Your Morning Edition for Friday, Feb. 21st presented by DiSanto Propane!

Inside Canandaigua's massive housing project with hundreds of units, Geneva Dems endorse Cecere for mayor, Newark mayor responds to cemetery issues, and Cayuga Co. man guilty of attempted murder.

Feb 21, 2025

Canandaigua to review massive housing project next week

The Canandaigua Planning Board will take its first official steps in reviewing the massive Uptown Landing development project at its upcoming meeting on February 25. The proposed project, a decade-long plan spearheaded by developer Jeff Cook, includes a diverse mix of residential and commercial properties, totaling more than 600 housing units and new retail space. Uptown Landing is slated for development on Parkside Drive and Fire Hall Road, encompassing approximately 100 acres. The plan includes 224 apartment units spread across three-story buildings, 91 mixed-use units within a four-story residential/commercial building, 90 for-sale townhouses, 250 single-family homes, and 5,000 square feet of commercial and retail space.

See Renderings & Full Breakdown

Finger Lakes Forecast: Quieting down and warming up!

Snow showers likely this morning, but they will taper off as the afternoon arrives. Total new accumulation will be 1-2 inches. The weekend will feature two days with high temps in the mid-30s. Snow stays out of the forecast, too, well into next week.

FL1 Weather Center

Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?

The Geneva City Democratic Committee has endorsed Jim Cecere for mayor, citing his commitment to inclusion, economic growth, and collaboration. Cecere, a Geneva native and business owner, emphasized his vision for a stronger and more united city, earning praise for his leadership and problem-solving approach. Committee members highlighted his ability to address Geneva’s challenges creatively and see his candidacy as a chance to overcome divisions within the City Council.
Seneca Falls officials are reminding residents to clear snow and ice from sidewalks promptly or face fines and cleanup costs. Sidewalks must be cleared by 9:00 a.m. after a snowfall, or the town will remove the snow and bill the property owner. Officials stress that keeping sidewalks clear is essential for community safety and accessibility.
Newark Mayor Jonathan Taylor has apologized for a controversial cemetery cleanup that removed more than just seasonal decorations, sparking community backlash. An investigation into potential wrongdoing by public works employees was inconclusive, resulting in no criminal charges. Taylor acknowledged miscommunication and said the village is reviewing cemetery policies to prevent similar issues in the future.
New York’s Department of Corrections has temporarily suspended parts of the HALT Act in response to ongoing correction officer strikes and severe staffing shortages. While officers argue the law limiting solitary confinement endangers staff, critics warn that rolling it back could increase inmate abuse and violence. Gov. Kathy Hochul has launched a three-day mediation effort starting Feb. 25, as legal actions against striking officers loom and tensions in state prisons remain high.
A Cayuga County man has pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder for attacking a woman in Sennett last year. John T. Netti, 24, admitted to strangling the victim but claimed he had no memory of the incident, initially raising concerns about his competency to stand trial. He later accepted a plea deal for five years in prison and five years of supervision, with sentencing scheduled for May 1.

THURSDAY HS BASKETBALL REPORT: Johnson scores season-high 33 as Lyons rallies to win; Bauer’s late three lifts Pal-Mac over Whitman

Lyons and Palmyra-Macedon secured dramatic victories as the high school basketball regular season concluded Thursday in the Wayne-Finger Lakes region. Jamire Johnson’s season-high 33 points powered Lyons to a comeback win over World of Inquiry, while Logan Bauer’s clutch three-pointer in the final seconds lifted Pal-Mac past Marcus Whitman. Red Creek and Lyndonville also closed the season with victories, setting the stage for the upcoming sectional playoffs.

BOYS BASKETBALL RESULTS

Lyons 80 - World of Inquiry 79
Palmyra-Macedon 51 - Marcus Whitman 48
Red Creek 70 - Red Jacket 32
Lyndonville 56 - Marion 41

Learn More About Today's Sponsor!

Experts warn over a million New Yorkers suffer from seasonal affective disorder

Experts warn that more than 1 million New Yorkers experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during the winter months, leading to increased fatigue, depression, and social withdrawal. Bridget Rippe of the Psychological Association of Western New York emphasized that SAD differs from typical winter blues due to its prolonged and intense symptoms. Treatments include light therapy, talk therapy, medication, and maintaining strong social connections, which experts say can improve both mental and physical health.

Ontario County to host final open house on freight rail corridor plan

Ontario County officials will hold a final public open house on March 4 to present findings and gather community input on the draft Freight Rail Corridor Development Plan for Geneva and Phelps. The open house will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Finger Lakes Welcome Center in Geneva. The event will be informal, allowing attendees to drop in at their convenience to review the draft report and share feedback. There will be no formal presentation.