Your Morning Edition for Monday, Dec. 16th presented by Canandaigua Dentistry!

A push to lower the legal BAC limit gains momentum in NY, Canandaigua homeowners brace for tax hikes driven by infrastructure projects, and firefighters save one person from a basement fire in SF.

Dec 16, 2024

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Debate grows over lowering legal BAC limit for drivers

New York's Assembly is considering a proposal to lower the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for drivers from 0.08% to 0.05%. Supporters, including the NHTSA and MADD, point to data showing fewer alcohol-related crashes in states like Utah where similar limits are in place. Critics, including business owners, worry the change could hurt sales, while law enforcement argues it could enhance public safety and save lives.

SOGGY START TO THE WEEK AFTER A COLD WEEKEND

As we start off this Monday morning in the Finger Lakes, expect a relatively mild start to the week with scattered showers developing later today and continuing into tonight. Tuesday stays mostly cloudy and a bit cooler, making way for another round of precipitation midweek—likely starting as a brief wintry mix before changing over to rain on Wednesday. By late week, colder air will settle in, bringing below-normal temperatures and the increasing likelihood of snow showers as we head into the weekend, setting a more wintry tone to close out the week.

FingerLakes1.com Weather Center

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

The state DEC has postponed its decision on Seneca Meadows Inc.’s landfill expansion proposal until December 20. The proposed project includes raising the landfill’s height by 70 feet and expanding it by 47 acres, potentially extending operations to 2040. The DEC has promised to address public concerns and hold a comment period once the plan’s draft is complete.
The Yates County Legislature wrapped up its December 9 session with resolutions focused on infrastructure, tax rates, and community services. Security upgrades were approved for county facilities, and contracts for various departments were amended due to scope changes. Legislators set the 2025 tax rates, ensuring continued funding for essential services, and authorized budget transfers for operational needs. Public health, safety initiatives, and preparations for a public hearing on agricultural land additions are on the agenda for the next session on December 23.
The Auburn City Council will vote this week on applying for over $800,000 in federal grants to upgrade emergency vehicles. The fire department is requesting $581,687 to replace a 1993 fire pumper, while the ambulance service seeks $237,946 for a new ambulance, with the city covering 10% of the costs. These upgrades aim to reduce maintenance expenses and ensure reliable emergency services. The council's final meeting of the year is set for Thursday at 5 p.m.
Canandaigua town property owners will see an average tax increase of $149 in 2025, driven by major infrastructure projects. The $6.2 million North Road reconstruction, which includes sidewalks and safety improvements, is the primary factor, raising the tax rate by $1.15 per $1,000 of assessed value. This project alone adds $106 to the average bill. Additional expenses for new staff, highway equipment, and fire hydrant replacements also contribute to the hike.
The Waterloo village board approved applying for a $1 million Restore NY grant to demolish Village Hall and make way for a new mixed-use building at 41 W. Main St. Officials aim to secure Downtown Revitalization funds for a project featuring offices, police facilities, and apartments, with Mayor Walt Bennett set to submit the application by Dec. 20. The board also accepted the transfer of the William Street Field property and announced the commissioning of a new water tank on North Road.

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Bills outlast Lions in highest-scoring game of NFL season

The Buffalo Bills improved to 11-3 for the second time in the last three seasons after outlasting the Detroit Lions, 48-42, in the NFL’s highest-scoring game of the season on Sunday at Ford Field. Josh Allen delivered another stellar performance, contributing four total touchdowns. He threw for 362 yards and two touchdowns while adding 70 rushing yards and two scores on the ground.

Full Recap

JOSH ALLEN: “Find ways to win”

Firefighters rescue one person in Seneca Falls basement fire

Firefighters rescued one person from a basement fire on Joanne Avenue in Seneca Falls on Saturday, responding swiftly alongside multiple departments. The blaze was brought under control within 45 minutes, though crews stayed longer to check for hot spots. Emergency support included North Seneca Ambulance, law enforcement, NYSEG, and the Red Cross.

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