Lisa Nicholas, an urban planner for Ithaca, spoke at the last Rose Cafe about the various districts of the city and their potential for development. Ithaca is split into regions according to land use and the intention for improvement. Because Ithaca is a job hub with thousands of people migrating into the city for work every day, new housing and more sustainable development is a huge focus for the city’s planners. Various residential areas are being renovated and expanded, while other more commercial areas, such as that where Wegman’s is located, are being considered for new housing. According to Nicholas, the big box stores that are visually unappealing and create a poor sense of neighborhood are vital to Ithaca’s economic well-being. One major flaw in Ithaca’s design is the fact that this commercial area seems to be geographically inaccessible by foot relative to the Commons, even though in reality it’s only about a five minute walk. I was surprised to hear this, as I was also under the misconception that stores such as Wegman’s seemed much further than they really are.

In addition to improving residential areas, the construction in the Commons has recently come to an end. The result is a much more spacious, cohesive common area that maintains its historic roots for all the residents of Ithaca to enjoy. I learned that two new hotels are also being built at one end of the Commons. Although I understand that the need for additional hotels is dire in Ithaca, particularly around graduation, I found it surprising that two are being built almost simultaneously and in such close proximity to each other. It will be interesting to see whether the demand will be met when these hotels are complete.

I enjoyed this talk and the opportunity to gain some insight about the future of Ithaca. It’s exciting to know that Ithaca is continually improving and striving to meet the needs of its citizens. I look forward to the developments in Collegetown and the Commons, even though I most likely won’t be a student at Cornell anymore by the time the changes are complete.