Some Ithaca news

[Ex-Ithacan]

Just a couple of small victories against the Nimby's. The building height restrictions for one side of one block downtown was increased from 60' to 85'. Not much, but I'll take it:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050707/NEWS01/507070353/1002


There's also a proposal for a new apt bldg downtown(small rendering included):

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050709/NEWS01/507090328/1002

Not the same as the bigger cities, but at least it's a positive.

:D

[SJPhillyBoy]

Wow 85'. Come on Ex-Ith, there are McMansions out there that are that tall :D ;)

[Austinlee]

That apartment building is cute and cool. I'm liking it. Perhaps now is the time to make your triumphant return to Ithica, Mr. Ex.Ith. - Children will shout for joy, men will clap their hands with tears of pride in their eyes and the women will line up to make love to you and bear your children. You are a LEGEND!!!!!!!!!

[whit_x]

Since this thing is going to replace a couple of single story buildings, it can only help the urban fabric of Ithaca. It's nice to see everything that was torn out in Urban Renewal back in the 50's is finally being built on down there.

[westcoastperspective]

Twenty four units and a decent design- nothing to be ashamed of! How is Ciminelli's project- is it completed?

[Ex-Ithacan]

Thanks for the replies guys.

SJP - I know 85' isn't much, but it's a lot for little old Ithaca.

PA Pride - I did return this summer, and didn't even get arrested (Must have been the statute of limitations in effect:laugh: )

whit_x - Density and a touch of height, good times and projects for at least one upstate city.:)

westcoast - Ciminelli (Seneca Place) project is nearly complete. The last I saw it was suppose to open this month, but not sure when. Here's a couple of pics of the project (from April):

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/3164/375ithapr23.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/3164/375ithapr63.jpg



Yippee, the tax break for the new apt bldg passed:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050716/NEWS01/507160328/1002

[westcoastperspective]

Seneca Place looks great. Ciminelli has alot of property in downtown Buffalo they're just sitting on. I'd take a similar project for Buffalo!

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ That would work for me too.

Here's some more news about downtown development in Ithaca:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050720/NEWS01/507200324/1002

[frank_pentangeli]

How could anyone be against an 85 foot building in a city?

I like that there was a Pedestrian Awareness Committee, go Ithaca

[whit_x]

The movie theater is a bad idea. Not only is there a decent theater downtown (Cinemapolis), more importantly, since Regal and Pyramid are already in the process of building a new 14 screen theater complex in the mall to replace what's already there, there will be a glut of screens in town, and one of these two stadium seating theater projects will fail.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Thanks frank, I know 85' seems feeble, but it's a big step for Ithaca.

whit_x, The new theatres are suppose to be first run movies and not in direct competition with the indie cinemas. The hope is to generate more foot traffic downtown in order to help the merchants. There was a study done to back up the need for more first run theatres in the Ithaca metro(I know that sounds funny), and better to have them downtown than contributing to more sprawl outside the city.

[whit_x]

Thanks frank, I know 85' seems feeble, but it's a big step for Ithaca.

whit_x, The new theatres are suppose to be first run movies and not in direct competition with the indie cinemas. The hope is to generate more foot traffic downtown in order to help the merchants. There was a study done to back up the need for more first run theatres in the Ithaca metro(I know that sounds funny), and better to have them downtown than contributing to more sprawl outside the city.

True, and I agree with the concept of a downtown theater, but there isn't enough demand for 12 more screens (4 at pyramid and 8 downtown) Besides, the theaters will be on Green St, which isn't exactly a place that is conductive to foot traffic. better they put something like that further down on State Street, maybe around Geneva St.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ I think the thought is with the new Cayuga Green garage and the upgrade of the current Green St. garage, parking wouldn't be a problem, and the proposed new apt bldgs in the downtown would provide a resident audience also. I agree with the concerns with the demand for new screens, but I think many students and residents would like the opportunity to go to a restaurant downtown before/after a movie.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Yippee, the Seneca Place project is open. Here's a couple of articles with pics:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050726/NEWS01/507260325/1002/NEWS17

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050726/NEWS01/507260314/1002/NEWS17

[whit_x]

The city is still debating tearing down the helix leading into the Green St. Garage, as this article explains

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050804/NEWS01/508040355/1002

At least they have voted to place a 2 story minimum for buildings downtown, and encouraging parking garages instead of surface parking, encouraging density.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ Yeah I read that this morning. For as far as the city is already in debt, they might as well go for broke and build the new garage.

btw, did you see the guest columnist today in the Journal bitching about the parking rate increase? Let them try to park in DC for that price.:laugh:

[whit_x]

^ Yeah I read that this morning. For as far as the city is already in debt, they might as well go for broke and build the new garage.

btw, did you see the guest columnist today in the Journal bitching about the parking rate increase? Let them try to park in DC for that price.:laugh:

Agreed, besides, if he's so worried about the cost or the danger of the garages, he can walk another block or 2 down near GIAC or further down on Tioga. Better yet, if price is such an issue, go after 6 or on the weekends, when parking is free (which is when he's coming down there anyway)

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ Sounds right to me.

And The good news for downtown just keeps rolling in. Here's an article about the city council ok'ing a big step for future development:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050805/NEWS01/508050340/1002

Damn the NIMBYs, full speed ahead.:D

Here's a couple of pics of the garage involved(to the right). Sorry I don't have pics of the helix across the street, but the one in the article should give you a good idea:

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/3164/375ithapr29.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/3164/375ithapr31.jpg

:)

[Ex-Ithacan]

May be some more new buildings in downtown area if the county legislature gets it right. (You know, build in the core, not the burbs).

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050803/NEWS01/508030334/1002/NEWS17

[Ex-Ithacan]

Here's a quick little OPED piece about the fun of the students returning:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050809/OPINION01/508090332/1014/NEWS17

[Ex-Ithacan]

An editorial promoting a step back in downtown development. Makes me grit my teeth:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050812/OPINION01/508120336/1014/NEWS17

:hell:

[Ex-Ithacan]

This isn't about development, but the largest minority in the Ithaca area.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050817/NEWS01/508170339/1002/NEWS17

[whit_x]

Being home this week, I have had a chance to see first hand the development of the last several years. My notes.

1) On the new parking garage, What the ##$$%%## were they thinking in placing reflective glass on the retail spaces on the first floor. No wonder why they can't get any business to go in there.

2) I like Seneca Place, except for the fact that it seems to be too much of a fortress. If there had been some ground floor retail, it might be a bit less daunting.

3) It's only a matter of time before a third corner in Collegetown gets apartments, since the convenience store and clothing store at the corner of Dryden rd and College Ave has closed. Sooner or Later the bank will be driven out as well.

4) At least the city was able to hold out with Wal-Mart for an earth-toned store with some landscaping, Still, when you look down the hill from Libe Slope, seeing a giant stripmall doesn't look quite right.

5) As far the last post goes, I'd rather have this happen as the result of Cornell than what has happened in most of Upstate due to the growth of the NY prison system.

[Ex-Ithacan]

I'm wondering if the reflective glass is a cover until they get a tenent in the retail space. There is suppose to be some retail in Seneca Place (about 8,000 sq ft I think). I agree that prime location in Collegetown is ripe for a new mid-rise, but the parking situation has to be resolved before more apartments go in. The whole big box thing has pluses (new sales tax coming into the city) and minuses (ugly big box stores).

I hope this works, here's a connection to a news report about downtown development(click on video of revitalization story, the first 18 seconds are an ad for the NYS fair)
sorry this doesn't work any longer.
http://www.news10now.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArlD=47579

And here's an article covering the same thing:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050819/NEWS01/508190339/1002

[Ex-Ithacan]

I know this thread should have stayed on the second page, but good news for downtown Ithaca. Common council passed another hurdle for the 2nd phase of the big downtown development:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050908/NEWS01/509080372/1002/NEWS17

:D

[Ex-Ithacan]

Some more good news, city council approves the continued movement on the downtown project:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050915/NEWS01/509150362/1002/NEWS17


And here's another development in the burbs (I know kind of sprawly, but what the heck).

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050915/NEWS01/509150336/1002/NEWS17

[James Bond Agent 007]

^
Wow, the houses in that 2nd one look like they'll have a nice view.

http://cmsimg.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=AF&Date=20050915&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=509150336&Ref=AR&Profile=1002&MaxW=290

[Ex-Ithacan]

Righto 007. The thing the pic doesn't show is the expanse of Cayuge Lake just over the ridge.

[Ex-Ithacan]

At last ground is being broken on the Gateway residential project in downtown Ithaca. Here's a short article with a small rendering pic (I'll see if I can find more pics):

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050930/NEWS01/509300335/1002

:D

[Ex-Ithacan]

I keep searching for better renderings, but I have to settle for whatever is in the paper. Here's an article about the Cayuga Green project and a small rendering:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051003/NEWS01/510030313/1002

I hope this thing gets the tax abatements so it can get started. Guess I'm just anxious.

[Ex-Ithacan]

The money request for work on the Green st garage has passed the common council. This brings the new Cayga Green project one step closer to starting.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051006/NEWS01/510060352/1002


Here is a quick article about what a succesfull small city downtown is about. The focus is Gary Ferguson (director of the Ithaca Downtown Partnership).

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15330273&BRD=1395&PAG=461&dept_id=54687&rfi=6

http://www.theithacajournal.com/news/stories/29950621/localnews/2165357.html

[Ex-Ithacan]

Pretty good commentary by the director of Ithaca Downtown Partnerships. I wish the citizen's of the "enlightened" city would just catch up to reality sometimes.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051028/OPINION02/510280319/1014/OPINION

[Ex-Ithacan]

An article from the Cornell Daily Sun regarding new construction and renovations on campus:

http://www.cornelldailysun.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2005/11/03/4369b63cbd17f


And here's a better look at the projects from Cornell Magazine:

http://cornell-magazine.cornell.edu/Archive/2005mayjun/features/Features.html


With all this and the building going on in the city, Ithaca's a pretty busy place.

[whit_x]

My grandma used to work in the part of Marttha Van that they are tearing down. Maybe this time they'll build something that integrates into the older section, rather than a modernist piece of crap, but I'm not holding my breath.

It should be interesting to see how far they extend Lynah toward Teagle Hall, though.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Nice little article about good press for Ithaca.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051107/NEWS01/511070304/1002


:D good press always good news.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Articles against and in support of the big new development in downtown. Of course I agree with the second one.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051119/OPINION02/511190303/1014/NEWS17

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051119/OPINION02/511190308/1014/NEWS17

[whit_x]

The theater wars in the Ithaca area are about to happen. Pyramid and Regal finally got permission to build their 14 screen theater in the former Ames/Hills in the mall.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051202/NEWS01/512020339/1002

If these screens and the 12 proposed for downtown come on line, than it will propbably spell the end of the two theaters locatd in the downtown area (Fall Creek and Cinemopolis, located across the street from the proposed location. In a city of 30,000 in a metro area of 100,000 with a stagnant to slow growing population, spending government monies on movie theaters (an industry that has undergone rapid consolidation and multiple bankrupcies, due to high prices and the shortening of the theater to DVD cycle) that will put out of business locally owned businesses who have succeeded over the last 15 to 20 years makes little sense. Also, by adding 16 screens to the area, both Pyramid and the proposed downtown location will be hurt, and with two locations of this size, only one will survive this. If the cities monies were spent on a 6 screen complex that would combine the Cinemopolis and Fall Creek locations into one location, with a couple of good restaurants and a coffee shop, this could work, but the plan, as presented to the city, makes no sense.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ That's a strong possibility. I sincerely hope it doesn't work out that way, but I do want to see Ithaca, and in particular downtown, become more progressive and dynamic. Unfortunately, the shopping choices on the Commons is more quirky than practical if the downtown is going to maintain its viability in the face of growing competition from the malls in Lansing and the new big boxes in the southwest.

[whit_x]

In today's paper there is an article about a plan to revitalize the Collegetown neighborhood adjacent to Cornell

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051209/NEWS01/512090345/1002

[Ex-Ithacan]

I saw that rascal. Collegetown does need more parking (maybe a multi-level garage somewhere). I think it's only a matter of time before there are a couple of new residentials over 10 stories in Collegetown. At least I hope they go higher there. The retail needs to be stronger also.

[whit_x]

Problem is, where do you go. Except for the fourth corner of College & Dryden, it involves buying multiple properties. Plus I don't see the city letting anyone go over 75 feet in C-Town, even though the market can support it, at least for housing.

[Ex-Ithacan]

There's always the possibility of the surface lot on Stewart ave next to the gorge. A garage/residential hi rise had been proposed for that site back in the 60's. I think it would still work and be a dramatic addition to the lower part of C-town.

[Ex-Ithacan]

A new tax abatement plan may help get the Cayuga Green project over the final approval hurdle.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051216/NEWS01/512160332/1002

A little complicated, but I think more cities may follow Ithaca's lead.:)

[Ex-Ithacan]

Here's another update about downtown development in Ithaca (not that anyone cares, it just gives me something to do :D ).

The tax incentive package for Cayuga Green finally passed in a close vote:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051220/NEWS01/512200326/1002/NEWS17



Another article about density in downtown, (damn Nimbys got the height restrictions lowered in a couple of areas):

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051221/NEWS01/512210327/1002/NEWS17

:)

[westcoastperspective]

Here's another update about downtown development in Ithaca (not that anyone cares, it just gives me something to do :D ).

The tax incentive package for Cayuga Green finally passed in a close vote:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051220/NEWS01/512200326/1002/NEWS17



Another article about density in downtown, (damn Nimbys got the height restrictions lowered in a couple of areas):

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051221/NEWS01/512210327/1002/NEWS17

:)

Now, now- I follow your posts having been to Ithaca several times to see friends going to Ithaca College. Its a great small city and a nice drive from Buffalo. Keep up the good work!

[Ex-Ithacan]

Thank you kind sir. You realize that's just more incentive for me to post a million more lame things about a small city in upstate I haven't lived in for over 25 years.:D

[Ex-Ithacan]

Short article about the local community college buying a building (there's a pic too) downtown to use as a satellite campus. When I first got out of the Navy I went to TC3 for a year (out in the burbs).

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051229/NEWS01/51229002/1002

:)

[whit_x]

Short article about the local community college buying a building (there's a pic too) downtown to use as a satellite campus. When I first got out of the Navy I went to TC3 for a year (out in the burbs).

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051229/NEWS01/51229002/1002

:)

Can't ever say I was a student at TC3, but good for them. Now what's going to go into their space back there in the old Rothschilds?

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ Didn't say in the article, but I'm guessing more hi-tech incubator companies. Or maybe Thomas Architects expansion.

[whit_x]

Maybe the Trust Company will be expanding, since they have some space in there as well.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ Could be whit.

Here's an article on the expansion of Cornell's Hockey rink. My high school team use to play there, until a new community rink was built. Anyway, sounds like a good move to me, more seats mean more chances for folks to se Big Red hockey.:yes:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060103/NEWS01/601030321/1002

:D

[whit_x]

^ Could be whit.

Here's an article on the expansion of Cornell's Hockey rink. My high school team use to play there, until a new community rink was built. Anyway, sounds like a good move to me, more seats mean more chances for folks to se Big Red hockey.:yes:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060103/NEWS01/601030321/1002

:D
I saw the article, plus my mom works up there for the games, so I'd been hearing about it for a while. It's a bit less than I thought they'd do, since I thought they would try to add another 1000 seats at that end, instead of the 400 or so seats. I think they could raise the roof, add 2 rows and 10 or so boxes and still sell out, but that's just me.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Yeah whit, I think they could have doubled the seating and still sold the place out every game. Must be a function of where Cornell wants to spend their capitol expense money (nanotechnology and biotech probably beat out hockey;) ).

btw, did you see this article about what the city is thinking of doing in the last large undeveloped land parcel in the city? Sounds like one of those town center concepts with a lot of residential and even some mid-rise bldgs.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060105/NEWS01/601050335/1002

:tup:

[whit_x]

Sounds like a good plan. as long as they tie it into the parking lot of Wal-mart, the street going into the recycling plant, and the trailer park. Too many people that work in town are forced to live out in Lansing, Dryden or out in Brooktondale because they can't afford to live in town.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Your concerns were somewhat addressed in the OPED by the Journal:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060105/OPINION01/601050317/1014

:)

[whit_x]

That's what I get for having a Planning degree

[Ex-Ithacan]

^lol

[Ex-Ithacan]

New expanded Buddhist monastery.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060111/NEWS01/601110318/1002

[Ex-Ithacan]

Here's an interesting site. How about a treehouse that's taller than any buildings many small towns have.

http://www.cayuganaturecenter.org/tower/index.html

:D

[bpg88]

I'll tell you, Ithica is pretty fucking cool.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ Yeah, it is a cool little city. May have to cruise up there again this spring.

:yes: :banaride:

[whit_x]

Maybe I'll get home this summer for a little bit. Perhaps go eat at Joe's now that it's open again. It's gotta be better now than the last people that owned the place

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060117/NEWS01/601170323/1002

[Ex-Ithacan]

Yeah, I missed the really old Joe's (back when I was a kid). And you're right about it must be better now than the previous folks.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Here's an article for any engineering types about Cornell's plans for a heat plant renovation.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060119/NEWS01/601190312/1002

:D

[Ex-Ithacan]

Not all is well in the Ithaca area. Disturbing article about a juvenile corrections facility just outside of town. My brother thought about applying for a job there after the factory he worked in closed down. Glad he didn't do it now.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060120/NEWS01/601200336/1002/NEWS17

[Ex-Ithacan]

Bill Gates helps out Cornell - new building coming:)

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060126/NEWS01/601260337/1002/NEW17

[westcoastperspective]

Bill Gates helps out Cornell - new building coming:)

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060126/NEWS01/601260337/1002/NEW17

Thats awesome- and a huge chunk of cash to donate! Send him over to Buffalo when you're done with him! :tup:

[whit_x]

But why would he want to add to the Soviet campus that is in Amherst.

[Ex-Ithacan]

LOL guys.

Here's a short article on a possible win/win development for the Finger Lakes area:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060130/COLUMNISTS12/601300319/1002/NEWS01

:)

[Ex-Ithacan]

Short article on a new development in the city's west end:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060131/NEWS01/601310315/1002

I couldn't find a pic, but there's a rendering here and a decent model too:

http://www.fabianodesigns.com/inspire/ontheboard2.html

The new health & fitness building has just broken ground in the lower right hand of the pic just above the bottom bridge on Inlet Island:

http://livingindryden.org/images/aerial/aerial04092005/images/IMG_4914_edited-1.jpg

[whit_x]

Broken ground? That bad boy is open, according to the article. It's an impressive place, at least from the Cass Park side of the inlet. but I'm going to miss the Station, not that I ever ate there.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ I meant that the building was just getting underway in the pic I posted.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Hey, I found a decent pic of my old hood, Collegetown (in the foreground and middle of the pic) and some of Cornell (along the skyline). I lived in 2 different apartment buildings, one not visible, but the other is the bright yellow building a bit to the left in the lower part of the pic).

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/00/ViewOfEastHillIthacaNY.jpg

[Ex-Ithacan]

Who says people from the Ithaca area are strange? Interesting article about a middle-aged man living a different lifestyle:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060201/NEWS01/602010328/1002

:shrug: :D

[Ex-Ithacan]

I found an article from back in November with a small rendering of the proposed Cayuga Green (btw, the tax abatement passed).

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051115/NEWS01/511150325/1002


Can anyone tell me how to get the address for the rendering so I can isolate it? I tried to right click and get the properties, but the full properties will not show up. Any help? Thanks.

[whit_x]

Here is another article about the possible community to be built between the Wal-Mart/Lowes plaza and the Inlet

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16043689&BRD=1395&PAG=461&dept_id=216620&rfi=6

The proposal is for 600 homes. I wonder what type of housing that this will entail? Even though it's close to downtown and all the stuff on Elmira Road, unless it's designed well, it still will be isolated, since everything else out there is big box and auto dealership.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^I'm pretty sure that's the same development in the Journal article in post #53. I hope the city can pull it off, but I have my doubts. Even if it comes to fruition, it probably will take a decade to get the first shovel full of earth at the pace the city moves on development.:rolleyes: ;)

[whit_x]

It is. I just hope that it is done right, and won't require a bridge across the inlet to get people out of there.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^A town within a town, but the public transit will be important to its success.


I thought I'd show some pics of the Ithaca City courthouse building. Kind of a change of pace from most of the really bland public buildings downtown. I'm not sure how old it is, bit it's located across 6 mile creek from the downtown(there's a footbridge leading to the public library on the other side of the creek).

http://www.courts.state.ny.us/Ithaca/images/city.jpg

http://www.courts.state.ny.us/Ithaca/images/courthouse2.jpg

http://www.courts.state.ny.us/Ithaca/images/courthouse3.jpg

http://www.courts.state.ny.us/Ithaca/images/courthouse4.jpg

:)

[Ex-Ithacan]

Here's a follow-up to the "new town" article whit_x posted above. This could really boost the city's reputation as well as population in Central NY.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060207/NEWS01/602070331/1002/NEWS17

:cool:

[Ex-Ithacan]

Here's an article about another gorge rescue, but the kid rescued was entirely at fault.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060211/NEWS01/602110330/1002



And on a more upbeat note, here's an article about a new housing alternative for some folks with problems:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060211/NEWS01/602110331/1002

:)

[whit_x]

With the increased desire to make downtown Ithaca an entertainment destination (spending a million or so in tax breaks for a movie theater) the City commissioned a report to look at other cities that are in a similar situation. here is an article describing their findings.

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16128891&BRD=1395&PAG=461&dept_id=216620&rfi=6

While they have some good ideas, the bowling center part of it is a bit loopy, since the two largest centers have closed over the last 10 years, most recently Ides, which closed in May of last year, with the property being turned into a Rite Aid and a couple of other commercial lots. and a third burnt down and was never rebuilt, despite having a good restaurant attached to it. However it would be a return to the past for downtown, since the Challenge Industries building used to be the Bowl-O Drome back in the 40's

[Ex-Ithacan]

Yeah, I agree about the bowling. I do remember when I was a kid, there was a 4 lane alley in the basement of a sporting goods/hobby store at the end of Eddy street. It was cramped (no seating behind the lanes, only off to the left side), and no automatic pin reset-there was a guy rolling the ball back and setting the pins. Maybe a small basement type bowling alley/ bar with a few lanes and some music playing would work. Oh well. Whit, did you read the other article about Bloomfield and Schon, the Cayuga Green developers? They are loved everywhere they go, but hit the wall in Ithaca. Almost gave up the fight, but city officils convinced them to stick it out, thank goodnes.

[whit_x]

Yeah, I agree about the bowling. I do remember when I was a kid, there was a 4 lane alley in the basement of a sporting goods/hobby store at the end of Eddy street. It was cramped (no seating behind the lanes, only off to the left side), and no automatic pin reset-there was a guy rolling the ball back and setting the pins. Maybe a small basement type bowling alley/ bar with a few lanes and some music playing would work. Oh well. Whit, did you read the other article about Bloomfield and Schon, the Cayuga Green developers? They are loved everywhere they go, but hit the wall in Ithaca. Almost gave up the fight, but city officils convinced them to stick it out, thank goodnes.

I go in there quite a bit when I'm home, since part of it became the Chariot (Good Pizza, plus the floors are the bowling alley floors.) I have no beef with most of the project, but you know my view on the movie theater section, which is whre I would have come up against the wall with the project and the city allowing the tax breaks for this segment, especially since many studies have proven that tax breaks are ineffective as development tools.

As far as the bowling center in downtown goes, I don't think that the economics of an 8 lane center would work even there, since the insurance costs for a facility would scare off most investors, and the 40 year mortgage would scare off others (I saw an article quoting Chuck Parkin, owner of the Bowl-O Drome talking about expanding his center after the demise of Ides and these numbers came up.)

[Ex-Ithacan]

40 year mortgage? Yikes. You're probably right, I was just tossing out an idea. I guess it will depend on the popularity of bowling and the economics as to whether Bowl-O-Drome would expand. btw, I use to be in a junior bowling league (saturday mornings) at the Drome when I was a kid. Good times.

[whit_x]

It's finally official, the new theaters at Pyramid Mall will be open by fall, as the former Ames store will bve torn down to make way for a 14 screen complex, as mentioned in this space before.

http://www.syracuse.com/business/poststandard/index.ssf?/base/business-1/11402570559480.xml&coll=1

[Ex-Ithacan]

^ Well, I guess this means a lot more people are going to have to go to the movies in Ithaca, because Cayuga Green is suppose to start construction later this year with the multi-plex theatres being a major component (12 screens I believe).

[Ex-Ithacan]

How about some pics I found on the net (taken by Chad Lieberman of Flap.TV). Taken in sept 05 from the top of the new downtown parking garage.
1.
http://flap.tv/photos/2005/09/21/images/CRW_6585.jpg

2.
http://flap.tv/photos/2005/09/21/images/CRW_6586.jpg

3.
http://flap.tv/photos/2005/09/21/images/CRW_6587.jpg

4.
http://flap.tv/photos/2005/09/21/images/CRW_6588.jpg

5.
http://flap.tv/photos/2005/09/21/images/CRW_6590.jpg

6.
http://flap.tv/photos/2005/09/21/images/CRW_6591.jpg

7.
http://flap.tv/photos/2005/09/21/images/CRW_6592.jpg

8.
http://flap.tv/photos/2005/09/21/images/CRW_6593.jpg

9.
http://flap.tv/photos/2005/09/21/images/CRW_6594.jpg

10.
http://flap.tv/photos/2005/09/21/images/CRW_6595.jpg

11.
http://flap.tv/photos/2005/09/21/images/CRW_6596.jpg

12.
http://flap.tv/photos/2005/09/21/images/CRW_6597.jpg

13.
http://flap.tv/photos/2005/09/21/images/CRW_6598.jpg

14.
http://flap.tv/photos/2005/09/21/images/CRW_6599.jpg

:)

[Ex-Ithacan]

The day will be coming soon. Ithaca to get its first Starbucks:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060303/NEWS01/603030333/1002

:shrug:

[whit_x]

The article mentioned 4 other locations for Starbucks in the Ithaca area. I can guess 2 (Collegetown and in the vicinity of the mall). Where do you think the other 2 will be?

[Ex-Ithacan]

Probably the Elmira Road corridor and maybe some place on South Hill near IC.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Here's an article on some new technology which may be the wave of the future (or not). Anyway, I thought it was an interesting class project for school:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060309/NEWS01/603090347/1002

Of course maybe this is old stuff and a non tech guy like myself just isn't up on all the latest stuff.:rolleyes:

[Ex-Ithacan]

Found these pics on the net. The tallest structure in Ithaca is the McGraw Tower on Cornell's campus. There's a clock and chimes play during the day. Students are the chime masters.

http://static.flickr.com/47/109679893_2f00f92b03.jpg?v=0

here's one of the students in action:

http://static.flickr.com/44/109890599_1ffb275064.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/39/109890633_f2015be789.jpg?v=0

:D

[Ex-Ithacan]

Ithaca isn't all hippies, beautiful campuses and waterfalls. Here's a couple of pics from the net of part of the flats.

http://static.flickr.com/38/111749978_dfc43eaa92.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/35/111749979_da66d53906.jpg?v=0

around the corner from where my brother lives

http://static.flickr.com/51/111749977_844d8fc84c.jpg?v=0

:(


But not all is bad, here's a new health & fitness center which just opened on the west end.
http://www.tompkinschamber.org/create_thumb.php?i=images/286671.jpg&max=400

[whit_x]

bring back memories. Many was the afternoon that I would go to that store back when it was called Jakes to get some baseball cards or a soda while I was waiting for my dad to pick me up after school at Immaculate.

[Ex-Ithacan]

^I went to catechism at Immaculate for a while (the nuns scared the bejebuss out of me). Never made it to that market, we use to frequent our own up in Collegetown.

For all you fast food lovers, here's some sad news:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060315/NEWS01/603150326/1002

a sad day indeed.

btw, I've never had that BBQ chicken, and I grew up in Ithaca.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Of course another problem popped up with the Cayuga Green phase 2.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060316/NEWS01/603160336/1002/NEWS17

The new building is suppose to go where the parking lot and helix are in foreground. The garage to be renovated is in the background (other side of the street):

http://flap.tv/photos/2005/09/21/images/CRW_6592.jpg

[whit_x]

^I went to catechism at Immaculate for a while (the nuns scared the bejebuss out of me). Never made it to that market, we use to frequent our own up in Collegetown.

For all you fast food lovers, here's some sad news:

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060315/NEWS01/603150326/1002

a sad day indeed.

btw, I've never had that BBQ chicken, and I grew up in Ithaca.

You never had a parent that worked at Cornell that dragged you to an employee day as a kid, or did they not have those things until the 80's?

[Ex-Ithacan]

Don't know when that started whit, besides my folks were blue-collar folks who didn't work for Cornell, we just lived near it.:shrug:

[Ex-Ithacan]

Here's a nice article about bringing more vitality to downtown Ithaca.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060322/NEWS01/603220335/1002

:) :tup: