Some Ithaca news

[Ex-Ithacan]

I tend to agree. Wasn't planned very well.

btw, I think the empty lot (except for some parking) at Williams St and Stewart Ave would be a perfect place for a pk garage and hi-rise apartment building. Unfortunately I think Cornell owns the property. I doubt they would develop it that way, and it's tax exempt under their ownership.

[whit_x]

I also think that Cornell should put apartments with ground floor retail up on their property at East Hill Plaza as well, but that probably won't happen either.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ Works for me.

Here's a short article on the dragon Boat races over the weekend:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060717/NEWS01/607170317/1002

Maybe an SSP boat next year?;)

[Visiteur]

":The SSP Ithaca meet/Dragon Boat race- 7/13/07":tup:

Ex-Ithacan, you'd better start getting in shape if you want to be on the SSP team:P

[Ex-Ithacan]

I thought I could beat the drum.:drummer: ;)

[Ex-Ithacan]

A short article about a new hotel in the burbs:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060718/NEWS01/607180312/1002

Every little bit helps.:D

[Visiteur]

Well, technically, it mentions two hotels- the Country Inn for Ithaca, and the one in Lansing. As for the one it mentions in Cortland that was built recently---I've been there, and it's actually quite nice. Well, the hotel school students at Cornell have more options for their work-study if they live in Ithaca for the summer.

Technically, there's a new hotel under construction in Auburn to the north as well, but that's off the point.

[Ex-Ithacan]

I guess I should have mentioned the Country Inn (near Ithaca College). I was fairly sure I'd posted an article about that before, but was too darn lazy to look back through all the junk I've posted in this thread. :rolleyes: :D

[whit_x]

While it's sad to see the theater I saw "Ghostbusters" in torn down, The theater had sat mostly vacant (with a small revival) for the better part of the last 15 plus years. Besides, with a location near the Airport business park, Cornell, and the malls it makes sense.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ I remember when the Cinemas were built. I thought it would never work cause it was too far from downtown. So much for my foresight.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Hey all you groovy guys and gals, time to put the tie-dye clothes and flowered headbands on and get ye to the Ithaca area for a far out musical gathering.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=ENTERTAINMENT0402


And don't forget your sleeping bags.:notacrook:

[Ex-Ithacan]

OK, I'm gonna overload ya.

First a couple of pics from downtown event:
http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060720/NEWS0101/607200350/1002/NEWS01

The saga of the Collegetown parking garage continues:
http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060720/NEWS01/60720001/1002

A new suburban development (not big, but of course controversial):
http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060720/NEWS01/607200348/1002

Finally, a summer tradition of screwing up traffic and streets all over the city:
http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060720/NEWS01/60720002/1002

Gotta love the place.

[whit_x]

A new suburban development (not big, but of course controversial):
http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060720/NEWS01/607200348/1002

And where I live and work now, 50 units is literally just another day at the office. Just what the world needs, another series of homes owned by Lucente that will get behind on their taxes at some point (If you ever look at the tax delinquency logs in the Journal, about half of it is Lucente at any given point.)

[Ex-Ithacan]

^I think the biggest concern is the proximity to Sapsucker Woods. Sprawl on dude.



Hey there folks, I found a pic of downtown (at least most of it) on the net and it's not bad. There's still a few blocks missing (to the right and the bottom), but you'll get the idea.

http://livingindryden.org/images/aerial/aerial05102005/images/IMG_5186_edited-1.jpg

I was gonna post this as a guess the city, but I figured I wouldn't be fooling anyone.:shrug:

[donybrx]

You would've fooled the likes of me.....^^^^ Nice aerial...I love looking at cities of any size......

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ Yeah, but you're easy to fool dony ;) j/k.

I wish the pic had included the blocks to the right, A couple of the taller downtown structures there.
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/2254/ith45283lb.jpg

Guess I'll have to pull a Don B or KC gridlock and get above Ithaca on my own.:haha:

[WonderlandPark]

Haven't been back there since college. The Holiday Inn was brand new. Is that new huge thing where Woolworth's was? In the aerial, also looks like another huge block building north of the Commons. Looks like that dreadful garage behind the Commons is still there.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Whoa WonderlandPark, you're one of us older forumers? Yippee, another mature member.

There have been quite a few changes in Ithaca since the 70s. The old Woolworths bldg is now the county library. The big structure next to it is a 700 car parking garage. A midrise condo building is to be built behind the garage next to six mile creek. The green street parking garage is going to be partially dismantled, and the the helix and bridge over Green st will be removed to make way for a new mid rise office/apartment building with retail and multi screen theatre complex. At the intersection of Seneca and Tioga, a new office bldg/Hilton hotel has been built.

Which school did you go to, Cornell or IC? Whichever, you probably wouldn't recognize Collegetown:

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/6478/ithctown12zg.jpg

Anyway, always nice to have another person who knows the natural beauty (if bad weather) of Ithaca.:D

[WonderlandPark]

I graduated in Planning at Cornell in '90, The Cascadian? (the one that curves and follows the road) or whatever it was called was brand spanking new and raised a stink because it was built for students with federal low-income aid intended for the poor not students. I lived in Cascadilla for my Sophmore year. The bank, Fleet?, looks like it is now a brick apartment building, or is it on the corner?

so, not that old, but old enough on this board.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Oops, sorry WP. Didn't mean to make you older than you are. I use to work in a gas station where Eddygate is now located (the big white curved building in C-town). As far as I know the bank is still there, but the sub shop in the old apartment bldg on the corner by Eddygate is gone. The old wood frame apartment building is gone and replaced by a new 6 story brick apartment building.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Two of the many faces of the Ithaca area. The first is for science geeks:
http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060724/NEWS01/607240302/1002

the second is for the hippies:
http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060724/NEWS01/60724001/1002

Gotta love the place.:D

[Ex-Ithacan]

I'm kind of bummed. The developers of the Cayuga Green project have submitted new plans. It looks like they are proceeding with a smaller version of the original project. What was to have been an 8 story building will now be 5 stories. Not the most attractive rascal either. Oh well, I guess it's better than a parking lot. Here's an article with a couple of pics with the new model (click on the pic to enlarge).

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060726/NEWS01/607260329/1002

[donybrx]

I'm kind of bummed. The developers of the Cayuga Green project have submitted new plans. It looks like they are proceeding with a smaller version of the original project. What was to have been an 8 story building will now be 5 stories. Not the most attractive rascal either. Oh well, I guess it's better than a parking lot. Here's an article with a couple of pics with the new model (click on the pic to enlarge).

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060726/NEWS01/607260329/1002

It's okay. It's bland, quietly bland but that's not terrible...maybe fitting for a quiet area? It'll be fresh..Bummer about lopping off those extra floors though.

In picture 1 of the 7 picture 'gallery' from the article, that woman Mary Tomlan...either she was horrified or had a toothache.....?

Hey it sure beats a WalMart superCenter.....

[Visiteur]

It's a shame, yes, but if it is built, it invites more residents to downtown Ithaca, and serve as a stimulus for further development. It also helps to make the community a little denser. real shame they lowered the number of floors, I would like to see a new attractive midrise in Ithaca before this decade is out.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ I know I should appreciate any development downtown, and I do. There is one midrise (6 stories) going up now just up the street from the Cayuga Green project. There is also talk of another apartment building going up along Green street also. It is still in the initial stages, but the thought for right now is 85' tall (probably 8 stories). The extra bit of height and the increased density will help the downtown both economically and impression-wise.

here's an article on the apartment building under construction:

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16817229&BRD=1395&PAG=461&dept_id=216620&rfi=6
:tup:

[Ex-Ithacan]

Two steps forward, one step back. Life of a development lover in Ithaca.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060727/NEWS01/607270353/1002

:(

[Ex-Ithacan]

Hey, it's official, Ithaca's hip.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060728/NEWS01/607280330/1002

:haha:

[Visiteur]

For a second, I thought that was in the latest trends. I just received a copy of the Cornell Sun that called Ithaca "a Fashion Void".

But here's some of the developments they highlighted in the "new campus constructions" article:

-Additions to Lynah Rink (400 more seats) and the Hoy Parking Garage (new parking level)
-Building a tunnel under Tower Road to connect the Plant Sciences and the new Life Sciences building (est. completion of the 80,000 sq. ft structure: 1/2008)
-new Vet school building (4 floors, 55 million dollars est. completion 9/2007)
-Hans Bethe House and Noyes Recreation Centre, and two more dorm buildings (starting construction in 1/2007)
-proposed: a new building north of Martha Van Rensselaer Hall, and a new Physical Sciences building, and an underground addition to the art museum, and a new Architecture hall (Milstein Hall)
-sites being considered fro the 100,000 sq. ft Gates Hall (named after you-know-who after making a large donation)
and i know how much everyone loves renderings, so...

http://www.sustainablecampus.cornell.edu/images/milstein.jpg
Milstein Hall
http://www.news.cornell.edu/Stories/March05/LSTB.jpg
Life Sciences Building

[whit_x]

-proposed: a new building north of Martha Van Rensselaer Hall, and a new Physical Sciences building, and an underground addition to the art museum, and a new Architecture hall (Milstein Hall)


Having been in town last week, I am assuming the new building north of Martha Van is replacing the one built in the 60's/early 70's that was torn down in the last year or so. Seeing that my grandma used to work in that building, it caught me off guard when it wasn't there anymore.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^^ Thanks for the info and summary Vis. I sometimes forget what happens at Cornell can be counted as happening in Ithaca.

[Visiteur]

And let's not ignore IC...

http://www.ithaca.edu/news/dbimages/7_display.jpg

Ithaca, NY—Ithaca College’s plans to build a new multipurpose indoor Athletics & Events Center have received a considerable boost, with a $9 million gift from the Atlantic Philanthropies and a $1 million gift from the French American Charitable Trust. Caroleen Feeney, a 1986 graduate of Ithaca College and member of its board of trustees, is connected to both philanthropic foundations, which have previously supported the College’s music and gerontology programs. The gift from Atlantic includes a challenge grant of $4 million—Ithaca College must raise an additional $4 million to receive those funds.

Groundbreaking on the building project is targeted for 2007, with an anticipated opening in 2009.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ Good stuff Vis. I think there are also plans for a new Business school building at IC.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Found something interesting on the net. The apartment building I grew up in is for sale. My folks bought it in the 50s for $16,000 and sold it in the 60s for $22,000. It's a bit pricier now (but looks like crap). We lived on the first floor(in what was a small 2 bedroom apt). Anyway, if you click on the link, go to Full Details at Jim Shreve to see a couple of pics. The first is across the street from the bldg, and the 2nd is looking up the hill from the same spot. Still have quite the fondness in my heart for the old rat-trap.

http://www.trulia.com/property/1017797470-708-E-Buffalo-St-Ithaca-NY-14850

[Visiteur]

Um, did the value of that property go up or what:sly:? Even with inflation, it would only be about 110k. A good coat of paint or some vinyl siding, and some porch work looks like it would do this building some wonders. So Ex-Ithacan, did you live somewhere else in Ithaca when your family sold this building, or did you move out of Ithaca period?

[Ex-Ithacan]

My folks split up, and my mother, brother and I moved into a grand old home around the corner (which had become a 10 unit apt bldg). Stayed there until I graduated from high school when I left the city.

I think it would take more than paint and siding to get it back in shape. I stopped by a couple of years ago, and the place was a total mess inside. Our apt had been sliced and diced into a 3 bedroom job. Holes in the hallway walls, quite the student ghetto. I was trying to get some owner info so I could buy the wrought iron hand-rail on the front porch. My grandfather (who was a blacksmith) had made it. No luck so far.

[whit_x]

I'm dreading the day that my family will have to sell my grandparents house on South Hill and hope that it doesn't become another student ghetto house like some of the others on their block.

[Visiteur]

"Two steps forward, one step back. Life of a development lover in Ithaca."

Here's two more steps forward. The extra funding for Green Garage passed 7-3.
http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060804/NEWS01/608040340/1002

Oh, and Office Depot celebrated its grand opening. Yay for pencil pushers!

Now for the step back-it appears three stores in the Commons area are going out of business.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060804/NEWS01/608040324/1002

EDIT: And while perusing for Syracuse items, I found this new Church in Ithaca town:
http://www.bardenchurches.com/Ithaca.asp
http://www.bardenchurches.com/images/NewChurches/Ithaca/extIthaca.jpg

[Ex-Ithacan]

I tell ya Vis, it's a curse for city/downtown fans. I didn't know about the church, good find. btw, I saw on News10now that the IDA didn't grant the tax breaks the Cayuga Green folks were looking to get. I guess there's still hope though, it just has to go through a public hearing phase (watch the NIMBYs rally against this one).


@ whit - I've heard parts of South Hill are getting student ghetto-ish. Especially around Prospect St.

[whit_x]

Here's two more steps forward. The extra funding for Green Garage passed 7-3.
http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060804/NEWS01/608040340/1002

Oh, and Office Depot celebrated its grand opening. Yay for pencil pushers!

Now for the step back-it appears three stores in the Commons area are going out of business.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060804/NEWS01/608040324/1002

1) The Cayuga Green project has to go back before the public because of the amended plan. Don't worry, the amended plan probably will go through, just that the city has to cover itself legally.

2) About time to see something take the place of the former Office Max on Meadow St.

As far as the openings on the Commons, you're talking about 3 or 4 big holes about to open up there, with an anchor of Center Ithaca, the former Harolds (Night & DAy), and (after the primary ends) the retail part of the former Rothschilds (currently being used for the Tom Suozzi campaign) coming open on that side of the Commons. Not to mention that there still is nothing on the first floor of Cayuga Green. Well, at least there are 2 new bars downtown. (one in the second floor of the former Holleys (Now Trader K's used clothing on the first floor) and Fitzpatricks (in the Seneca Place project).

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ I'm hoping some more restaurants and, in my wildest dreams, a comedy club might open in the downtown area. Doesn't seemas if the Commons can attract any "mainstream" retailers. The thing downtown really needs is a food market of some sort (with a pharmacy included). If all the proposed residential structures are built, there will be hundreds of new residents with no place to shop for groceries.

[whit_x]

^ I'm hoping some more restaurants and, in my wildest dreams, a comedy club might open in the downtown area. Doesn't seemas if the Commons can attract any "mainstream" retailers. The thing downtown really needs is a food market of some sort (with a pharmacy included). If all the proposed residential structures are built, there will be hundreds of new residents with no place to shop for groceries.

I agree with you, since the Wegmans and the P & C are a bit too far away. I'd just settle for somewhere that you can buy meat, since there still is that natural foods place in the Dewitt Mall for all the vegetables.

[Ex-Ithacan]

I think a mini-Wegmans (for urban setting) would be a good experiment. If successful, they could look into all kinds of cities where downtown residential is taking off.

[whit_x]

I think a mini-Wegmans (for urban setting) would be a good experiment. If successful, they could look into all kinds of cities where downtown residential is taking off.
They used to have some of those around Rochester (Mt. Read and in Midtown Plaza), but they've gotten away from it when they realized that building monster stores around Philly and DC would bring in more money.

[Visiteur]

Ex, since we're discussing Ithaca, I figured this would be the best place to put in my two cents.

Kiplinger's and Cities R&R give Ithaca National Billing. Ithaca gets the equivalent to a pat on the back.
VegNews and Mother Earth News and Outside Magazine give it a thumbs up, and suddenly, everybody seems interested in visiting the area. "Oh, Ithaca is cool, the magazine said so! We have to visit there this summer!"

Now, don't get me wrong, I don't think it's a bad thing. But I want someone to explain to me how top-billing ratings are virtually ignored, but little commendations attract dozens of calls to the local tourism office. It's time like these that I have to wonder about the priortities of people. Who knows, maybe if Ithaca gets a "Best Small City Atmoshpere" award, they'll be able to attract some new business to the Commons and the city.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ Tis a strange, strange world indeed Vis. I guess every little bit of positive pub helps. Of course there are quite a few Ithacans who hope no more people move to the area and it stays the same as it is for the rest of humankinds time on Earth. Whaddya gonna do?

[whit_x]

Ex, since we're discussing Ithaca, I figured this would be the best place to put in my two cents.

Kiplinger's and Cities R&R give Ithaca National Billing. Ithaca gets the equivalent to a pat on the back.
VegNews and Mother Earth News and Outside Magazine give it a thumbs up, and suddenly, everybody seems interested in visiting the area. "Oh, Ithaca is cool, the magazine said so! We have to visit there this summer!"

Now, don't get me wrong, I don't think it's a bad thing. But I want someone to explain to me how top-billing ratings are virtually ignored, but little commendations attract dozens of calls to the local tourism office. It's time like these that I have to wonder about the priortities of people. Who knows, maybe if Ithaca gets a "Best Small City Atmoshpere" award, they'll be able to attract some new business to the Commons and the city.


Because at the end of the day, despite all the commendations by Kiplingers and Cities R& R, Ithaca is still, as the bumper sticker says, centrally isolated. When you're 25 miles or so from the nearest interstate, with a joke of an airport in town, relocating your business is a bit dicey. For the Earth First types that want to get off of the grid for a few days, however, Ithaca is heaven on earth.

[Visiteur]

I like your response whit. Ithaca's remoteness is a blessing and a curse.

From the Journal: "Man dies at Lucifer Falls"

Does anyone see that as eerie in a verbal way?

http://www.bardenhomes.com/BardenCommercial/images/Healthcare/IthacaMedical/extIthacaMedical.jpg
And this image came up in one of my Syracuse searches. It's s'posed to be in the town of Ithaca, and a 'new' facility (Ithaca Medical Center), But I have no idea if this is one year old of five.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ Not sure what that is Vis. Yeah, I wondered about the Lucifer falls death too. btw, another gorge death (3 in 2 weeks):

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060815/NEWS01/608150330/1002


But not all the news is bad:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060815/NEWS01/608150324/1002

:)

[Ex-Ithacan]

Holy Schmokeys, looks like Ithaca is gonna make the CBS national news on friday (8/18). I know it's not for anything important, but any publicity is good publicity for a small town, right?

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060816/NEWS01/608160325/1002

[Visiteur]

I guess in little burgs like Ithaca and Two Rivers, little arguments like this give people something to talk about beyond the news and weather.

Friday's the same day I move to Ithaca too, coincidentally.

[Ex-Ithacan]

I guess in little burgs like Ithaca and Two Rivers, little arguments like this give people something to talk about beyond the news and weather.
And maybe free ice cream:yes:

Friday's the same day I move to Ithaca too, coincidentally.

Congrats, and welcome to 5 square miles surrounded by reality ;) :D

Hope the weather is good for the move, and it goes fairly smoothly.:cheers:

[Ex-Ithacan]

Kind of funny that 2 of the local coffee houses are ramping it up not too long after Starbucks opened its first Ithaca store:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060816/NEWS01/608160303/1002

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060816/NEWS01/608160305/1002


:shrug:

[Visiteur]

Competition is healthy:)

This should be my last post for a little bit while I pack up and then go over to Ithaca and get nice and settled in. It'll be nice to take a break from the CNY reality.

*and in Visiteur's dreams, a 10-story mixed use is proposed in the heart of Ithaca, with a high floor-to-ceiling height and a great design...*

Actually, there's a rumour about a new county office building that I'd like to check into at some point. But, until then, keep us all posted Ex!
:tup:

[Ex-Ithacan]

Best of luck with the move & school Vis. Keeps us posted on your progress when you finally get settled. Who knows, I might be heading towards Ithaca later this fall. Enjoy you time in college.:tup:

[Ex-Ithacan]

The gorges are beautiful, but dangerous also. I use to go swimming at this spot a lot when I was a kid (I know, it was a long time ago). My aunt & uncle owned a bording house near the suspension bridge.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060819/NEWS01/608190307/1002

[Ex-Ithacan]

Uh-oh, Ithaca's down to one public bowling center:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060822/NEWS01/608220328/1002

:rolleyes: :D

[Visiteur]

Speaking of the gorges, I just went down in the gorges yesterday, near Thurston Avenue. I've never even walked in a river before, let alone one with little waterfalls every 100 feet. Really spiffy stuff. The female sunbathers were nice too...not that I was staring, of course.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ Vis, you rascal, leave them gals alone and start studying.;) :D

[Ex-Ithacan]

Fire in the old Ithaca Gun factory bldg:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060823/NEWS01/608230332/1002

What's so bad is some NIMBY's behind the factory helped put a hold on a development which was gonna need the 70 foot heigth variance.
The developer (Wally Diehl) was going to pay for the hazardous waste clean-up. The project was going to be a 7 story building (including 2 decks of parking at the bottom), but nooooo.

btw, here's an aerial showing the area (courtey of Living dryden blog), the factory is the blue building in the middle at the bottom of the pic:

http://livingindryden.org/images/aerial/aerial05102005/images/IMG_5194_edited-1.jpg

:hell:

[Visiteur]

That's just silly for those NIMBYs. If they can put up with the Johnson Art Museum nearby, they should be able to tolerate a little midrise near the falls.

[Ex-Ithacan]

You got that right Vis.

So how's it going? Getting acclimated?

[Visiteur]

Well, it's been awkward at times, and I've run into some of the "House in the Hamptons" folks here, but otherwise, life has been pretyy good, and I've discovered that I've managed to create a schedule that works very well for me. Among the things I've done in Ithaca:

-Visited the Johnson Museum
-Been down at the falls
-Took a trip to Collegetown, to enhance my knowledge of the area (noticed those student ghettoes right behind restored buildings, curiously enough)
-Participated in the Orientation activites, and noticed that along with renovations and the Thurston Avenue Bridge reconstruction, there is a lot going up.
-Went to my advisor meeting, and discovered that the freshmen class in my major numbers 17 people, out of 3,258 total. However, the classroom is at the top of Bradfield Hall, so after class I could easily take photos from one of the highest vantage points on campus.

It's been pretty nifty. Except the part where I felt scalped on my textbooks (and I bought used).

And this was in the news...
http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060823/NEWS01/608230331/1002
In other business Tuesday night, the planning board heard an informal proposal for 48 condominiums along Cliff Street.

Developer Mauro Marinelli of Primary Developers, Inc. had originally received approval to build affordable housing on a 12-acre lot just north of the professional building at 821 Cliff St. When federal funding was given to a comparable project farther north off Route 96, Marinelli said he decided to regroup.

After hearing comments from realtors and others suggesting there is a demand for condominiums in the city, he decided to increase the available parking on the site and reduce the number of units. The project went from 63 units with 64 spaces to the newly proposed 48 units with 93 spaces. The new proposal would keep the disturbed area at just under two acres and move the units farther away from the street.

The lot is on a steep grade, something the planning board asked Marinelli to keep in mind as he prepares documents to seek formal approval. Another important consideration, according to John Schroeder, chair of the planning board, will be the project's landscaping plan, which has yet to be developed.

Marinelli said he hopes to begin construction in April.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Hot damn, a forumer in Ithaca.

Sounds like you're OK for now. And access to the top of Bradfield Hall, very cool. I know once the classes get rolling you're going to be busy. And of course walking around campus in the winter will not be fun. But I think you're going to enjoythis life changing 4 years.

btw, if you ever get near 708 E. Buffalo (near Eddy street) say hi to the old homestead for me. ;) :D

I saw the article about the Marinelli project. Hope its got a few floors. Besides the Chesnut public housing project, not much sticks out on West hill.

[Visiteur]

Six Mile Creek Center project moves forward

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060830/NEWS01/608300328/1002

Ex, do you know what proposed high-rise apartment building this would be referring to?;)

[Ex-Ithacan]

Yeah, I saw this article. I'll try to find the project it's refering to, but hi-rise is a relative term. No final plans (or even preliminary) yet. I suspect it's the 6 to 8 story range.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Hey Vis, there was an article in The Cornell Sun about this project. I think it was in a june issue. I can't get in to the Sun site right now. The reporter was Jessica DiNapoli. Maybe you can find it.

[Visiteur]

I checked some of the June 06' papers, but I must've missed it, because you definitely have the reporter who writes about dvelopments for the paper. i'll take a closer look over the weekend.

[Visiteur]

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/2998/0000829gb0.jpg

Life Sciences Building under consturction

Also, although I was out wirh the Runners' Club, I noticed that the Gateway Apartment "tower" under construction appears to be up at the sixth (and final?) floor, but it's just a concrete shell at the moment. Nice to see some more density near downtown Ithaca though.

Random Ithaca pics

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/7029/0000828dv7.jpg

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/5632/0000827hb8.jpg

[Ex-Ithacan]

Oh my. A forumer in Ithaca to take pics and update. maybe I've died and gone to heaven (though I know that ain't gonna happen).

That 1st pic is cool, some Cornell density there, eh Vis? Good to hear the Gateway Commons is well on its way. Yeah, it's only 6 stories, but its position should nicely fill in the bend at Green & State sts. Thanks Vis, look forward to more.

btw, outside of the weather, how do ya like the place so far?

[Visiteur]

What's that? More pics you say?

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/7775/0000891ov0.jpg

now, is the midrise apartment building going here...
http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/6457/0000903fr5.jpg
or here?
http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/3796/0000906wh3.jpg

Oh, funny story. I was walking over the Stwart Avenue bridge with umbrella in hand when a TCAT passed by. My umbrella was caught by the sheer force of the air and collapsed, blowing me backwards. Funny, how powerful downdrafts can be. Luckily, I only hit the guardrails.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Vis, you rascal, that's the first construction pic of the Gateway Commons I've seen. Super, thanks.

The area in the second pic is where phase 2 of Cayuga Green is going:
http://theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060726/NEWS01/607260329/1002


The other proposed (at least the one in the Cornell Sun last June) is suppose to go next to the Aurora Street bridge over Green Street. Not sure how that would work out, but I'm all for it. The last open area may get an apartment building, but will have to wait until the Green Street garage is renovated.

btw, I can't wait to see the view from atop the Cayuga Green garage you were on.
Thanks man.
Gotta be careful when ya walk over them gorges, eh? ;) :D

[whit_x]

Uh-oh, Ithaca's down to one public bowling center:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060822/NEWS01/608220328/1002

:rolleyes: :D
Well, the county is down to 2, with the other one being out in Groton. Small world, the former owner of the Drome was my cousins' stepfather.

[whit_x]

The other proposed (at least the one in the Cornell Sun last June) is suppose to go next to the Aurora Street bridge over Green Street. Not sure how that would work out, but I'm all for it. The last open area may get an apartment building, but will have to wait until the Green Street garage is renovated.

btw, I can't wait to see the view from atop the Cayuga Green garage you were on.
Thanks man.
Gotta be careful when ya walk over them gorges, eh? ;) :D
I was wondering that myself when I was up there last week. Were they going to tear down part of the oter building to do that, or were there only going to be 20 or so apartments and 2 to 3 thousand square feet of space, since that's a pretty tight fit.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^^ Is the one in Dryden closed too?

[Visiteur]

Oh, I didn't take a picture of it, but there were flyers to the front of the (Green) garage saying that it would be closed for major renovations starting September 1st. Renovations to Clinton House were well underway...
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/1474/0000876gq8.jpg
The Rothschild Building renovations were also well underway (bedecked with Tom Suozzi campaign ads, I might add), and I came across this for a five-story box building at 200 Buffalo Street:
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/4093/0000871fo7.jpg
the building, for reference:
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/7861/0000872ym6.jpg

Now, in case you're wondering, I am putting my school activities first (Vis is being a good little Cornellian). I just happened to have some free time today for a photo op.

[Ex-Ithacan]

I had heard that the Clinton House renovations were underway. I think the Rothchilds bldg is getting into the swing of things to set up for future incubator duties for smaller companies. The last pic is a bldg that replaced the old YMCA about 35 years ago. Probably needs a renovation to keep up with the newer bldgs downtown. Thanks for the additional pics Vis. It's almost like being back in old Ithaca.

[whit_x]

The building on Buffalo St is also where the Sciencenter got started.It's amazing that a bunch of exhibits in a large room on the first floor of that building is related to the Sciencenter that we know today.

[whit_x]

^^ Is the one in Dryden closed too?
Yep, I was out there on Wednesday night and there was a for rent sign on the door and all the lights were out. On the subject of Dryden, the Burger King has been replaced with a Dunkin Donuts (The only one in the County for the time being) and there is a Kinney Drugs being built next to it in replacing the building that for a long time had Video Shack and several other businesses. DOwntown Dryden is looking glum, though, and I should have gone up to TC3 to take some pictures but wasn't thinking about it at the time.

[Visiteur]

Apropos, were you up here visiting whit?

Meanwhile...

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060904/NEWS01/609040319/1002

Study shows need for affordable housing
By Andrew Tutino
Journal Staff

ITHACA — Government officials said they are finally able to put numbers with prior educated guesses about the lack of affordable housing in Tompkins County after the release last month of a new housing study.

A study conducted by the Vermont-based Economics & Policy Resources Inc. (EPR) shows that Tompkins County will need to build more than 2,500 affordable housing units between now and 2014 to meet the increasing demand spurred by a relatively stable economy that continues to draw people to the area.


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Affordable housing units are defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as an owner-occupied house that pays no more than 30 percent of the household's gross income on mortgage payments, utilities, taxes and insurance. For renters, the number is no more than 30 percent of gross household income being spent on rent and utilities.

According to the study, a household would need to earn $55,880 on average to afford a median-priced, single-family home in 2004 (about $140,000). For those living near the city and town of Ithaca, the numbers are higher.
“No study is perfect,” said Martha Robertson, a member of the Tompkins County Legislature who has been active in housing issues. “But it puts a lot of meat on the bones for how much of a need Tompkins County has for lower-cost and affordable homes.”

Jeffrey B. Carr, EPR president, said the situation in Tompkins rivals those in commuter blocks north of the New York City metropolitan area. Carr said another demand identified through the survey was housing that may interest those who commute from outside the county's borders.

“If I was a developer, that represented a potential source for demand I could potentially meet,” he said. “They think housing prices are high in Tompkins County and see a greater value for their housing dollar outside of the county right now.”

The question facing government and private-sector developers is what to do about the problem. Housing units are being added in the county but not at the affordable level rate needed to meet demand.

“I think people are recognizing this is a key community issue,” said Edward Marx, the commissioner of the Tompkins County Planning Department, which worked closely with the consultant for the study. “We have a real target to shoot for, and I believe many community leaders are mobilizing around this issue.”

The Planning Department has begun researching ordinances that could make it friendly for developers to propose housing developments that include units with prices in the affordable range.

Also, Marx said, a renter study is already under way as well as talk of creating some type of community land trust that could serve as locations for housing developments. Interested developers in the past have had a hard time finding land to build affordable housing developments.

All of those ideas are recommendations forwarded to the county by EPR in the study, including one about exploring the possibility of offering developers tax abatements on housing developments that include affordable units, though the legality of those abatements and the issue of fairness for other developers and existing landlords who would not get abatements is an issue.

“There have been success stories,” Marx said. “I think no single model will be exactly what we have to do here because our community is unique. I think the one thing that is very important is to not get too far behind on this issue.”

Hmm...comments, anybody?

[Ex-Ithacan]

The building on Buffalo St is also where the Sciencenter got started.It's amazing that a bunch of exhibits in a large room on the first floor of that building is related to the Sciencenter that we know today.

I didn't know that.

And it's a shame about the bowling alley in Dryden, I took a PE class there while at TC3. And 20 lashes with a wet noodle for no TC3 (and Dryden) pics whit.;)

[Ex-Ithacan]

^^ @ Vis - affordable housing has been a problem in Tompkins County for quite a while. I know on West Hill toward the hospital there is a housing development proposed (expansion of a current development) which would offer about 100 affordable units. The problems associated with many of these out of city developments is they contribute to sprawl, and transportation for the residents. I think it would be nice if Cornell would contribute some land (heaven knows they've got a boat-load of it) to a developer for a nice hi-rise or two of mixed income housing. TCAT covers Cornell like a blanket, so the lower income residents would have dependable transportation, and a large project would benefit the city's tax rolls. I know many of the working poor live in the surrounding counties, and that causes increased traffic(even if they are old jalopies), lost property taxes, and smaller matching govt funds based on population.

Might also help if the city would raise the height limit downtown for taller apartment buildings with the stipulation of affordable units being offered by the developers.

[whit_x]

Heck, East Hill Plaza will be perfect for it, if they could figure out a way to build above the plaza, or better still tear down the middle part of the plaza once Rite Aid moves across the street and put in a multi-story building.

[Visiteur]

Cayuga Green is approved once again:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060909/NEWS01/609090338/1002

helix should be down by mid-October, and then the building will go up over the next 10 to 12 months. Here's to 68 apartments and some more retail space (and the arthouse theatre):cheers:

However, note the comments section where someone goes on about how downtown Ithaca will be overrun by rich people, and that the approval process was completely undemocratic. No one is ever pleased in this city...

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ Yeah Vis, I would expect a comment like that from Ithaca. There's a lot of people there that wouldn't be pleased unless the city had free apartments and nothing but cheap head shops throughout the Commons.

Good to see the project finally get the green light. I just hope 7 arts and the developers can strike a deal soon.

[whit_x]

Cayuga Green is approved once again:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060909/NEWS01/609090338/1002

helix should be down by mid-October, and then the building will go up over the next 10 to 12 months. Here's to 68 apartments and some more retail space (and the arthouse theatre):cheers:

However, note the comments section where someone goes on about how downtown Ithaca will be overrun by rich people, and that the approval process was completely undemocratic. No one is ever pleased in this city...

Umm, with the exception of a few homeless people and the disaffected Goth types that hang out under the Bernie Milton Pavillion, there are no poor people hanging out on the Commons, since most of them are either priced out of downtown (those living in the City), or wrongly percieve downtown as a crime ridden hellhole (mostly living in Brooktondale, Dryden, Etna, Lansing, etc, and have never lived anywhere else). I'm wondering if the gym that's in Center Ithaca will be expanding once Cinemopolis is moved into Cayuga Green, and also what could replace Fall Creek Pictures, since that building sat empty for 8 or 9 years before the theatre opened there.

[Visiteur]

Since you mention it whit, I wasn't inclined to say it, but those "disaffected goth types" really creep me out when I visit the Commons...and the pall of tobacco smoke around them is annoying. But, thank goodness they're a minority in Ithaca...

[Ex-Ithacan]

I think a nice mix of affordable housing downtown is a noble idea, but I'm wondering about the economic feasability for a developer. The folks who hang around the bank (at least the last time I visited) would do well to find something constructive to occupy their time. wow, do I ever sound like an old fogey

No idea of what will happen to the old Fall Creek Pictures bldg. I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see it become another restaurant though, Ithaca certainly needs more eateries;)

[Visiteur]

Ithaca needs eateries like Washington needs politicians. :)

[Ex-Ithacan]

^lol

[whit_x]

Since you mention it whit, I wasn't inclined to say it, but those "disaffected goth types" really creep me out when I visit the Commons...and the pall of tobacco smoke around them is annoying. But, thank goodness they're a minority in Ithaca...
Get used to them, the bodies may change over your four years up on the hill, but the general vibe is the same as it's been at least since the mid to late 80's there.

[whit_x]

I think a nice mix of affordable housing downtown is a noble idea, but I'm wondering about the economic feasability for a developer. The folks who hang around the bank (at least the last time I visited) would do well to find something constructive to occupy their time. wow, do I ever sound like an old fogey

No idea of what will happen to the old Fall Creek Pictures bldg. I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see it become another restaurant though, Ithaca certainly needs more eateries;)
There's already a good one there. Besides, we're talking about a 15,000 square foot building there.

[Ex-Ithacan]

There's already a good one there. Besides, we're talking about a 15,000 square foot building there.

I was being a bit of a smart a$$. I think a food market or a Fall Creek community center maybe.:shrug:

[Visiteur]

One step forward (maybe)

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060912/NEWS01/609120322/1002

One step back (a little step)

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060912/NEWS01/609120312/1002

If Ithaca were a street, it would be a two-way road with equal traffic volume on both sides.

[whit_x]

I was being a bit of a smart a$$. I think a food market or a Fall Creek community center maybe.:shrug:
I don't think the first will happen, since the reason that FCP exists is that P&C closed that location in the late 70's, and the site laid vacant for 7 or 8 years. I think that the second idea might work, though, that or another health club.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Well, it's not like there aren't already plenty of empty buildings in the city:rolleyes:

[Ex-Ithacan]

Hey Vis, it was nice to finally meet you. Hope my history lesson of my life in Ithaca didn't bore you too much. I just realized I forgot to take your pic. Guess it can wait till my next visit. Good luck with school and I hope you accomplish your goals. :tup:

[Visiteur]

Yeah, it was nice to meet you too Ex. I enjoyed the tour, so thanks for sharing your knowledge of Ithaca.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060916/NEWS01/609160337/1002

New real estate offices for Ithaca...I hope this suggests a trend...

http://cmsimg.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=AF&Date=20060916&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=609160337&Ref=AR&Profile=1002&MaxW=290

[whit_x]

Yeah, it was nice to meet you too Ex. I enjoyed the tour, so thanks for sharing your knowledge of Ithaca.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060916/NEWS01/609160337/1002

New real estate offices for Ithaca...I hope this suggests a trend...

http://cmsimg.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=AF&Date=20060916&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=609160337&Ref=AR&Profile=1002&MaxW=290
So, that's who built that building. I was wondering as I drove by it one day last month.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Didn't know about that one Vis, thanks.

btw, here's alink to the site of the architect - Jagat Sharma:

http://www.sharma-arch.com/index_revised_arch_website.html

I'm sure you'll recognize a lot of his buildings, especially the apartments.

[Visiteur]

Looking at his site...we know that this is under construction, based on an earlier news article:

http://www.sharma-arch.com/index_revised_arch_website_files/image134.jpg

Wait, is this College Ave. Building new, or a renovation? I've passed by it and thought it was a simple renovation, but now i'm not sure. I also initially thought this was only a few floors. Hmmm...

http://www.sharma-arch.com/index_revised_arch_website_files/image136.jpg