The Rose Cafe series last week focused on urban development in the city of Ithaca. Lisa Nicholas discussed past projects and future plans for construction in Ithaca, focusing mostly on the Commons. The renovation of the Commons was an interesting topic, as she mentioned that the pedestrian block is an uncommon feature in many towns. The only other one that I am aware of is in Boulder, Colorado. While I think the new Commons project was very successful and the project was very well done, I still do not think it is perfect; although the design itself is fantastic, I think the shops along the pedestrian block do not perfectly reflect the atmosphere of the new project. I think some small, unique restaurants and a high-quality pub would do very well in place of some of the stores that sit on this newly renovated walkway. I can concede that these might take away from the original feel of the Commons, but I do not think it would be an enormous change on top of the changes that have already been implemented. Also, with the construction of new hotels at the end of the block (no matter how small and cozy), the face of the Commons is, in fact, changing. These changes to the Commons have already been so drastic, they could warrant a new nickname for the area: New Ithaca.