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The men's presence at the drive-in appears related to a recent transaction between the theater's owner, Paul Meyer, and the Cayuga Nation. According to Cayuga County property records, Meyer's Finger Lakes Drive-In LLC recently sold a 1.19-acre lot behind the drive-in to the nation for $0. 

Meyer declined comment outside of an emailed statement that said the commercially zoned land had not been in use, and was heavily taxed. However, he added, it was commercially unusable — which is why he offered it to nonprofits and a government agency prior to his transaction with the Cayugas.

"Adequate assurance has been received from the nation as to their intention to be peaceful, lawful, and community-minded neighbors; and to curtail any activity and appearances during drive-in movie times," Meyer said in his statement.

Meyer added that the lot is the site of an ongoing stage-three archeological survey being conducted by members of the nation, who believe it may be a former tribal gathering ground. To Meyer's knowledge, he said, the nation has no plans to build on the property.

Meyer also said that sale of the drive-in to a "responsible party interested in continued outstanding customer value and service would be considered," and accused the town of Aurelius of "year-over-year 100-percent property tax increases completely disproportionate to neighboring land and to a seasonal business open 400 hours a year."

To that end, Meyer concluded, discussions have begun with the town about observing "community interests" in the event the Cayuga Nation attains ownership of the drive-in itself.

The two men at the drive-in Wednesday did not appear to have any tobacco merchandise on-hand, though their signage included "Senecas sold here," "Peacekeepers Tobacco Trail" and a price of $33.50. They also declined comment, but said the Cayuga Nation would be sending мÓƶà¶à¿ª½±¼Ç¼ a statement. Calls to representatives of each of the nation's were not immediately returned.

Aurelius Town Supervisor Edward Ide said Wednesday that it remains in question "whether the person who bought (the land parcel) actually represents the (Cayuga) Nation or not." Additionally, he cited the parcel's 2.5-foot right of way access, according to its deed, as a problem with its sale.

"You can't sell a lot without having access to it," he said.

Ide added that he couldn't speak to any archaeological survey at the site, but noted the presence of many "hotspots" in the area that once held cultural significance to the Cayuga Nation. He said town officials would meet with counsel Thursday to discuss the matter further.

"There's potentially a lot of things wrong with this whole affair," he said.