Some Ithaca news

Ex-Ithacan · #1 Posted **Jul 15, 2005, 3:45 PM**

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...507070353/1002

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

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps...507090328/1002

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

SJPhillyBoy · #2 Posted **Jul 15, 2005, 6:24 PM**

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

Austinlee · #3 Posted **Jul 15, 2005, 11:07 PM**

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 · #4 Posted **Jul 15, 2005, 11:32 PM**

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 · #5 Posted **Jul 16, 2005, 12:16 AM**

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

Ex-Ithacan · #6 Posted **Jul 17, 2005, 1:43 PM**

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

)

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):

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

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps...507160328/1002

westcoastperspective · #7 Posted **Jul 17, 2005, 5:50 PM**

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 · #8 Posted **Jul 20, 2005, 2:44 PM**

^ That would work for me too.

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

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps...507200324/1002

frank_pentangeli · #9 Posted **Jul 20, 2005, 3:20 PM**

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 · #10 Posted **Jul 20, 2005, 11:20 PM**

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 · #11 Posted **Jul 21, 2005, 1:05 PM**

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 · #12 Posted **Jul 21, 2005, 3:10 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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 · #13 Posted **Jul 21, 2005, 3:23 PM**

^ 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 · #14 Posted **Jul 30, 2005, 2:53 PM**

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

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps...25/1002/NEWS17

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps...14/1002/NEWS17

whit_x · #15 Posted **Aug 4, 2005, 1:52 PM**

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

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps...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 · #16 Posted **Aug 4, 2005, 1:55 PM**

^ 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.

whit_x · #17 Posted **Aug 4, 2005, 8:00 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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 · #18 Posted **Aug 5, 2005, 10:48 AM**

^ 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...508050340/1002

Damn the NIMBYs, full speed ahead.

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:

Ex-Ithacan · #19 Posted **Aug 8, 2005, 1:15 PM**

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...34/1002/NEWS17

Ex-Ithacan · #20 Posted **Aug 11, 2005, 5:50 PM**

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

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps...32/1014/NEWS17