Auburn Daily: Council business, public safety updates, and weekend arts

City Council opens February with budget and housing focus

Auburn City Council held its first regular meeting of the month on Thursday night, working through a busy agenda that mixed big-picture planning with routine business. Members formally recognized Black History Month and opened a public hearing on the city’s 2026–27 Community Development Block Grant plan, which will steer federal dollars toward housing, neighborhood improvements, and local services in the year ahead.

Council also weighed a proposed land sale involving a long-unused “paper street” that could clear the way for new development. Members approved a settlement in a tax assessment dispute involving the Walmart property on Grant Avenue and made new appointments to the Auburn Industrial Development Authority, keeping that board fully staffed as it reviews upcoming projects.

Protection-order violations lead to new felony charges

Cayuga County Sheriff’s deputies reported two separate cases in which Auburn men are accused of reaching out to people they were ordered to avoid while already in jail. In both investigations, which began in December and led to arrests on January 30, officials say the men contacted protected parties despite full stay-away orders tied to earlier domestic cases.

Each suspect now faces a misdemeanor count of second-degree criminal contempt and a felony aggravated family offense charge. Both were arraigned in centralized arraignment court and remain held at the Cayuga County Jail while the cases move forward.

Bad-check investigation brings grand larceny charge

Auburn police say a months-long financial investigation ended with the arrest of a man accused of cashing a bad check at a North Seward Avenue bank. Investigators allege he wrote a check to himself in July 2025 and withdrew more than three thousand dollars, then failed to repay the money despite repeated chances to do so.

The man is now charged with third-degree grand larceny, a felony, along with a misdemeanor bad-check charge. Police say the case is another reminder to local businesses to verify large checks and report suspected fraud quickly.

Domestic case on Cottage Street under review

Police also released more details on a January 30 incident on Cottage Street in which a woman reported being unable to safely leave her home during an argument with her adult son. Officers say the dispute escalated, damage was done to an interior door, and threats were made before they arrived. The man was taken into custody, charged with aggravated family offense and related counts, and an order of protection was issued as the case proceeds in court.

Around town today

For residents looking for lighter news this weekend, Auburn’s arts scene is busy. Auburn Public Theater is hosting a “Be My Valentine” evening, while a “Both Ends of the Rainbow” exhibition opens on Genesee Street. Later tonight, Broadway-themed karaoke and a downtown DJ set add to the mix of options for a winter night out.