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Among other things, the resolution points to the state of disrepair of the walkway, areas of the Commons that do not have sufficient fire lanes in the event of emergencies, aging infrastructure such as lighting, benches and the pavilions, concern about the age and condition of the water and sewer lines underneath the walkway, and poor sight lines due to the current design, as reasons for the city to move forward with the reconstruction.
The resolution supports the continuation of the 2008 capital project to hire a design consultant. It also supports the proposed 2010 capital project to re-construct the Commons based upon the documented need for repairs, modernization, and replacement of worn and deteriorated elements (infrastructure). Finally, the resolution urges the city, the Mayor and Common Council to move forward with what it describes as a “long overdue” project.
The resolution also notes there is debate about the need to replace the water and sewer lines under the Commons right now, but points out “it must be realized that proactively planning for their replacement now is better and more cost-effective than waiting for their eventual failure.” Additionally, it points to the fact that the Commons is a destination for both local residents and visitors, and that Ithaca must remain competitive with other cities that have upgraded their pedestrian malls.
Downtown Ithaca Alliance Executive Director Gary Ferguson says, “Our Commons is the center of our downtown and, indeed, our entire community. It is a working monument to the belief we all share that the city of Ithaca is a great place in which to live, work, create, dream, learn, and play. We believe very strongly in that. Other people do too. They believe in our downtown enough to invest in projects such as Cayuga Green, the Rimland Hotel, and Seneca Place. Unfortunately, our Commons no longer shines the way a community centerpiece should and certainly not in a way that reflects our belief in our city or our downtown. Reconstructing our Commons will send a clear message to our community and to others considering investing in it, that we share their belief in the strength of our downtown.”
Copies of the resolution will be delivered on Tuesday to the Mayor of the City of Ithaca, the Common Council, and the City Board of Public Works.
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