Lesbian publishing firm lauded with plaque on The Commons

Firebrand Books, a local publishing house specializing in feminist and lesbian literature, revealed a plaque to honor its historical significance June 15. According to The Ithaca Times, the unveiling brought an end to the months-long struggle with the building’s current owners at the Yellow Deli. The Yellow Deli is run by the Twelve Tribes, a religious group opposed to homosexuality, who attempted to prevent the plaque from being installed. Many supporters of Firebrand Books continued to pursue the installation of a landmark for the company on city property, and the plaque is now located across from the company’s original headquarters.

Ithaca opens nation’s first-ever fully electric conference center

The Ithaca Conference Center, the nation’s first conference center to fully  operate with no reliance on fossil fuels, opened July 1. According to The Ithaca Times, the project, which cost between $35 million and $40 million, aligns with Ithaca’s Green New Deal, a resolution that was passed in 2019 and aims to significantly reduce the city’s carbon footprint by 2030. The building features a fully electric kitchen, lighting systems that adjust based on room occupancy and water bottle refill stations with plans to have a menu that is 30% plant-based by 2025. The building held an open house July 15 for community members to explore the new space.

Ithaca Common Council votes to appoint new city attorney

Victor Kessler was appointed Ithaca City Attorney by a unanimous Common Council vote July 10, ending the city’s search to fill the position after former City Attorney Ari Lavine announced his retirement in November 2023. The Ithaca Voice reports that  Kessler spent six years working for private firms before first joining City Hall as an assistant city attorney in September 2021. He will now advise the city on a variety of decisions and handle any legal cases brought by or against the city.

Financial strain causes local bar to close doors after eight years

The Range, a western-themed bar and venue on The Commons, closed its doors Aug. 4 after eight years of activity. According to The Ithaca Voice, owner Andrew Schreck said the bar was not self-sustaining and abruptly shut the bar down. The Range, which was a popular spot for both students and locals, served as a primary venue for up-and-coming bands to play live music, as well as a hub for Ithaca’s queer community to gather for drag shows.

Ithaca Common Council agrees to adopt eviction protections

Ithaca’s Common Council voted July 10 to adopt “good-cause” eviction protections, which grants some of the city’s  tenants the right to renew their lease as well as protection from rent hikes. According to The Ithaca Voice, the new law will protect tenants from potential retaliatory behavior from landlords and increase housing stability in the city’s rental market. Ithaca is the fourth city in upstate New York to adopt “good-cause” eviction protections.