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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly Newsletter TOWN OF ITHACA July 2025 Newsletter New Digital Records Portal Launch The Town is pleased to announce the successful migration of its digital records archive to a new in -house server. This important step enhances our ability to format and present records for improved public access. As part of this upgrade, the Town has launched a new Public Records Portal, available at https://Public.townithacany.gov. This portal will continue to evolve, and you may notice design changes as we optimize the layout and features. We appreciate your patience during this transition and welcome your feedback. In the coming months, we will be adding more records to the portal and streamlining access to our archived documents for easier research and reference. The portal will soon support online forms and payments for services such as: • Community garden plot registration • Dog license applications And much more Congratulations to the Colbert Family! Addison Anne Colbert was born on July 2, 2025 Our Deputy Town Clerk Ashley Colbert welcomed a baby girl this week. Congratulations to the entire Colbert family, Jake, Ashley and big brother Maddox! New Public Service from the Codes Department The Code Enforcement and Zoning Department is launching a pilot program. Our database OpenGov/Viewpoint has a public search program for people to view certain active and closed permits/documents on properties that were issued by our Department since 2022. To access this function, go to our website townithacany.gov and choose “Forms, Documents and Permits” on the home page. Then choose the “Search” on the top right and enter the address. If there are documents available, they will appear in the bottom right box. Again, this search function does not include all the documents we have on a property. If you would like to view all or part of the documents we have, complete a FOIL request with the Town Clerk’s office OpengGov/Viewpoint form. For a detailed description of Public Searching Feedback for the Pilot program is appreciated and can be sent to codes@townithacany.gov Summer Paving The Town’s 2025 paving season is winding down. The season will conclude with Haller Blvd (joint with the City), Renwick Pl, Pearsall Pl (Towns portion), and portions of Forest Home Dr and Judd Falls Rd, tentatively scheduled to be milled the week of July 14 and paved the week of July 21st Some disruptions will occur such as one way traffic or road clo- sures with detours during daytime hours, roads may be open with only milled surfaces in place, and driveway access may be briefly blocked. Construction, by nature, is subject to constant change, inclement weather, and unexpected findings. Town of Ithaca Conservation Board Honors Richard Schoch Richard Schoch is the recipient of the 22nd annual Richard B. Fischer Environmental Conservation Award for 2024 (https://townithacany.gov/richard-fischer- award/). Members of the Conservation Board presented the award to Rich at a tree planting ceremony on Wednesday, June 11th at the Town’s Culver Road Preserve. With assistance from the Town's Public Works Department, the group planted a Shagbark Hickory tree in one of the open fields. Rich is being honored for his more than thirty- six years of dedicated service to the Town of Ithaca’s Parks Department, where he helped design, develop, and maintain our parks, preserves and trails with imagination, intelligence, and persistent attention. We’re especially grateful for his work managing invasive species, planting native trees and shrubs, and directing the improvement of natural areas for public enjoyment. Volunteer with the Ithaca Fire Department Join Neriton Fire Co. 9 If you or someone you know is interested in serving the Ithaca Community by being part of an organization that has served the people of the City and Town of Ithaca for over 200 years, then consider joining Neriton Fire Co. 9. Neriton Fire Co. 9 is the volunteer Fire Police unit of the Ithaca Fire Department. To Learn More send an email to IFDvolunteer@cityofithaca.org with your name, contact email, and phone number. You can also contact the Ithaca Fire Department at (607) 272-1234 and leave your name and a contact phone number. Open House at the Town’s Public Works Facility Saturday, September 13th 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. This will be an opportunity to learn more about services provid- ed by Town of Ithaca Public Works Department, Ithaca Fire Department, and Tompkins County Sheriff’s department as well as explore various equipment. Look for more information to come in our August Newsletter and on our website. Bring the family! Ithaca Officially Opens the New East Hill Fire Station News Flash • Ithaca Officially Opens New East Hill Fire Station On Wednesday, June 25, the City of Ithaca celebrated the opening of a new fire station, Station 2, on Ithaca’s East Hill at 403 Elmwood Avenue. City leaders, members of the department, contribu- tors to the project, and the public gathered inside the new truck bay as Fire Chief Rob Covert de- scribed the need for the new station, the long road to completion, and what the future looks like for Ithaca Fire on East Hill. The department has maintained a fire station on the hill since 1905, and the new building is designed to fill the need for another 100 years. A statement from Fire Chief Covert: “More than just a new building, this station stands as a lasting investment in the safety, readiness, and resilience of our fire department and the community it serves. With enhanced safety features, modern training facilities for all seasons, and room to grow as needs arise, Station 2 represents our shared commitment to the future. This station replaces an older structure, but its purpose is timeless: to protect, to serve, and to stand ready at all hours for those in need. This milestone would not have been possible without the partnerships and funding that helped bring this vision to life. It is also a reflection of the countless hours, careful planning, and unwavering dedication poured into every detail by those who helped see this project through. With this new station, we honor the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future of fire service in this community with pride and purpose.” The opening included remarks from Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo and Ithaca Town Supervisor Rob Howe. They both praised the project and the partnership between the City and Town, and thanked those who contributed to making the station a reality. After the presentation inside, the crowd moved outside as new recruit firefighters raised the flag over the station for the first time. Next, a hose uncoupling ceremony (akin to a ribbon-cutting ceremony) was performed, with Mayor Cantelmo and Supervisor Howe having the hon- or. A large bear has sat atop the East Hill fire station for many years, and was recently refurbished by employees of the Maguire Family of Dealership’s body shop. The massive bear, a nod to Cornell University’s mascot, will again sit atop the station looking better than ever. Lastly, past and present members of the department pushed Engine 2 into its new home. As part of the ongoing Finger Lakes Area Infrastructure Reliability (FLAIR) Project, NYSEG will conduct two in- person community open houses. During the sessions representatives from the FLAIR project team will be available to discuss the project and answer questions. For more information call 888-307-2320 or info@fingerlakesareareliability.c om Tuesday Afternoon Community Paddles Paddle-N-More is excited to offer Tuesday Afternoon Community Paddles at Stewart Park in Ithaca, NY — designed to increase access for local residents to enjoy paddling opportunities in a supported and welcoming environment. Accessible to All, with Participation Fully Covered using code LOVEYOURLAKE25 Location: Stewart Park, Ithaca, NY Schedule: Tuesday afternoons | Mid-June to Late August. 2025 Fireworks Schedule JULY 3 Candor: McNeil Pavilion/Ballfield on Rt. 96 July 4th Watkins Glen: Seneca Harbor Park and Clute Park Syracuse: Syracuse Mets have postgame fireworks show on July 4th and 5th July 6th Groton: Groton Elementary School