooms in real time. These toxic algae blooms pose health risks to humans and animals, especially during the warm summer months. The state has committed over $530 million to reduce nutrient pollution, plus additional funding in 2025 for prevention and infrastructure improvements. Officials urge the public to recognize, avoid, and report suspected blooms to protect water quality and public health.
FLACRA’s Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic in Geneva now offers 24/7 care for mental health and substance use, including crisis support and opioid treatment. The clinic provides same-day access, integrated services for all ages, and a harm-reduction approach tailored to individual needs. Veterans, families, and those facing serious mental illness or addiction can access counseling, psychiatric care, and wellness programs in one location. FLACRA, serving the Finger Lakes since 1973, also supports the region through mobile crisis teams, residential programs, and community outreach.
New York State has launched a $100 million Pro-Housing Supply Fund to help certified communities upgrade infrastructure and unlock new housing development. Grants between $2.5 million and $10 million will support sewer, water, road, and utility projects that remove barriers to residential growth. The fund is part of a larger $1.5 billion housing strategy in the FY26 budget, with additional support for zoning updates and permitting reforms. Applications are open through July 31, with state leaders emphasizing the urgency of building more affordable housing statewide.
Newark celebrated its 19th Annual Community Pride Day with colorful flower displays, volunteer cleanups, and strong community spirit. Residents, business owners, and volunteers worked together to beautify public spaces across the village. Prizes were awarded to MariAnne and Scott Morgan for the most vibrant residential yard and to the Katie Pullen Agency for the top business floral display. The event was supported by local sponsors and praised by village officials for its continued success in fostering civic pride.
