Two land use seminars offered in May

The Cornell Land Use and Community Development Seminar Series will continue in May with two programs at Cornell Cooperative Extension - Monroe County. On Thursday, May 6 at 7 p.m., Professor Tom Lyson from the Department of Rural Sociology at Cornell will discuss the results of his research on the impact of big box retail on local wages and tax base and the desirability of strengthening local business.

On Thursday, May 13 at 7 p.m., Cornell Professor Paul Eberts and Research Consultant Kris Merschrod will present information about the socio-economic trends in New York state and the potential impacts these trends may have on the well-being of communities. This program takes the latest demographic information from the 2000 census and examines trends in workforce development, availability of jobs, migration, socioeconomic trends of families, health care issues and more. The program provides a basis for initiating discussions among municipal leaders, town boards, advisory committees and other interested parties about the major challenges, opportunities and threats impacting the quality of life for residents.

This series uses interactive video-conferencing technology that is linked to three other centers with New York. The Seminar Series is sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County and the Monroe County Department of Planning and Economic Development. Cost is $10 per person. For information and to register for the program call Bob King at Cornell Cooperative Extension - Monroe County at 585-461-1000 ext. 239.