Your Morning Edition for Tuesday, Mar. 4th presented by DiSanto Propane
Today we've got the latest update on a Newark DRI project, protests in Canandaigua, update on Geneva City Council's Wednesday meeting, and full-scores/coverage from sectional hoops!
Newark’s first DRI project begins with Coventry Commons
Construction has begun on Coventry Commons, a $60 million redevelopment of a former industrial site in Newark. The project, backed by $2 million in Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) funds and a $1 million Restore NY grant, will transform the historic building into 101 residential units by late summer 2026. Led by Construction Design and Management and Housing Visions, the project includes environmental cleanup, demolition of a warehouse addition for parking, and the preservation of historic elements.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Even milder.
Today will be cloudy with a slight chance of morning showers and a high near 51°F, followed by increasing rain chances overnight with gusty winds. Rain is expected throughout Wednesday with highs near 60°F, gusts up to 31 mph, and moderate rainfall. Showers and possible thunderstorms will continue Wednesday night before transitioning to a mix of rain and snow on Thursday as temperatures drop, with strong winds gusting up to 34 mph. By Friday, conditions will be partly sunny with a high near 40°F, though snow showers may return overnight.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
Ontario County officials will hold a final open house tonight at the Finger Lakes Welcome Center in Geneva to present findings from the Freight Rail Corridor Development Plan and collect community feedback. The informal event, running from 6–8 p.m., allows attendees to review the draft report, which covers industrial development, pedestrian safety, zoning updates, and the impact of the Norfolk Southern rail line closure. Residents are encouraged to drop in and share their input before the plan is finalized.
The Seneca Falls Town Board will vote tonight on whether to extend a local operating permit for Seneca Meadows Landfill and approve a new host community agreement. While the landfill's state permit remains valid until 2026, operators are seeking approval to continue operations through 2040, though the state's decision has been delayed. As the largest landfill in New York, handling up to 6,000 tons of waste daily, its future is a major concern for the community, with residents encouraged to attend the meeting and share their views.
New York’s first grid-scale solar project, Morris Ridge Solar, is now operational, generating 177 megawatts of electricity—enough to power 47,000 homes. The project, located in Mount Morris, is expected to bring in $1 million in new revenue for the town in its first year, supporting infrastructure, schools, and emergency services. While the project faced early challenges, including permitting and public concerns, community feedback has been largely positive, with efforts made to address transportation and local impacts.
Hundreds of protesters gathered in Canandaigua, urging Rep. Claudia Tenney to shift her focus from national politics to local issues like Medicare, veterans' benefits, and Ukraine aid. Demonstrators criticized her voting record, particularly her opposition to additional U.S. assistance for Ukraine, while holding signs and sharing personal stories. As Tenney travels to Washington for former President Trump’s congressional address, protesters hope she takes their concerns into account.
The Geneva City Council will meet Wednesday to discuss a range of issues, including property sales, financial updates, and infrastructure projects. Key agenda items include a public hearing on city-owned property sales, a second reading of a vehicle and traffic ordinance, and resolutions on capital improvement projects and bond issuance. The council will also address new business such as appointing a city attorney, considering public funds for employee rewards, and scheduling a public hearing for a Community Development Block Grant application.
MONDAY HS BASKETBALL SECTIONAL REPORT: Mynderse girls pull off stunning upset; South Seneca and Honeoye to meet at Big House
The opening week of March saw a full slate of Section V boys’ and girls’ basketball semifinal games, with several Wayne-Finger Lakes teams securing spots in the finals. The biggest upset came from the No. 8 Mynderse girls, who edged No. 4 Wellsville by a single point after nearly surrendering a late lead. On the boys' side, Honeoye’s Landon Washburn delivered a standout 33-point performance to lead his team past C.G. Finney, while South Seneca defeated Wheatland-Chili to set up a Class C3 final against Honeoye. Meanwhile, Wayne continued its dominance over Geneva with a nine-point victory, and Lyons secured a spot in the Class B2 final with a win over Canisteo-Greenwood.
MONDAY NIGHT SCOREBOARD
Boys Basketball
Wayne 48 - Geneva 39
Geneseo 46 - Red Creek 37
Alexander 75 - Gananda 61
Bolivar-Richburg 38 - Dundee/Bradford 35
South Seneca 51 - Wheatland-Chili 41
Honeoye 61 - C.G. Finney 50
Girls Basketball
Hornell 62 - Penn Yan 26
Mynderse 51 - Wellsville 50
Marcus Whitman 49 - Le Roy 48
Lyons 65 - Canisteo-Greenwood 53
Maple Weekend 2025 coming to Cato this month
Bradt Road Maple in Cato, New York, is inviting the community to Maple Weekend 2025, a two-weekend event celebrating the sweet tradition of maple syrup production. The event will take place on March 22-23 and March 29-30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering fun and educational experiences for all ages.
Democrats announce mayoral, city council candidates in Canandaigua
The Canandaigua City Democratic Committee has announced its slate of candidates for the 2025 elections, presenting a team with extensive experience in local government, business, nonprofit work, and community service. “This is one of the deepest pools of candidates we’ve ever put forward,” said committee chairman Ryan Wilmer. “Four of the five candidates have already successfully served on Canandaigua City Council, and we welcome one newcomer who has been an advocate for our community through professional, volunteer and civic service.”
THE RUNDOWN: 10 MORE FROM AROUND THE FLX!
Canandaigua police resume downtown parking enforcement: See the map
Auburn police arrest man with 30 license suspensions, drugs, and loaded handgun
Lodi man arrested on drug possession charge after search warrant execution
NYS announces $245.3 million recovered for consumers in 2024
Assembly Republicans push for forensic audit of MTA amid financial mismanagement concerns