Hello, All,

Thanks to everyone who attended the Village Board meeting.

At least 10 community members were present. That level of turnout matters, and it was clearly felt in the room. Community members asked strong, substantive questions about zoning and process. Folks are paying close attention as planning moves forward.

The Village reaffirmed its commitment to a public zoning process, with the Town, County, and 9Fresh. This aligns with what the coalition has consistently asked for as an important baseline.

One point of concern did surface. Village leadership referenced the possibility of “one-on-one” conversations with County officials to map out a plan. 

We responded that public information, not private conversations, are more appropriate, especially given that public trust has been eroded. 

FOIL documents show extensive redactions in communications between the Town, Village, County, and 9Fresh. Redactions are legally permissible, yet raise questions and reinforce the need for public-facing communication going forward.

Overall, the meeting was informative, respectful, and without surprises.

Next: Town Board Meeting - Monday, January 12 at 7:30 p.m.

We will continue to ask that Supervisor Reger represent Cazenovia residents’ concerns as the County establishes a presence in the middle of our community.

• The County’s residency here is not just administrative, it affects daily life, zoning integrity, and residents’ ability to have concerns addressed.
• Sheriff's operations remain unwelcome as residents have legitimate concerns about power overreach and ICE participation.
• Our local police and emergency services have earned community trust. County operations must not undermine or complicate that relationship.

Thank you for staying engaged!

Happy New Year, Cazenovia Voices Coalition!

Thank you for staying engaged, informed, and committed to a transparent civic process during a year of significant change in our community. A quick and important update:
Planning for the future uses of the former Cazenovia College campus is now moving forward in earnest.

• 9 Fresh now owns the main campus properties
• Madison County owns the Reisman and Sigety buildings
• The Town of Cazenovia owns the Jephson campus

With ownership clarified, decisions about use, zoning, and long-term impact are no longer abstract, they are happening now.

• Village Board Meeting: Tonight at 7:00 p.m.
• Town Board Meeting: Monday, January 12 at 7:30 p.m.

The Village formally requested that both the County and the Town adhere to established zoning processes as plans move forward. This is an important step, and one our coalition strongly supports.

What comes next for Cazenovia Voices:
Our work now centers on ensuring that zoning processes are not treated as technical formalities, but as public processes that include meaningful community engagement. Decisions of this scale require openness, clear communication, and opportunities for residents to be heard.

Trust must be built...through transparency, participation, and respect for the people who live here.

We encourage coalition members to attend meetings when possible, stay informed, and continue asking thoughtful questions. Your presence matters, and this next phase will shape Cazenovia for decades to come.

With appreciation and resolve as the new year begins,
Laura Reeder