Your Morning Edition for Wednesday, Dec. 18th presented by Canandaigua Dentistry!
Innovative solutions to the Finger Lakes housing crisis, Geneva's $33.6M school upgrade vote, and Odessa’s potential village dissolution — plus regional basketball highlights and daily weather check!

What models can work to fix housing crisis in Finger Lakes and Upstate NY?
Fixing the Finger Lakes housing crisis will require innovative financing and smart use of state and federal programs, according to a new Fiscal Policy Institute report. The report suggests implementing public revolving loan funds, similar to successful models in Montgomery County, Maryland, to lower construction costs and increase affordable housing supply. Leveraging tools like Housing Choice Vouchers, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, and state-backed lending could make housing projects more feasible. Without action, the region risks worsening housing shortages, threatening its workforce and economic stability.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Presented by Littlejohn & Barbi Orthodontics!
PERIODS OF RAIN, THEN COOLING DOWN WITH SNOW SHOWERS
The Finger Lakes region will see periods of rain today, with highs near 41°F, followed by a mix of rain and snow showers tonight as temperatures drop to around 31°F. Snow showers are possible on Thursday, with highs near 34°F and minimal accumulation. By Friday, expect more snow showers in the afternoon, with highs around 33°F and cloudy skies persisting through the end of the week.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
Geneva residents will vote on February 6 for a $33.6 million school improvement project that won't raise taxes. The plan includes safety upgrades, HVAC improvements, and modernized facades for North Street, West Street, and the Middle/High School. Additional improvements feature a traffic loop at West Street School and electric bus infrastructure. The project will be funded through state aid and district reserves, with construction slated for 2026-2027.
Voters in the Watkins Glen School District overwhelmingly rejected a $35.8 million capital improvement plan, with 430 votes against and 174 in favor. The proposal aimed to upgrade infrastructure, safety, and educational facilities across district schools but faced strong opposition due to concerns over cost and a proposed tax hike. District officials plan to reassess priorities and develop a more scaled-back plan that addresses community concerns.
Facing a lack of candidates for the upcoming election, Odessa officials are warning that the village may have to dissolve its government. Despite appeals for residents to run for office, no one has stepped forward, prompting officials to prepare a resolution for dissolution. If no candidates emerge, village services could be absorbed by the Town of Catharine. Residents will ultimately vote on whether to dissolve the government or maintain it.
The Gorham Town Board will hold its final meeting of the year tonight at 7:00 p.m., with key resolutions on the agenda. The board will vote on declaring a surplus highway truck, approving an extra holiday day off for employees, and handling budget transfers. Appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board will also be considered. Residents can attend in person or via Zoom and share comments during the Privilege of the Floor segment.
Falcon Park will host the NJCAA Division III Baseball World Series in 2025 and 2027, continuing its role as a top-tier tournament venue. Cayuga Community College President Dr. Brian Durant announced the ballpark's selection following the success of the 2024 series. Renovated in 2018, Falcon Park offers modern facilities and ample spectator capacity. The 2025 event will run from May 24-28/29, and the 2027 series from May 29-June 2/3.
TUESDAY HS BASKETBALL REPORT: Geneva boys hand Mynderse third straight loss; Waterloo girls pull away late to beat Pal-Mac
Geneva's boys handed Mynderse their third straight loss, while the Waterloo girls pulled away late to beat Palmyra-Macedon in Tuesday’s high school basketball action. The night featured 15 games, with Lyons’ boys also suffering a third consecutive defeat and Waterloo’s boys snapping their losing streak.
Last Night’s Results
Boys:
Geneva 62, Mynderse 56
World of Inquiry 58, Lyons 48
Marcus Whitman 56, Livonia 26
Waterloo 56, Pal-Mac 40
Honeoye 67, HAC 51
Newark 71, Midlakes 43
Wayne 85, Penn Yan 49
East Rochester 85, Williamson 30
Victor 66, Hilton 64
Clyde-Savannah 91, Marion 32
Girls:
Waterloo 51, Pal-Mac 44
Newark 50, Midlakes 36
Geneva 55, Red Jacket 30
Penn Yan 52, Wayne 31
Marcus Whitman 63, Romulus 16
Tonight’s Games
Boys:
North Rose-Wolcott @ Red Creek, 7 p.m.
Palmyra-Macedon @ Haverling, 7 p.m.
Canandaigua @ Pittsford Mendon, 7:15 p.m.
Girls:
Red Creek @ North Rose-Wolcott, 6 p.m.
Bloomfield @ Mynderse, 7 p.m.
Williamson/Marion @ Lyons, 7 p.m.
Gananda @ Clyde-Savannah, 7 p.m.
Sodus @ East Rochester, 7:15 p.m.
Greece Arcadia/Olympia @ Victor, 7:15
LIVE AT 11 AM: Mulled wines & cookies for the holidays on FLX Weekly
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