Local News: April 4, 2024

- Groton awarded $4.5 million from state for downtown revitalization -

The village of Groton has been awarded  $4.5 million from NY Forward. The state initiative is for downtown revitalization and economic development projects. The Ithaca Times reports Groton plans to use the funds to attract more businesses, renovate some housing, and build new trails.

- City of Ithaca credit rating withdrawn by national firm -

The City of Ithaca’s financial credit rating has been withdrawn. The Ithaca Voice reports the ratings firm, Moody’s explained it lacked “sufficient information” to issue a credit rating. The City says it is because Moody’s has tightened its requirements and the city is facing a backlog in their financial reporting. Cornell professor of public policy, John Foote told the Voice the action was “abnormal.” Ithaca’s previous rating from Moody’s categorized it as a “low credit risk.” Municipal credit ratings affect interest rates for bonds. They can be an indicator of overall financial health. The City’s acting comptroller says the city is in good financial condition.

- Eclipse talk at Hangar Theatre -

All this week we’re highlighting some of the eclipse-related events and information. Rob Montana is with Visit Ithaca. They are sponsoring a talk at the Hangar Theatre by Sasha Sagan, daughter of astronomer Carl Sagan. Montana says her talk won’t be scientific.

"People who go to this, who experience this for the first time are moved in ways they can’t really explain. So, it’s not scientific in any manner, so it’s really that, soul-changing experience. And that is kind of what Sasha is going to be talking about," he said.

Sagan’s talk will be at the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca at 4:30 on April 7, the day before the eclipse. Ithaca is not in the path of totality but will have a partial eclipse with nearly 99% of the sun covered.  More information about Sasha Sagan’s lecture is here.