Your Morning Edition for Wednesday, April 23rd presented by DiSanto Propane!
Get your day started with the biggest headlines across the Finger Lakes! We have everything you need to get up-to-date before you head out-the-door!
Canandaigua officials hear more concerns, skepticism about development
Public feedback dominated the Monday’s Canandaigua City Council meeting, as residents raised numerous concerns during an extended public hearing on a proposed rezoning amendment. The regular session, held at the Hurley Building, also included the approval of several infrastructure contracts and a special event resolution.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Warming up!
Expect a stretch of mild, mostly sunny weather across the Finger Lakes through midweek. Wednesday will be pleasant with highs near 65, followed by a warmer Thursday reaching 76 degrees, though there’s a slight chance of afternoon and evening showers. Rain chances increase heading into the weekend, with showers likely Friday night into Saturday, before skies clear and temperatures rebound into the 70s early next week.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
The Bristol Volunteer Fire Department is calling on residents to join its all-volunteer team to help maintain strong emergency services in the community. In an open letter, leaders emphasized that no experience is necessary and full training is provided, encouraging people of all ages to get involved. Volunteers gain valuable skills, build lasting connections, and play a key role in protecting the community while keeping local taxes low.
Geneva’s new recycling and trash program will launch May 1 at the Resource Recovery Park, aiming to improve sustainability through expanded services and stricter sorting rules. The joint initiative between the City and Town of Geneva requires residents to purchase a $20 annual sticker and a $75 punch card for trash disposal. Officials emphasize proper waste separation and note that household-only items will be accepted, with penalties for illegal dumping or removal of materials.
The Auburn City Council will meet Thursday evening to consider a property tax settlement with McDonald’s Real Estate Co., a proposed retirement incentive program, and several department budget presentations for the upcoming fiscal year. Mayor Jimmy Giannettino, Jr. will also issue proclamations recognizing National Parks Week and Arbor Day, celebrating Auburn’s environmental and historical contributions. Additional agenda items include approving prior meeting minutes, updates from city officials, and public comment.
The village of Aurora is urging New York State to halt Cargill’s plan to flood an abandoned section of its Cayuga Salt Mine beneath Cayuga Lake, citing potential environmental hazards. Local officials fear that storing brine under the lake could contaminate groundwater and compromise the mine’s stability. Despite a state determination of no significant impact, the village board passed a resolution opposing future permits for the project.
The Victor Zoning Board of Appeals approved a setback variance for a detached garage on North Road, citing topographic challenges and cost concerns after the applicant adjusted the proposal to increase the setback to 10 feet. The board also granted a sprinkler system waiver for a commercial storage building owned by O’Connell Electric, contingent on the installation of a fire alarm system within 45 days. A proposed monument sign for the Highline Park development was reviewed, with board members requesting a more detailed schematic before making a decision.
Geneva City Council holds special meeting: Budget process underway
The Geneva City Council approved a new ordinance to formally establish a city-operated transfer station, with operations set to begin May 1 and permits required only for certain services. Councilors also scheduled a May 7 public hearing to maintain eligibility for the next round of Community Development Block Grant funding. The meeting marked the start of the 2026 budget process, featuring departmental presentations outlining current priorities, unmet needs, and long-term planning goals.
READER RUNDOWN: What else is happening in the Finger Lakes?
Geneva’s planning and development director to step down in May
Community rallies around Victor fire official battling kidney cancer
Finger Lakes Land Trust seeks new director of development to lead fundraising efforts
Driver charged with DWI and child endangerment after Ithaca crash
Chobani to build $1.2 billion food facility in Rome, NY creating 1,000 new jobs
Pew study: Half of teens say social media harms mental health, sleep, and focus