WAER News Round Up: Dec. 5 - 9

WAER | By Yoki Tang

Published December 9, 2022 at 5:41 PM EST

A graphic of notebook paper lists the top stories of the week of Dec. 05-09, 2022.

The State University of New York appointed a Chancellor this week, and the City of Syracuse dealt now has a new way to address illegal marijuana shops. Also, with the dropping temperatures and cold weather, Gov. Kathy Hochul and NY health officials encouraged New Yorkers to keep themselves safe from different viruses.

Catch up on more of the week's news below:

1. Onondaga County bought Clay property at premium prices to expand White Pine, attract chip maker

A mail box overflows in front of a house with a grassy green front yard. — A home at 8531 Burnett Road goes unattended to with a full mailbox and overgrown front lawn.

Onondaga County's economic development agency has spent more than $25 million over the past two years buying land from private owners to expand the footprint of White Pine Park in Clay. The aim was to acquire enough property to lure a chip maker like Micron.

2. Thruway Authority takes first step to increase tolls

Tyler A. McNeil

Wikimedia Commons

A New York Thruway sign marks the highway that spans 569.83 miles across the state.

For the first time in 14 years, there will be an increase in the tolls on the New York State Thruway.

3. Governor Kathy Hochul and NY health officials warn of "tri-demic" this winter

Governor Kathy Hochul along with NYS Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett hold a Winter Public Health Update in New York City, December 7, 2022.

Gov. Hochul and top state health officials told New Yorkers to prepare for surges of three different viruses: RSV, the flu, and COVID.

4. The threat of eminent domain likely played a role in sale of property near future Micron site

This is one of the many homes sold to OCIDA on Burnet Road, despite a sign indicating resistance to the proposed development of White Pine.

Homeowners adjacent to the future site of Micron’s semiconductor plant in Clay have been living with the possibility of the county using eminent domain to seize their property for over a year. It's never come to that, but the county's tactics weren't universally approved.

5. City of Syracuse deploys new tool to close illegal marijuana shops

Syracuse code enforcement officials can now shut down illegal cannabis retailers with new law.

6. Former state education commissioner becomes SUNY Chancellor

New York's former state education, Dr. John King, is now the New York's State University Chancellor after the SUNY Board of Trustees voted Monday.

7. Why 50th Senate District still without winner after hand recount

Sen. Mannion's 50th district doesn't change in number, but does cover different territory, heading north and east of Syracuse. He lives in Geddes.

There's still no clear winner in the 50th Senate District race after staff at the Onondaga and Oswego County Boards of Elections finished a hand recount Wednesday.

8. More than half of a million dollars available to bolster arts in CNY

A man in a gray suit stands to the side of five different art pieces that all have brick backgrounds. — Min. Dr. Mark Muhammad, Master of Ceremonies stands to the side of art pieces at a FORCE event.

The Central New York region expects $510,000 in grants from CNY Arts to go to local artists and organizations.