[whit_x]

^ I thought about the look of some "functional" 60s hi-rises dominating East Hill, and came to the same conclusion. From what I've read, Thys Van Cort is actually one of the better city employees. I think he's generally pro development, and from what I've also heard, fairly accessable. Might give it a shot to contact him Vis. Anyway, I think I've seen parts of that researc paper before too. Good stuff, and thanks for sharing. Now if we can just get a decent parking facility in C-town, I'm confident some hi-rises will follow shortly thereafter.
All I can think of is the twin towers at IC, with the dumpy cafeteria building between them when I think of late 60's skyscrapers. As far as the retail goes, right now, there's difficulty filling what's there right now, especially in the first block of Collegetown.

[Ex-Ithacan]

I think the retail would improve quite a bit if there was enough parking. A retail center based solely on bars, eateries, and copier shops isn't going to make it. Collegetown needs a wider assortment of retial options; clothing, a drug store, food market, and more services. The extra parking would help the retail centers get through the times when the students are out of school. Locals would not be so hesitant to stop in C-town if they knew they could park (and I know there's decent bus service there, but the truth is most folks don't take the bus). I'm probably waaaay off on this, but something drastic has to be done to get retail going again in the neighborhood.

[whit_x]

I think the retail would improve quite a bit if there was enough parking. A retail center based solely on bars, eateries, and copier shops isn't going to make it. Collegetown needs a wider assortment of retial options; clothing, a drug store, food market, and more services. The extra parking would help the retail centers get through the times when the students are out of school. Locals would not be so hesitant to stop in C-town if they knew they could park (and I know there's decent bus service there, but the truth is most folks don't take the bus). I'm probably waaaay off on this, but something drastic has to be done to get retail going again in the neighborhood.
There still is a drug store there. It would be good to bring a full scale grocery back to the neighborhood. The problem is who would build it. Wegman's isn't building stores of the size that would go in here anymore, Tops will just build what's there, and P&C is broke.

[Ex-Ithacan]

I know Vis posted something in his Syracuse development thread about a new urban grocery store opening in downtown Syracuse. If they succeed, maybe someone (developer, broker, city official) can convince them to give ithaca a try. btw, where's the drug store in C-town, I can't place it in my mind.

[Visiteur]

The Kinney pharmacy in C-Town closed for good two weeks ago. Lack of business, they blamed it on Gannett hadling prescriptions now.

Pyramid and Bob Congel developed the C.L Evers store in the Amos Lofts. Do you really want Congel messing with Ithaca though?

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ Probably not, but sometimes it's better the devil you know.:shrug:

[nova86]

hey guys, awesome thread. native (and current) ithacan here.

[Visiteur]

Gasp, another Ithacan!

anyways, I was down in the southern part of the city today (more like the southern part of the town) and I couldn't help but notice the sprawl is increasing. At least two small-box stores (a Tractor Supply Store and a second one on a site appx. 250 by 250 feet) are currently being built, as well as a small strip mall. major renovations are currently underway on many of the older buildings out there (except Titus Tower...sigh), but you can tell most of the stuff there has been built recently.

Here's a thought. Ithaca's population is growing, but economy is stagnant. Syracuse's economy is growing, but population is relatively flat for the amount of growth. Therefore, is it reasonable to think more Ithaca-area residents are commuting to Syracuse (and, vice-versa, more Syracuse-area workers hail from the Ithaca area?)

[Ex-Ithacan]

^^ Another Ithaca forumer?:upload_71700:


Welcome to SSP nova86.:D

As far as the commute issue Vis, Ithaca (Tompkins county) actually gains about 6,000 people each workday. More folks commuting in than out. But I'll be damned if I know where they're working (besides Cornell).:shrug: ;)

[Visiteur]

They work with the Hobbits underground. It's why Ithaca is so in tune with the environment. :D I do remember hearing many Cornell employees actually live outside the county. Otherwise, no clue.

From the Syracuse development briefs:

The new store called Morgan's in downtown Ithaca is a dress shop its owner hopes would stop folks from driving to Syracuse to find a good selection of dresses. Now some of us might be driving to Ithaca to check out Morgan's, 123 S. Cayuga St., corner of Green Street. Owner Rebecca Kim says customers have been raving about the store's Dress Cove, stuffed with dresses for every occasion plus evening handbags and special-occasion shoes.

[Ex-Ithacan]

How come there's a rave review about that store in Syracuse literature, but no mention (that I saw) in any Ithaca sources? I swear, so many Ithacans would love to put road blocks up at each main road coming into Tompkins county. They want to keep the place all to themselves.

[whit_x]

hey guys, awesome thread. native (and current) ithacan here.
welcome Nova. As far as the drug store, I didn't realize the store had closed.

[whit_x]

^^

As far as the commute issue Vis, Ithaca (Tompkins county) actually gains about 6,000 people each workday. More folks commuting in than out. But I'll be damned if I know where they're working (besides Cornell).:shrug: ;)

A bunch of that is in the manufacturing that is left in the county, such as at Emerson Power Transmission (Morse Chain) on South Hill and at Borg Warner up in Lansing, since the cost of property is so much less outside of the County for people to live in, plus the zoning isn't as restrictive.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Looks like some businesses are coming to Collegetown, including James Bonds favorite.;)

http://www.cornelldailysun.com/node/19729

:D :cheers:

[Visiteur]

At least there are some businesses coming in to replace the restaurants that had left Collegetown earlier this year. Mmm, I'm up for some Caribbean food.

[whit_x]

Just what Collegetown needed, a place to get a tattoo. Good location for the Starbucks, though. BTW, what location on Eddy St is the restaurant, and has anything replaced the Chariot yet?

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ I think that must be in one of the older apartment buildings at the end of the block:

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/469/ith103085jx.jpg

Here's an op-ed piece about Collegetown from the Cornell Daily Sun:

http://www.cornelldailysun.com/node/19799

:(

[whit_x]

The issue at the end of the day is that you are still in a city of 30,000 in a county of about 100,000 people, that is barely growing. Even in places like Tallahassee, where I live, trying to build a Collegetown type atmosphere has been difficult, especially attracting new retail to an area with about 53,000 students within walking distance (40,000 at Florida State and 13,000 at Florida A&M). As far as the drugstores, getting these stores to get out of building their cookiecutter 13,000 square foot store with the drivethru and (I actually saw this at a Kinney's) gas pumps in front) to build in C-town is going to be a tough sell. Look at what happened on the Commons with Rite Aid and CVS.

[Visiteur]

Admittedly, Collegetown has seen several stores move or close in the past several months. Although, I tend to find people like Jason Fane, that "lovely" landlord of Collegetown, more responsible than other factors. He'll charge as much as he can if he can get away with it. The man who said in 1975, and I quote, that "students can do without amenities and have no need for anything more exspensive", and then when Cornell started investing in C-town in the 80s, rushed to throw up some luxury high-rises because he saw a potential goldmine from wealthy students. Now that he's been coddled by high rents for twenty years, he has no problem with letting storfronts sit empty, because he knows that there's a chance that some company, desirable or not, will cough up the cash for one of his sites.

Now, I'm not done ranting. cornell just received a 15 million dollar gift to the Statler School today, and this comment was left on the IJ:

"I wish to see the day when all alumni see how little CU gives back to the city of ithaca. I'm happy that the IJ reports on this. to see how much CU gets is a statement and a reminder how our communty is forgotten by the alumni, CU and our goverment."

Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 1:22 pm

I am so intensely angered by this comment! :hell: :hell: :hell: I'm sorry, I forgot, Ithaca is so vibrant that it doesn't need CU and it can make it on its own like the other upstate cities. How many jobs from Cornell went into Seneca Place! 300! And that's 300 reasons why I want to despise this guy!:whip:

[Ex-Ithacan]

Don't get too pi$$ed Vis. It's just Ithacans being whiners as usual, about everything. You get to a point where you can tune them out after a while.;)

[Ex-Ithacan]

I hope this is a success. It'll do wonders for the Ithaca area.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061116/NEWS01/611160336/1002


:tup:

[Visiteur]

Good catch! The headline is misleading though- 70 jobs now, possibly 850 over ten years.

[Ex-Ithacan]

If it will help the Ithaca area get a reputation as a good place for hi-tech industry, the 850 after 10 years may be joined by many more hundreds (or maybe thousands) of jobs from other companies settling in the area (region). Of course I'm hoping my fantasy comes true, but not betting any money on it.

[Visiteur]

http://www.cornelldailysun.com/node/19967

The Sun's take on Cayuga Green

[whit_x]

About the business park in Dryden, not crazy about the location (encouraging people to drive more isn't the best plan). But if it creates enough jobs to keep talented people from leaving the Cortaca area in search of greener pastures, it can't be all that bad.

[Visiteur]

Here are some interesting items from the City planning department:

http://www.cityofithaca.org/vertical/Sites/{5DCEB23D-5BF8-4AFF-806D-68E7C14DEB0D}/uploads/{B94AB4A9-E6A4-45AF-9ED6-E6FCA0E5AB2A}.PDF

This is a map of SW Ithaca. Anything in blue is proposed-approved-UC.

also, take a look at the "Southwest Vision Statement"-http://www.cityofithaca.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={AACB79EA-141F-4C64-B902-6AE5CD9F3885}&DE={1774F7F2-C60D-453F-8C19-CF4C4C319563}
They want affordable residentials, two to five stories (although some taller buildings are acceptable), 15 units per acre. This is the red city-owned development area in the map above.

In the meanwhile, the Royal Palm will be closing this spring to make room for "a highrise of an undisclosed number of units and stories". At least, that's what abuzz in Collegetown.

[Ex-Ithacan]

I like the plans for the new neighborhood, but I'm not sure they are going to find a developer willing to put up with so many restrictions. And 30% of the housing is to be for folks who earn less than 80% of the people in the county. I hope this doesn't scare the middle and upper income folks away from the project.

Not sure why the PDF files are not available from your post.

If the Palms rumor is true, I'm gonna miss that place.

[whit_x]

I like the plans for the new neighborhood, but I'm not sure they are going to find a developer willing to put up with so many restrictions. And 30% of the housing is to be for folks who earn less than 80% of the people in the county. I hope this doesn't scare the middle and upper income folks away from the project.



If it's designed and built right, with these homes scattered and integrated into the neighborhood, it'll work. If it's built with those homes ghettoed, it won't happen. Plus, some of the difference can be made up by state and federal programs, so the developer won't take as bad of a hit.

[whit_x]

Now I'm going to have to find a new favorite place to eat when I come home

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061123/NEWS01/611230306/1002

It's a shame, too, since the location was so convenient to IC and most people on South Hill.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^Yeah, kind of the center of off campus activity for IC. Maybe the new guy will eventually bring back the old flavor.

[whit_x]

I happened upon this article in the Ithaca Times

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17500038&BRD=1395&PAG=461&dept_id=546876&rfi=6

My issue is that there should be a county wide or regional transportation plan, rather than a plan that is just each individual town's plan, especially since, in the case of the Town of Ithaca, so many of the impacts are coming from outside the "donut", as the article describes.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ That's for sure.

Found this on the Ithaca Journal website (there's a short commercial before the clip plays - sometimes it plays twice (only 16 seconds long))

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061120/VIDEO/61119007

Thought about putting it on one of the main forums, but the commercial backed me off.:shrug:

[Ex-Ithacan]

This has been an ongoing concern for many years now:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061127/NEWS01/611270310

:cheers:

[Visiteur]

Here's the latest news:

New 39-unit housing complex proposed on Floral Avenue:
http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061128/NEWS01/611280337

Green Street Garage's Helix to be torn down this weekend:
http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061128/NEWS01/611280341

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ I'm trying to figure out where on Floral ave the public housing is going to go. Snall footprints along the inlet there, so maybe the 39 units will be a 4 to 6 story building near one of the cliffs. Seems like the west end is starting to get some height (the new 5 story medical bldg and the proposed 5 story hotel on Inlet Island).

As far as the helix demo goes, I thought I'd repost a pic you (Vis) put up many pages back which shows the helix and the bridges involved:

http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/6457/0000903fr5.jpg

:)

[donybrx]

This has been an ongoing concern for many years now:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061127/NEWS01/611270310

:cheers:

Yes, that extra hour is vitally important when you're of a certain age.....oh, the good old days.......:)

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ Ain't that the truth. ;)

[Visiteur]

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061129/NEWS01/611290344

320 Dryden Road apartments are a go. :tup:


In bad news, as the state has announced plans to close hospitals or decrease medical services across the state, Ithaca isn't left out:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061129/NEWS01/611290318

Mind you, I've seen full-page reports in the NYT about closings in NYC, front-page articles in Buffalo, and headlines for Syracuse (which, Syracuse lucked out -somewhat- they want a merger of two hospitals to take away 300 beds, and they want to privatise SUNY upstate). I think all New Yorkers are united in feeling screwed by the healthcare cost efficiency plan.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ Well, I guess 4 stories will have to do, but at least it'll add to the density.


I think Lakeside in Ithaca is going to appeal the closing notice. On News10Now the administrator for Lakeside said the facility had decreased the number of beds from 260 to 180 several years ago, and this wasn't taken into account when the occupancy rate was determined. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Ecovillage Ithaca is still going strong. Gotta love the old hippie spirit which is continuing in a more upscale way just outside the city.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061201/NEWS01/612010335

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061201/NEWS01/612010337/1002

A new Ecovillage is planned for south of the city too:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061201/NEWS01/612010330/1002

:)

[Visiteur]

Wow, and I thought the Ecovillage was a bunch of geodesic domes built into a commune ;) .

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ Oh yeah. :D



Here's an article about a demolition in downtown which actually went well (by ithaca standards;) ).

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061204/NEWS01/612040321

[whit_x]

Here is an article about a report on improvements for the Commons.

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17525348&BRD=1395&PAG=461&dept_id=216620&rfi=6

[Ex-Ithacan]

Definately some good points in that article whit. The Commons does need some life added to it.

[Visiteur]

Article about Cayuga Med's expansion:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061205/NEWS01/612050334

city plans to initiate search (within the week) for developer for the 62-acre site mentioned at the top of this forum page:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061205/NEWS01/612050329

More kudos for Ithaca:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061205/NEWS01/61205004

[Ex-Ithacan]

Thanks for the additions Vis. Kind of surprised you found them. I thought you guys were on winter (X-mas) break. I figured you'd be back in the 'cuse shoveling snow. ;) :D

[Ex-Ithacan]

Here's an article about Cornell's new president and his views about working with the city (including downtown).

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061206/NEWS01/612060338/1002

And a short one on some proposed development.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061206/NEWS01/612060331/1002


:)

[Visiteur]

Hmmm...isn't that hotel/retail proposal near East Hill Plaza, that suburban bastion of East Ithaca?

Not home yet Ex. My classes are done, but I have final exams until next Wednesday. I leave back for Syracuse on the 14th, and then I will suffer in the cold and cruel CNY winter.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Hmmm...isn't that hotel/retail proposal near East Hill Plaza, that suburban bastion of East Ithaca?

Why yes, yes it is. Use to just be a bowling alley and the sheep and pig barns up that way.

Not home yet Ex. My classes are done, but I have final exams until next Wednesday. I leave back for Syracuse on the 14th, and then I will suffer in the cold and cruel CNY winter.

I'm sure the folks have the shovel at the ready for you. ;) :D

Good luck on the finals. :tup:

[whit_x]

Why yes, yes it is. Use to just be a bowling alley and the sheep and pig barns up that way.




And the Hotel/Rite Aid/Restaurant is going where the bowling alley was. Ahhh memories. Good luck on you finals Vis.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Here's a change of pace. Some recognition for nice housing in the city:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/NEWS01/612070343/1002/NEWS17


And another short one echoing one posted by Vis above:

http://theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/NEWS01/612070355/1002/NEWS17

:)

[Ex-Ithacan]

Article regarding a recreational trail winding through the city:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061212/NEWS01/612120341

[Visiteur]

http://cmsimg.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=AF&Date=20061212&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=612120328&Ref=H3&MaxW=290

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061212/NEWS01/612120328

It's always nice to hear about some attractive older home undergoing restoration.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ I agree

here's a short one about some developments coming in front of the common council:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061215/NEWS01/612150330

:)

[whit_x]

^ I agree

here's a short one about some developments coming in front of the common council:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061215/NEWS01/612150330

:)

It was a busy morning in the Journal, with this, news of the rebuilding of Coddington Rd (roundabouts, please no). and the Town of Caroline finally passing their comp plan.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ yeah, screw the state regs, put in stop signs (the cheapest, and probably safest, way to go).

[Ex-Ithacan]

Got some good stuff and not so good stuff from today's Ithaca Journal:

NYS losing population (big surprise):
http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061222/NEWS01/612220349/1002

Town board rejects new development:
http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061222/NEWS01/612220365/1002/NEWS01

Bike shop relocated (for a good cause):
http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061222/NEWS01/612220366/1002

Finally, a nice oped piece about downtown:
http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061222/OPINION02/612220324/1014/OPINION

:)

[whit_x]

Got some good stuff and not so good stuff from today's Ithaca Journal:


Town board rejects new development:
http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061222/NEWS01/612220365/1002/NEWS01



:)

I never understood the 1500 foot rule, especially since there is no neighborhood within a half mile of the East Hill Plaza. As far as the rest of the site, I would agree with putting some sort of mid line sit down restaruant up there, since there hasn't been one up there for at least 10 years, not that I want it to be a chain. Maybe a Denny's or another place for breakfast up there would work as well.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Yeah whit. How is 1500 feet vs 750 feet going to deter people from dropping trash out of their car window? :shrug:

I think a nice midrise apartment building would go well there too.:)

[whit_x]

There was talk of that at one point in the late 80's when the previous owners of the property wanted to expand the Ide's Building with retail in front and build apartments in the back. Being thwarted by the Town of Ithaca, 8 lanes were eliminated instead and the entrance for the center was moved to the rear of the building.

[Ex-Ithacan]

I know the town supervisors are doing what their constituents want, but the town should be annexed by the city anyway, make the population jump by about 20,000.

[whit_x]

Problem is that it's NY, and annexation is a very difficult feat compared to down south.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ Yep, ain't it a pisser?

[Visiteur]

Welcome to New York- "The Red Tape State".

Wow, that population news struck me as depressing. My hope for this region takes more and more of a beating every day. And the Town of Ithaca isn't helping. I wish we could just annex surrounding communities for the larger cities. I mean, look at the cities in the south and west. They grow my population a little, but they also gobble up the surrounding communities, gaining land and population while keeping density down. So-called "elastic cities". Cities in the midwest and northeast however, are inelastic, do not expand their borders because they are stuck in red tape hell, and they stagnate. Could you imagine Ithaca with 49,000 people, and growing faster than it is now? I mean, if the town and city have the same name, why not annex? For another example, Syracuse, another inelastic city, if it expanded its size by 50%, the population would be about 190,000 or so. Then we could be like the free-wheeling communities of other, less-regulated states!

Well, I can dream, I s'pose.

However, I heard from News10Now that the Floral Avenue multi-unit site met the first round of approvals. It should be up for final approval in Janurary.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ I agree Vis, more bureaucracy does not equal a healthier urban environment.

I wish I could find a rendering for the Floral Ave project. Let's see, about 40 units, with 5 per floor....... (I know, I'm just dreaming.)

[Visiteur]

Some Xmas pics for Ex and anyone else who appreciates Ithaca. Sorry about the resizing-it doesn't seem to be functioning right now.

Rather than go through the usual locales, before I left for Syracuse I went through the seedy parts of town, sometimes known as Grithaca, or Hickithaca. Yes, people have too much time on their hands, it seems.
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/7887/brianskodakimages008td0.jpg
Renovated building, and the new bank/office building on Rt.13 and W.State:
http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/7916/brianskodakimages009ll4.jpg
http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/9329/skodakimages010ul1.jpg
http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/8567/skodakimages011vi9.jpg
New building-they were doing interior work when I had taken this photo. It's on the 500 block of W.State:
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/2337/skodakimages012ku7.jpg
http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/8143/skodakimages019ym3.jpg
http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/7175/skodakimages013ar2.jpg

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ Yippee. Cool to see some newer stuff on the west end. Just be careful Vis. That's near where my brother lives. :runaway:

[whit_x]

Vis:

Not bad. Really didn't need to see the picture of the old folks home (Titus Tower), but the rest of it was kind of cool. If you wanted to look at parts of the area that nobody looks at, venture to Groton, Newfield, or the rural hell known as the Town of Caroline (AKA home).

[Ex-Ithacan]

Well, yes. Ithacans are a bit of a different breed at times:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061225/NEWS01/612250325/1002/NEWS17

:D

[Visiteur]

From "East Hill Notes" at the IJ's website:

"A reader writes: “Is the new building being constructed behind East Hill Plaza a Cornell project? Can you tell me what it will be used for?”
The East Hill Office Building project will eventually be a three-story, 60,000-square-foot structure on Cornell-owned land behind East Hill Plaza and the Cornell Institute for Social & Economic Research in the Town of Ithaca. The project will provide flexible office space to be used for university administrative and support functions. Plans call for Cornell to relocate some administrative and non-academic functions to the facility in summer 2007.

The project, developed for Cornell by Integrated Acquisitions and Development, improved a site containing abandoned buildings from a previous use. For more information on this initiative, access www.re.cornell.edu/ehob.htm."

http://www.re.cornell.edu/images/Elevations_2005-07-26.jpg

[Ex-Ithacan]

Nice find Vis. But wouldn't it have been cool if they split it in half and put one half on top of the other (6 stories)? Just wishful thinking. ;)

[whit_x]

Not there, it would be out of scale with everything else up there. Put it in Collegetown and make it 10 stories, then we'd be in business.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ I'd rather see a 10 story rascal in C-town too (along with another multi level garage), but I think the cost of land is prohibitive there for many more large scale projects (unless the developer has the big bucks). Besides, another business/residential center on East Hill would be cool. But the city has got to annex the town.

[donybrx]

^ ---In the words of the inimitable Roseanne Rosannadanna........." It's always something.........if it's not one thing, it's another......" lol

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ LOL, oh yeah, especially in Ithaca. :yes: :D

[Ex-Ithacan]

OK, here's a video (actually a slideshow) I found on google. Not the best quality, but it does give a decent representation of the city & surrounding area. btw, if it sticks, slide the little tracker under the video a bit to the left. And don't get too bored, after all it is Ithaca ;) :D

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6780755181236468967&q=ithaca&hl=en

:)

[Visiteur]

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061230/NEWS01/612300310

The Ithaca Journal's somewhat comprehensive 2007 development article- the private development entries are rather short.:rolleyes:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061230/NEWS01/612300330

Six Mile Creek Trail Development gets a little more funding.:yes:

[Ex-Ithacan]

Glad to see the gorge trail (Six Mile) will be extended from downtown. As far as the other development goes, I don't see much for downtown for a while. But I do hope the new neighborhood in SW moves forward. And I'm looking forward to the Collegetown Vision coming up.

[whit_x]

I would agree with Ex-Ithacan, since the amount of space that is viable for doing a medium to large scale project is limited (The block across from Immaculate Conception between Geneva and Albany Streets is a possibility, but that's about it). What could be interesting is the continued redevelopment of Inlet Island, especially if someone decides to throw in a residential component to one of the projects there.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ Here, here whit. A nice 10 story condo/apartment building along the flood control channel where State Street dead-ends (next to the old clock factory). Parking in the rear. I'd vote for it.:D :banana:

[Visiteur]

Yes, that would be a sweet development. And between downtown and Inlet Island, West End might get a boost from commuting between the two. Hey, we can dream.:tup:

[Ex-Ithacan]

You betcha Vis. :yes: :D

[whit_x]

10 stories is a bit too much down along the inlet. 5 or 6 stories would work, though. I would love to see a 10 story building go where the car dealership is on Cayuga St, though, especially if you could make it look somewhat like the Henry St. John building, instead of the modern looking crap that keeps getting put up.

[Ex-Ithacan]

OK whit I'll compromise with ya on the Inlet Island bldg - 7 to 8 stories. ;) :D

In all my pipe dreams for downtown Ithaca, I never considered the car lot on Cayuga. It's a natural. 10 to 12 stories, and I agree, nothing too modern. There will certainly be enough parking in the area. And then an 8 story condo building as phase 3 of the Cayuga Green project (next to 6 mile creek). I think our combined visions could make Ithaca one exciting little urban rascal. :yes: :tup:

[Visiteur]

What does phase three of Cayuga Green include?:shrug:

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ That will be the condos built between the Cayuga garage (across from the Holiday Inn) and Six Mile Creek. It will face the police station across the creek.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Not much in the paper today, but here's a couple of articles on development in the Ithaca area.

First, some news and views about affordable housing (the comments at the bottom aren't too happy):

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070106/NEWS01/701060327/1002

Some stuff going on in the county's small towns and Ithaca:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070106/NEWS01/701060312/1002

:)

[whit_x]

Not much in the paper today, but here's a couple of articles on development in the Ithaca area.

First, some news and views about affordable housing (the comments at the bottom aren't too happy):

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070106/NEWS01/701060327/1002

Some stuff going on in the county's small towns and Ithaca:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070106/NEWS01/701060312/1002

:)

So, as usual, there's absolutely nothing going on in the Town of Caroline....

[Ex-Ithacan]

Sorry whit, but some place has got to remain completely rural.:shrug: ;)

[whit_x]

I suppose so. Besides, how could you follow up the redevelopment of the old Brooktondale Fire Hall as additional community center space.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Hey whit, maybe Caroline could get into something like this:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070108/NEWS01/701080335


Here's something which might help Ithaca's theatre arts get more recognition:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070108/NEWS01/701080326/1002


And FYI, if any of you guys (Vis & whit?) check out News10Now on the web, there's a brief story about the Green street garage demolition/construction.

[whit_x]

Maybe the turbine farm would work out there, especially atop Bald Hill. I saw that there's a job opening at the planning department. Maybe I should apply...

[Ex-Ithacan]

Hey, go for it. Maybe you can get a free trip back upstate. ;) :D :cheers:

[donybrx]

During Christmas holidays, I was shopping at a local nursery. The subject of Ithaca came up....the owner's wife has relatives there. She was discouraged about many of the changes there, particularly those that have compromised Ithaca's charms & atmosphere...she had unkind words for the guy who did Ithaca Commons ( I think that's what she said). All in all she's very pro-Ithaca...a loyalist

[Ex-Ithacan]

Change is a difficult thing to face sometimes. If the downtown is to survive it needs people. The general shopping activities left a long time ago (for the burbs). There are some cool, quirky stores downtown, but not enough activity to support mainstream retail. With the new additions (office/hotel/residential), the hope is that more traffic will be generated, and downtown Ithaca will once again become significant center of commerce (I hope).

That is one thing about people who use to live in Ithaca, most still love the place.

[donybrx]

^^^ This sounds familiar......a situation echoed in city after city....

How'd you get so circumspect and sage? Kind of Ithacan Yoda.......

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ nah, the Doc told me I had to quit drinking booze, and the fog lifted. :shrug: ;)

[donybrx]

^ nah, the Doc told me I had to quit drinking booze

Wow...... and you listened? heh.....we all have to knuckle under sooner or later, I spose....the wages of sin.......

[Ex-Ithacan]

LOL, ain't it the truth.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Gotta love all the support the state gives to business(especially when they could use the tax money). :rolleyes:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070110/NEWS01/701100326

A nice sized club would sure help the night life in downtown Ithaca.:yes: