There s a saying that central New York has two seasons: snow and construction.
With snow most likely gone until the end of the year, construction has indeed become more visible around the area. In downtown Auburn, though, some of that construction is announced by a sign: Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
Almost three years after the city was named a winner in New York state s $10 million grant contest, most of the 13 projects that will receive a piece of that money have begun.
This week, The Citizen reached out to their stakeholders for an update.
One thing all 13 projects have in common â besides the $10 million grant being a source of their funding â is COVID-19. Their progress has been slowed by the economic ripple effects of the pandemic, though some have been slowed more than others. COVID-19 also delayed the finalization of the city s grant agreement with the state, said Tracy Verrier, executive director of Cayuga Strategic Solutions and co-chair of the commi
Dr. Brian Durant
Special to The Citizen
On behalf of everyone at Cayuga Community College, I want to thank all first responders and essential employees for their amazing selflessness during this unprecedented time. As our communities and institutions remain vigilant during the pandemic, each day you demonstrate an endless dedication to those in need. Thank you for your incredible efforts.
As with all institutions, the pandemic has made this a year of tremendous change for Cayuga. Our online course offerings and support services, already strengths of our approach to higher education, flourished as we sought to keep our on-campus population to a minimum. Many staff and faculty are now working virtually, answering studentsâ questions by phone and email. Events such as our Craft Fair and history speaker series in Auburn and Fulton, which we know are favorites of our communities, were regretfully canceled. And, of course, we implemented essential and comprehensive heal