Actionplan

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C o m m u n i t y B u i l d i n g

N o r t h s i d e : T u r n i n g t h e C o r n e r

GOALIncrease socialopportunities andimproveknowledge ofcommunitybuilding activitiesto embraceNorthside’sdiversity.

Community Building

The Northside has a long history of welcoming diverseresidents. This diversity survives today among residentsof many different ethnic, religious, and culturalbackgrounds. The varied housing choices also ensurethat residents from all social and economic statuses livein the neighborhood. Residents appreciate this diversity.

At the same time, residents do not feel like they knowmany of their neighbors. While there have been a fewactivities that have engaged a representative cross-sectionof residents, this is the exception rather than the rule.Many residents living in rental housing do not interactmuch with homeowners and vice versa. Even people ofsimilar backgrounds living close by often do not interact.

Throughout the planning process, participantscontinually remarked how much they enjoyed getting toknow one another. Activities provided an opportunityfor residents to talk and work together to envision thefuture. Residents expressed a strong desire for moresocial activities. These activities should reflect thediversity of the neighborhood and provide opportunitiesfor casual social interaction. These community buildingactivities are some of the highest priority projects for theNorthside.

Residents wanted to ensure that the work of theSteering Committee continued. They decided toformalize their organization as the NorthsideNeighborhood Association and are adopting bylaws.The work continues with a series of both large andsmall meetings.

GOALIncrease social opportunities and improve knowledgeof community building activities to embraceNorthside’s diversity.

1. Objective

Spread the word about existing opportunitiesfor community building.

A. Existing Festivals

Support existing festivals and events, like CelebrateOur Roots, National Night Out, Harvest Fest, andthe Latino Civic Association annual celebration.Residents hope to work with the Black Locust

Initiative to build a kiosk from local wood.

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C o m m u n i t y B u i l d i n g

B. Ithaca Neighborhoods Council

Encourage other neighborhood groups and theCity to revitalize the council (a coalition of Ithaca’sneighborhood groups), so that Northside leaderscan connect with leaders from otherneighborhoods.

2. Objective

Improve communications across theneighborhood.

A. Neighborhood Association

Continue a form of the Northside SteeringCommittee, with better geographic representation,to work on neighborhood projects and advocatefor the whole community.

B. Newsletter

Regularly circulate a newsletter to update peopleabout neighborhood activities. This could buildinto a broader media campaign.

C. Community Center

Find space for a community center in existingbuildings (e.g. Sciencenter) or in a new structure.

D. Kiosks

Add kiosks at strategic locations so neighbors canpost flyers.

3. Objective

Create new ways and reasons for people tocome together.

A. Block Parties

Organize block parties in the neighborhood tocelebrate achievements and events.

B. Beautification

Many residents are interested in cleanup andlandscaping projects. To increase residentparticipation, residents might organize aneighborhood-wide event to clean up, cometogether, and eat.

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O p e n S p a c e


Open Space

In the Northside neighborhood, open space includesparks that have been set aside for passive uses, activerecreational areas, and undeveloped land that contributesto the area’s visual character. Conway Park, near FifthStreet, and Conley Park, adjacent to Alice Miller Way, aretwo examples of open space used for active recreation.Thompson Park visitors may pursue either passiveactivities such as dog walking, or higher intensityactivities such as Frisbee. The Alex Haley Memorialprovides a small neighborhood refuge for contemplationand conversation. The Cascadilla Creek bed separates theNorthside and Fall Creek neighborhoods and providesopportunities for fishing, walking, and reflection. Thecreek bed also imparts a distinct visual character to thissection of the Northside. Some of the green spaces arein poor repair or minimally landscaped, and residentsexpressed a desire to help with improvements. Residentsalso suggested that open spaces could be redesigned toprovide appealing entranceways to the community.

Over the past five years, Northsiders have graduallyadopted a number of streetcorner garden plots, plantingshowy perennials to create beautiful summertime displaysthat distinguish Northside from other cityneighborhoods. In the summer of 2001, the IthacaHousing Authority, in cooperation with the CornellCooperative Extension’s 4-H program, created a youthhorticultural program to involve young people inplanting these gardens. This activity demonstrates therole Northsiders have taken in recognizing andenhancing the appearance of Northside’s parks,greenways, and corner gardens.

GOALImprove the appearance andaccessibility of open space in theNorthside neighborhood.

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O p e n S p a c e

GOALImprove the appearance and accessibility of openspace in the Northside neighborhood.

1. Objective

Involve the community in the maintenance ofneighborhood open space.

A. Gardeners’ Association

Create a gardeners’ association to share tools, ideas,and expertise for enhancement of the Northside’sopen spaces.

B. Pruners’ Brigade

Train residents to maintain shrubs and trees in treelawns and other public spaces. Information andtraining could be provided through Citizens Pruners’Program conducted by the City Forester.

2. Objective

Improve the quality of existing open space.

A. Alex Haley Memorial Park

Improve the landscaping and design of this park inconjunction with the landowner and a landscapearchitect.

B. Third Street Gateway

Apply a gateway treatment to the small fragmentparcel where Third Street, Franklin Street, and NYSRoute 13 meet.

C. Third Street Treescape

Add more and varied trees in coordination with theCity Forester.

D. Cascadilla Creek

Beautify Cascadilla Creek and the creek bed. Projectgoals are twofold: to improve visual character of thecreek and creek bed, and to improve access to thecreek. Residents could adopt a block of the creek tomaintain.

E. Conley and Conway Parks

Add outdoor furniture and landscaping to Conleyand Conway parks.

One vision of Cascadilla Creek by the P&C, asseen in the P&C Redevelopment Plan.

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H o u s i n g


areas, and one in which the organization continues itsactivity. House Recycling, the purchase, repair, and resaleof deteriorated housing, is the most visible INHSprogram. Another program provides low interest loansand grants to homeowners. INHS also operates a Mini-Repair Program, providing labor to complete small andemergency repairs for low-income, elderly, and disabledpeople. The First Time Home-Buyer Program offersclasses that prepare people to become homeowners andprovides affordable financing to homebuyers. Lastly, theorganization operates a Rental Housing Program thatprovides market-rate and below market-rate housing.

Another nonprofit group, the Mutual HousingAssociation of Tompkins County, offers a type ofhousing found few places in America. The Associationowns the housing units and MHATC residents constitutethe Association’s membership. MHATC serves low- andmoderate-income families and provides long-termaffordable housing with security from displacement.Residents set fees and are involved in all aspects ofdecision-making and management. Although residentsdo not build equity as with traditional home ownership,MHATC works closely with residents who want to movetowards home ownership.

The Neighborhood Housing Initiative is a City-sponsored, city-wide program intended to increase thenumber of owner-occupied units by acquiring formermultiple unit dwellings and converting them to singlefamily or duplex homes for sale at market rate.Anticipated program benefits include increasing owner-

GOALPreserve, protect, andenhance the varied housingstock of the Northside andensure that it provides a wideselection of housingopportunities for people of allincome levels.

Housing Opportunities and Quality

The Northside neighborhood has a unique variety ofhousing choices. It is the location of the city’s initialpublic housing complex, 70 rental units managed by theIthaca Housing Authority for low-income families.Beyond affordable housing, IHA conducts severalhuman service programs, including the FamilyUnification Program, the Family Self-SufficiencyProgram, and the Three Pillar Foundation, (3PF). The3PF operates a low-interest rotating loan fund enablingparticipants to improve their financial status.Additionally, IHA provides services for families andindividuals through direct case management.

Absentee landlords own many of the properties in theNorthside that some residents classify as being in poorrepair. Some of these problem properties sit atprominent street corners and overshadow the manyproperties that are well kept. In addition to beingeyesores, some of these properties have building codeviolations, which are safety concerns.

Residents mentioned vacant corners as both a weaknessand an opportunity. Some see these lots as opportunitiesfor new housing, but others see them as possiblelocations for a Northside community garden. Becausethese two ideas conflict with each other, neither projectis included in the objectives.

The Northside neighborhood is one of IthacaNeighborhood Housing Services’ (INHS) original target

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occupancy rates, promoting mixed incomeneighborhoods, and improving property appearances andvalues. This program was recently approved by CommonCouncil and began in the summer of 2002.

GOALPreserve, protect, and enhance the varied housingstock of the Northside and ensure that it provides awide selection of housing opportunities for people ofall income levels.

1. Objective

Increase home ownership.

A. Neighborhood Housing Initiative

Identify problem rental properties for considerationin the Neighborhood Housing Initiative. Theseproperties will be rehabilitated and sold to owner-occupants of any income level.

B. Employer-Assisted Housing Program

Create a pilot employer-assisted housing program forparticipating employers’ staff who choose to live inthe Northside. The program could offer mortgageguarantees, low-interest mortgage or rehabilitationloans, and other incentives for investment bypotential buyers of all income levels. This program,involving Common Council, Cornell University,Ithaca College, major local employers, and INHS,should include protections against gentrification ofthe neighborhood.

C. Home Business

Study the potential impacts of changing zoningregulations to allow home businesses. This changecould encourage potential homebuyers to invest indowntown neighborhoods such as the Northside.

D. First Time Homebuyer Program

Support programs to educate and assist first timehomebuyers with below-market financing andopportunities like Individual Development Accountsoffered at Alternatives Federal Credit Union.

2. Objective

Assist low-income property owners withproperty maintenance and repair.

A. Funding for Homeowner Rehabilitation

Secure HOME funds from the U. S. Department ofHousing and Urban Development or other lendersto rehabilitate owner-occupied homes in theNorthside. This should be done in partnership withlocal not-for-profit housing organizations.

B. Holiday in April

Plan and implement this one-day homeimprovement effort for low-income home ownersusing volunteer labor and donated equipment toprovide both exterior and interior improvements.

An INHS house on FourthStreet

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Spotlight3. Objective

Encourage responsible ownership andmanagement of rental property.

A. Problem Properties

Acquire and rehabilitate problem rental properties inconjunction with existing organizations.

B. Rental Rehab Program

Provide assistance to responsible landlords toimprove the quality and appearance of affordablerental housing.

4. Objective

Improve property maintenance and appearance.

A. Property Maintenance Ordinance

Strengthen property maintenance requirements andenforcement of current laws in conjunction with theCity Building Department and Common Council.

B. Capacity for Code Enforcement

Hire additional code enforcement officers, inassociation with the City Building Department andCommon Council.

C. Communication

Improve routine communication between the CityBuilding Department and the neighborhood tofollow up on property maintenance complaints.

A COMMUNITY MODEL OF HOUSING

In 1989 concerned citizens, community activists, and a local housingorganization formed the Mutual Housing Association of Tompkins County(MHATC).

This not-for-profit organization takes an unusual approach to housing development andhome ownership, based on models of collectively-owned housing in Germany and theScandinavian countries. The Mutual Housing Association develops, manages, and ownsall property in perpetuity.

Residents living in MHATC homes take an active role in the management of theircommunity and the organization. Residents comprise 49% of the Board of Directors andmust participate in the Resident Council and committee structure. The ResidentCouncil and committees cover MHATC and community needs: resident selection,community outreach, design and development, grievance and dispute resolution,safety and maintenance, and youth scholarship. Residents are involved in projects ascomplex as financial management, as exciting as landscaping and interior design, andas challenging as tenant selection. Many MHATC families move on to homeownership.

MHATC has expanded its programming. In addition to housing, MHATC now providesresidents with job opportunities and counseling services. MHATC has partnered withlocal providers to offer free conflict mediation, financial planning, elder care, andother life skills. Residents have the opportunity for employment through a socialenterprise subsidiary. MHATC operates 30 housing units and plans to develop another70 in the next five years through the Scattered Site Housing Initiative. These 70 homesand apartments will be a combination of new construction and substantial rehab toexisting housing stock.

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D. Target Key Properties for Improvement

Direct resources to properties at key corners. Thecondition of these properties has adisproportionate impact on perceptions of theneighborhood.

E. Home Maintenance Education

Conduct a sustainable home maintenance educationprogram. This project could be carried out withlocal housing agencies, the City BuildingDepartment, Cornell University, or otherappropriate not-for-profits.

F. Renter’s Rights and ResponsibilitiesEducation

Educate renters about their rights andresponsibilities through a mailing or workshop.

5. Objective

Work with Ithaca Housing Authority staff andresidents to address the physical separationbuilt into the Northside Housing Complex.

A. Mixed Housing at the Northside Complex

Study or seek funding to create mixed housingincluding possibilities such as traditional homepurchase, limited equity cooperative, near market-and market-rate housing. Consider a housing stylethat complements the rest of the Northside’s styleto facilitate greater interaction with theneighborhood. Explore non-structural means ofconnecting IHA residents with other Northsideresidents.

B. Porch Program

Support a proposal by IHA to construct porches onpublic housing units to promote greater interactionwith the neighborhood.

6. Objective

Incorporate environmentally sound and energyefficient building and maintenance practicesinto all projects.

NYSERDA Grant Application

Acquire a duplex in Northside for NYSERDAdemonstration project. Sponsor an energy fair withlocal not-for-profits.

The Ithaca Housing Authority’s Northside Complexis home to 70 families.

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Y o u t h D e v e l o p m e n t


Youth Development

Despite early outreach efforts, the involvement of youngpeople in the Northside Planning Initiative has beenlimited. The Steering Committee was quick toacknowledge the serious deficiency of youth-orientedactivity in the Northside neighborhood, especially forteens. When discussing youth development, adultresidents agreed that young people should determinetheir own needs and should participate in project andprogram development. A second planning phase targetedat youth is a likely future neighborhood project.

Residents agreed that the shaping of programs forNorthside youth must begin with integrating existingcity-wide programs. Some of these programs involve astipend or paid internship, providing modest financialcompensation to young people.

GOALDevelop and implement youth-focused programs thatfoster a sense of leadership and empowerment in theyouth population of the Northside, particularlyadolescents.

1. Objective

Involve youth in organizing a youth-centeredplanning process with the assistance of existingyouth organizations.

A. Youth Activities Catalogue

Identify and augment existing lists of available youthactivities and services. Post findings on theNorthside neighborhood web site.

B. Youth Survey

Assist young people with conducting a survey oftheir peers to ascertain the adequacy of existingyouth activities. Identify gaps in programming by agegroup, race, and ethnicity.

C. Youth Summit

Plan and conduct a youth activities summit. Youthshould take leadership roles. The summit could beexpanded to encompass all downtownneighborhoods.

D. Promote Youth Internships

Encourage two or three young Northsiders to seeksummer employment with the Youth Bureau asyouth organizers. Encourage two Cornell Universitystudents to apply for a “Design Your Own” summerinternship funding to help Northside youth organizea planning process.

2. Objective

Connect youth with existing programs. Theseprograms include:

Touchtones (steel drum band)Learning Web apprenticeships

GOALDevelop and implementyouth-focused programsthat foster a sense ofleadership andempowerment in theyouth population of theNorthside, particularlyadolescents.

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Y o u t h D e v e l o p m e n t

Youth Employment ServicesBig Brothers/Big SistersPolice ExplorersYouth horticulture apprenticeships through

IHA, Cooperative Extension, and 4-HSports TeamsSciencenter activitiesAfter school programs at GIAC and Beverly J.

Martin School

3. Objective

Support the planning and development of youthactivities.

A. Recording Studio

Create a recording studio operated by youth, workingwith the Community Police Officer.

B. Mural Project

Establish a youth artisans program, working with theCommunity Police Officer.

C. Northside HeadStart Program

Work with Tompkins Community Action to locate afacility to replace the former HeadStart Center. TheCenter’s building was determined to be substandard,and the program was closed in spring 2002.

D. Basic Medical and Dental Services

Ensure that all youth have access to basic medicaland dental services. Work with the administration ofBeverly J. Martin School to support programs thataddress basic health-care needs at the school.

E. Other Ideas

Identify other opportunities such as a baby-sittingnetwork; clubs, sports, and social activities; anevening reading program involving the colleges, andthe community; teen discussions of life skills; aGreen Team, bringing youth together forenvironmental activities; part-time teen employment;camping trips; home schooling connections; andyouth-adult connections.

4. Objective

Improve transportation options for Northsideyouth.

A. Transit Pass Program

Partner with the Community Drug Task Force tomaintain availability of subsidized bus passes foryouth that need transportation to after schoolprograms. This program is in danger of ending.

B. Safety Education Program

Conduct a bike and pedestrian safety educationprogram for youth, working with the Ithaca Bicycleand Pedestrian Advisory Committee to obtain grantfunding.

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I n f r a s t r u c t u r e


GOALImprove the condition,quality, and sustainabilityof neighborhoodinfrastructure, includingstreets, sidewalks, curbcut ramps, bridges,facilities, and water andsewer services.

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Infrastructure

While the Northside’s infrastructure steadily improves, awalk in the neighborhood exposes deficiencies incurbing, sidewalk connections, and street drainage. Thismay be due to Northside’s location adjacent to NYSRoute 13, its industrial history, or its construction ondrained swampland. In general, improvements haveaccompanied new development. The new streets,sidewalks, and neighborhood park that accompaniedMutual Housing Association’s construction in the 1990smost dramatically demonstrates the improvements thathave come from new development. Similarly, theSciencenter’s construction was accompanied by newsidewalks and curbs. These and other recommendations(such as to strengthen the neighborhood’s visualcharacter and improve pedestrian and bicycleconnections) were laid out in the partially implementedNorthside Design Plan, written in 1990 by TrowbridgeAssociates.

Lingering problems include the lack of an adequate andattractive buffer between the neighborhood and NYSRoute 13, missing sidewalk connections, incompletecurbing, and the continued use of land by the City ofIthaca’s Department of Public Works (DPW) for storageand maintenance. The neighborhood views the DPWstorage yard as particularly incompatible with theNorthside’s predominantly residential character in lightof the equipment traffic and visual impact. The DPW isalso incompatible with its next-door neighbor, theChildren’s Drop-In Center.

Many residents noted as a setback the City’s removal ofthe pedestrian bridge over Cascadilla Creek. Constructedby the Groton Bridge Company in 1907, the bridgeexhibited the company’s characteristic design anddetailing. Its absence creates a gap in the neighborhoodnetwork of pedestrian and bicycle connections. Perhapsmore importantly, it represents the loss of a visuallydistinctive and significant historic resource. Itsreplacement is a neighborhood priority.

GOALImprove the condition, quality, andsustainability of neighborhoodinfrastructure, including streets,sidewalks, curb cut ramps, bridges,facilities, and water and sewer services.

1. Objective

Improve access for pedestrians, bicyclists, andpeople with disabilities.

A. Sidewalks and Curbs

Identify segments of sidewalks, crosswalks, curbs,and curb cut ramps that need to be constructed,repaired, or replaced. All new projects need to beaccessible for people with disabilities.

Residents hope that this bridge, designed by aNorthside resident, will span CascadillaCreek.

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B. Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge over CascadillaCreek

Rebuild the bridge over Cascadilla Creek at MonroeStreet to provide a neighborhood link to ThompsonPark, the laundromat, the pharmacy, and the dentiston Cayuga Street. This will improve theneighborhood’s link to the anticipated urban trailsystem and will enhance the visual character of theNorthside neighborhood.

2. Objective

Improve the condition and visual character ofneighborhood infrastructure in conjunction withnew development.

A. Street Design Guidelines

Develop guidelines for improvement orreconstruction of streets targeted in the City’s streetsprogram. Areas of focus could be street widths,curbs, drainage, sidewalks, rights-of-way, lighting,street furniture, stop signs, traffic flow, traffic speed,landscaping, and bike lanes. The guidelines shouldaddress energy efficiency, alternative modes oftransportation, the pedestrian experience, andsustainable development.

B. NYSEG Fencing on NYS Route 13

Make recommendations to NYSEG on mitigatingthe adverse visual impact of the chain link fence onthe east side of NYS Route 13, at the edge of theNorthside neighborhood.

SpotlightTHIRD STREET CROSSING

Every day, 30,000 vehicles pass by Third Street while traveling onRoute 13, making this intersection the busiest in Northside and amajor entranceway to the neighborhood for both pedestrians andmotor vehicles.

Northsiders and other Ithacans cross Route 13 to get to the Ithaca Farmer’sMarket, the Community Gardens, the waterfront, and Aldi. Unfortunately, thecurrent arrangement does not do justice to the Northside.

Overgrown weeds welcome visitors to the neighborhood. Pedestrians must hurryacross Route 13 because the light is too short. Even worse, walkers cannoteasily see the stoplight from the sidewalk so they do not know when they aresupposed to start walking.

Residents envision improving the current intersection crossing or building apedestrian bridge. There are several steps to improve the intersection.Crosswalks, preferably with textured pavement, would signal to cars thatpedestrians use the intersection. A Walk / Don’t Walk sign would also helpresidents know when they have right-of-way. Another possibility is to have apedestrian island in the middle of the road.

Alternatively, a pedestrian bridge would provide a safe crossing. This wouldremove pedestrians from the roadway, eliminating conflicts. It must bearchitecturally consistent with the surrounding environment.

Because of its prominent place in the neighborhood and frequent use, fixing theThird Street and Route 13 intersection is a neighborhood priority.

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C. Department of Public Works

Relocate the DPW facilities. Rebuild Franklin Streetwith curbs, sidewalks, lights, and tree lawns. Adaptbuildings, storage areas, and parking to uses morecompatible with the neighborhood’s commercial andresidential character. This work could begin with afeasibility study and plans for interim screeningaround the yard to create a more pleasantstreetscape.

3. Objective

Investigate and repair deficient water and sewersystems.

Sewage Problems on Fourth Street

Investigate complaints of standing water and sewagesmells on Fourth Street, north of Hancock Street.Repair as needed.

4. Objective

Coordinate with and provide input to theDepartment of Public Works on upcomingstreet projects.

First Street Reconstruction

Redesign and reconstruct First Street in conjunctionwith DPW street work planned for the near future.Provide input on design and construction so thattraffic moves more slowly and safely.

SpotlightDEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS YARD

The two biggest tourists attractions in Ithaca, the Farmer’sMarket and the Sciencenter, are connected by Franklin Street inthe Northside. Unfortunately, this is one of the least attractivestreets in Ithaca.

The Department of Public Works’ Water and Sewer building is located on thestreet. Bulldozers, massive piles of gravel, and oversized, unused sewerpipes are strewn about as if a young giant forgot to put away his toys. Whilethis was more acceptable when the area was industrial, it is incompatiblewith the current neighborhood. Heavy truck traffic cannot coexist with achildcare center, tourist attractions, and housing.

Luckily, this is prime commercial land. There may be numerousopportunities to redevelop this two-acre parcel and increase the taxrevenues of the city at the same time. Any redevelopment would have tobe compatible with the community and ensure that pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles could safely use the street.

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Transportation

Northside residents point to the neighborhood’s locationnear downtown shops, services, and entertainment as amajor neighborhood strength. While the locationencourages pedestrian, bicycle, and other alternativemodes of travel, accommodations for non-motorizedtransportation are poor. Residents were particularlyconcerned about Third and Hancock Streets, followedclosely by Cascadilla, First, and Second Streets.Neighbors cited four-way stop signs, highly visiblecrosswalks, and traffic calming devices as methods ofreducing the speed of motor vehicles in theneighborhood. They favorably viewed gatewaytreatments as a way to welcome people to theneighborhood.

Route 13 has the highest volume of traffic in the county.It poses one of the greatest challenges to pedestriansand bicyclists traveling into the neighborhood, andpresents even more difficulty to those traveling todestinations on the north and west sides of the road.The five-lane limited access highway has hampered theNorthside’s access to the Ithaca Farmer’s Market; Aldi, adiscount supermarket; the Steamboat Landing and itssurrounding public park; the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, amultimodal recreational trail currently underconstruction; the Community Gardens; and future retaildevelopment anticipated in Carpenter Park.

Northside residents expressed a desire for additional busstops, shelters, and routes to and from theneighborhood. Cornell University staff and students

who reside in the Northside discussed the need for acommuter service or a more frequent and direct route toCornell. Public transportation users wondered whetheradditional bus shelters could be installed in theneighborhood. It was noted that the adoption of sheltersby the neighborhood could significantly reduce incidentsof vandalism.

GOALImprove multimodal connections and publictransportation to and from the Northsideneighborhood. Take steps to ensure that safety,convenience, and quality of life are considered in theNorthside’s motor vehicle traffic system.

1. Objective

Improve public transportation.

A. Public Transportation

Identify and address inadequacies in bus routes andschedules with Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit(TCAT). Possible extensions could include a directroute from the Northside to Cornell University orthe Elmira Road shopping area.

B. Bus Shelters

Construct shelters that provide protection fromweather and beautify the neighborhood. Bus shelterscould include boards for posting information aboutNorthside events.

GOALImprove multimodalconnections and publictransportation to and fromthe Northsideneighborhood. Take steps toensure that safety,convenience, and quality oflife are considered in theNorthside’s motor vehicletraffic system.

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2. Objective

Enhance the experience of pedestrians,bicyclists, and residents in the Northside byincreasing safety and adding amenities.

A. Traffic Calming

Initiate participation in the City’s traffic calmingprogram. Likely locations for traffic calming includeFirst Street, Third Street, and Hancock Street.

B. Bicycle Plan

Work with the Bicycle and Pedestrian AdvisoryCouncil to implement the Ithaca Bicycle Plan in theNorthside and to connect the Northside to theproposed Cayuga Waterfront Trail, possibly byclosing the last block of Lake Avenue.

C. Speed Limit

Help restart the Ithaca Neighborhoods Council andjoin their efforts to gain legislative approval toreduce the city’s speed limit to 25 m.p.h..

D. Stop Sign

Add a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Firstand Hancock Streets.

3. Objective

Improve the intersection at Route 13 and ThirdStreet to reduce vehicular accidents and toprovide safe pedestrian and bicycle access bothinto the neighborhood and across Route 13.

Option 1 - Redesign Existing Intersection

Increase the ease and safety of crossing Route 13 atThird Street by relocating the walk button andincreasing the crossing time. Define the intersectionof Franklin Street, Third Street, and Route 13 withconstruction of curbs, curb lawn, and sidewalks.Consider cross walks and pedestrian refuge islandsto increase pedestrian safety. Redesign the pedestrianand bicycle waiting areas on either side of Route 13.Delineate Third Street at Route 13 as a gateway,applying appropriate treatments such as signs,landscaping, paving, and lighting. Propose thisproject in the context of a larger plan to redesignRoute 13 from Dey Street to Cascadilla Street.

Option 2 - Pedestrian Bridge

Partner with Cornell University’s Department ofCivil Engineering for assistance with design and costestimates.

4. Objective

Reduce automobile traffic.

A. Support Campaign to Promote Car-free Days

Provide information on benefits of reduced airpollution, traffic, and noise. Create incentives forthose who participate in car-free days. Celebrateachievements with a neighborhood event.

B. Facilitate Neighborhood Carpools

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N e i g h b o r h o o d - O r i e n t e d R e t a i l


Neighborhood-Oriented RetailGOALRetain and enhanceexisting retailestablishments andsupport the recruitmentof new neighborhood-oriented retail.Encourage newbusinesses to locate intoexisting retail centerswhile paying attention toneighborhood needs andvisual compatibility.

There are four commercial plazas in the Northside: theClockworks plaza, the former Andy’s plaza, the Hancockplaza, and the P&C plaza. Northsiders appreciate thatthey live in the only city neighborhood served by a full-service grocery store. Additional businesses include theBowl-O-Drome and Pangea Restaurant on Third Streetand Gimme! Coffee on the corner of Cascadilla andCayuga Streets. Although businesses can present varyingdegrees of conflict with the residential nature of theneighborhood, like property maintenance and traffic, theneighborhood generally views them as assets. MostNorthside residents anticipate the likelihood ofadditional commercial development on NYS Route 13,

but would like to limit future commercial developmentwithin the Northside to neighborhood-oriented retail.

Representatives of several Northside businessesparticipated in the Northside Steering Committee tofacilitate the planning process. The Northside SteeringCommittee continues to work with business owners andin the future may organize a business owner’s focusgroup. Other partners in this work include the IthacaDowntown Partnership and the Chamber of Commerce.

GOALRetain and enhance existing retail establishments andsupport the recruitment of new neighborhood-orientedretail. Encourage new businesses to locate intoexisting retail centers while paying attention toneighborhood needs and visual compatibility.

1. Objective

Retain existing commercial centers and plazasand improve their visual compatibility with thesurrounding neighborhood.

A. Retailers’ Meeting

Organize a meeting with local retailers to acquaintand involve them with the Northside NeighborhoodPlanning Initiative. This meeting could provide aforum to identify mutual goals and objectives and toshare ideas and concerns.

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N e i g h b o r h o o d - O r i e n t e d R e t a i l

SpotlightP & C

The owner of the P&C plaza, a third generation Northsider, wasenergized by the neighborhood planning process.

At the Neighborhood Summit he responded enthusiastically to residents’ideas about redeveloping the plaza to better meet the needs of Northsiders.While residents appreciate having access to a full-service supermarket, theyhave concerns about property maintenance and litter. The owner workedwith students for three months to produce a plan to improve the site. Theplan calls for new stores, landscaping, and renovations. One block of LakeAvenue would be replaced with a landscaped pedestrian walkway and anoutdoor patio and eatery.

The plans are currently on hold because of financial uncertainty at the P&C,but the property owner hopes to break ground in fall 2003.

B. Third Street Corridor Plan

Create a physical plan to revitalize commercial areaswithin or adjacent to the Third Street corridor. Sucha plan would include a land-use evaluation anddesign guidelines and may be supported by additionalreports such as parking and market studies. Areasinclude the Hancock Plaza, the former PALS retailstore (now Finger Lakes Physical Therapy), theBowl-O-Drome, and the Franklin Street area. Adjustthe zoning to ensure that new developments areneighborhood- and pedestrian-friendly.

C. P&C Plaza

Work with the property owners to improve the visualcondition of the plaza, including the appearance andfunctioning of the parking lot. Support efforts tointensify use of the P&C parcel, possibly includingexpansion of retail outlets, development of officespace, and inclusion of a community center.

D. Codes

Develop adequate commercial building upkeep codesto ensure that businesses and commercial propertiesare well maintained.

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P u b l i c S a f e t y

Public Safety

In the early 1990s, the Northside neighborhoodorganized the Second Street Neighborhood Watch. Thegroup coordinated with the Ithaca Police Department’s(IPD) Community Policing Unit for a foot patrolofficer to be assigned to the Northside beat. Neighborswere concerned with a rise in open-air drug dealing andassociated fears of violence and neighborhood decline.This partnership worked well in terms of reducing thelevel of observed activity and increasing the sense ofsafety and control over the situation. The late 1990sbrought changes to the community-policing programresulting in the rotation of officers into the unit. Someresidents felt that this shift undercut gains made underthe earlier arrangement and weakened thecommunication link with the IPD.

Other residents are less enthusiastic about the directcampaign on the perceived drug problem. Many do notsee public safety as a predominant neighborhoodweakness and are concerned that such a focus couldpresent a negative perception of the neighborhood. Stillothers are concerned that focusing on perceivedcriminal activity could lead to discrimination on thebasis of class, culture, or race. The Steering Committeehad several frank discussions centered on thesediffering views. Members have agreed to continuediscussions and to consider sensitivity training toincrease the effectiveness of outreach, communication,and future planning within the neighborhood andamong the smaller group.

GOALPromote public safety and strengthen the reality thatthe Northside neighborhood provides a goodenvironment in which to live, purchase a home, andraise a family.

1. Objective

Acquire a firsthand understanding of the level andtype of illegal activity in the neighborhood.

A. Neighborhood Block Watch

Organize a neighborhood block watch programwith assistance from the Ithaca Police Department.

GOALPromote public safety andstrengthen the realitythat the Northsideneighborhood provides agood environment inwhich to live, purchase ahome, and raise a family.


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B. Crime Reporting

Initiate a system for regular reporting by the IthacaPolice Department to neighborhood block watchleaders to review crime reports, arrests, andemergency call data.

C. Security and Safety Survey

Conduct a survey to identify security and safetyconcerns such as prevalent locations andpredominant types of illegal activity.

D. Community Safety Education

Organize and sponsor an educational program toprovide residents and business owners withinformation on the involvement and procedures ofthe Police, Fire, Public Works, and BuildingDepartments in addressing public safety concerns.

E. Substance Abuse Information

Conduct a program involving law enforcement,the Ithaca Drug Court, local treatment providers,and Northside neighbors to provide informationabout resources available to individuals at risk foror involved in substance abuse or chemicaldependency.

2. Objective:

Prevent illegal activity with appropriate securitymeasures.

A. Group Buying Program

Organize a program for the bulk purchase ofneeded security and safety equipment, such asdoor locks, exterior lighting, and antitheft devices.

B. Crime Prevention Through EnvironmentalDesign

Undertake a study of the Northside neighborhoodto reveal physical changes that individual propertyowners and the City might make to enhanceresidents’ and business owners’ ability to monitorthe neighborhood and deter criminal behavior.

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S u s t a i n a b i l i t y


Sustainability

During the planning process, a number of residentsexpressed an interest in working on projects to enhanceneighborhood sustainability. Their thinking is broad, butdirected. Sustainability is viewed as an overarchingplanning theme to be considered in each of the otherdevelopment objectives. A broad interest, for example, isto present community members with an expansive viewof sustainability that includes both environmental andsocial components. Specific projects range fromshowcasing green construction techniques to connectingcity residents with locally-grown produce. Residents haveteamed with the Center for Religion, Ethics, and SocialPolicy (CRESP), a Cornell-affiliated organization that iscurrently developing a program to identify neighborhoodsustainability indicators.

GOALIncrease the awareness and application of sustainableliving practices in the Northside.

1. Objective

Infuse housing and construction activities withsustainable practices.

A. Energy Conservation Activities

Design and implement an Energy Efficient Homesprogram that includes activities to raise awareness,such as hosting an energy fair and conducting energyaudits. Develop methods and seek funding to helpresidents and landlords meet energy auditrecommendations, possibly including tax incentives.

B. Energy Conservation Demonstration Center

Seek funding to incorporate energy efficienttechniques into one of the neighborhood’s rehabbedmultifamily units.

C. Green Build Exposition

Organize an annual event for area consumers,builders, bankers, etc., to learn about and encouragemore environmentally responsible construction,design, and rehabilitation.

D. Energy Efficient Co-Housing

Explore an urban co-housing complex as a choicethat would be highly energy efficient and sociallyintegrated by race, class, ethnicity, gender, and sexualorientation.

2. Objective

Educate Northside and City residents aboutsustainability.

Sciencenter Sustainability Exhibit

Assemble a sustainability program in cooperationwith the Sciencenter.

GOALIncrease theawareness andapplication ofsustainable livingpractices in theNorthside.

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S u s t a i n a b i l i t y

3. Objective

Improve neighborhood access to locally-grownfood.

A. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

Aggressively promote CSA options to improvenutrition, support area family farms, reducetransportation of food products, and connectNorthside food consumption to local foodproduction.

B. Youth Program

Organize area youth to participate in communitygardening/organic business, possibly modeled on theFood from the Hood program, or partner withCooperative Extension’s Garden Mosaics program.

The Sciencenter is a welcome addition to the neighborhood.

NORTHSIDE FOOD NETWORK

Northside Neighborhood Association (NNA) residentsdeveloped a growing interest in equal access to healthy foodin their community.

They took action by acquiring a grant from the NY Hunger ActionNetwork to implement programs that address these concerns. TheNorthside Food Network (NFN) is a multi-organizational collaborationbetween the NNA and Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) designed tobring quality, locally produced food to more low-income residents ofNorthside Neighborhood.

The Northside Food Network seeks to connect Northside residents, areagrowers, community gardeners, neighborhood gardeners, farmer'smarket vendors, nutrition educators, and existing social networks inthe following new ways:

Northside Community Supported Agriculture - Membership is offeredat low rates.

We-Pick Days - Free field trips to area farms to pick fruits andvegetables with a follow-up cooking or food preservation workshopwith CCE Staff.

Northside Afternoon Market - A discount vegetable market at the IHAwith produce from participating Ithaca Farmer’s Market vendors.

Grow a Row - A collection system to bring surplus from the IthacaCommunity Garden and other neighborhood gardens to the food pantryat the Baptized Church of Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith on FirstStreet.

Community Meals - Free neighborhood meals for the neighborhood, bythe neighborhood, and in the neighborhood.

Spotlight

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I m p l e m e n t a t i o n L e a d


Northside Community

Community BuildingIncrease social opportunitiesContinue newsletterDevelop neighborhood

Open SpaceOrganize a Gardeners Association and Pruners’

BrigadeImprove landscaping at Haley Park

HousingIncrease communication between neighborhood

and code enforcementIdentify properties to include in the Neighborhood

Housing ProgramSupport NYSERDA energy grant

YouthDevelop youth activities catalogueConduct youth survey

InfrastructureAddress NYSEG fencing issue

TransportationReduce automobile trafficSupport the Ithaca Bicycle PlanSupport the effort to reduce the speed limit

Neighborhood-Oriented RetailHold retailers’ meeting

Public SafetyOrganize a block watchConduct a security and safety survey

SustainabilityEncourage energy efficiencyIncrease food securityPromote community supported agricultureOrganize youth to participate in gardeningExplore options of co-housingDevelop an energy conservation demo center

City

Community BuildingFind space for community center

Open SpaceOrganize a Pruners’ BrigadeImprove Cascadilla CreekMake Third Street a gateway

HousingStudy possibility of home businessesIncrease code enforcementStrengthen property maintenance ordinancesBetter connect IHA to rest of the neighborhood

and vice versaSupport the Porch Program at IHA

YouthImprove transportation options for youthConduct a safety education program

InfrastructureAdd a pedestrian bridge over Cascadilla CreekCoordinate with the DPW on reconstruction

of First StreetAdd sidewalks where necessaryAddress water drainage and sewage concernsCreate new street design guidelinesRelocate the DPW and Water Department facilities

TransportationReduce automobile trafficInitiate traffic calmingImprove the intersection of Third Street and Rt. 13

Neighborhood-Oriented RetailDevelop the Third Street corridor

Public SafetyDevelop data reporting and police procedure infoDevelop a group buying programStudy physical environmental design for safety

improvements

SustainabilityOrganize a "Green Build" exposition

Other

Open SpaceOrganize a Gardeners Association and

Pruners’ Brigade

HousingAssist first-time home buyersIdentify funding for home rehabilitationCarry out Holiday in AprilProvide assistance for low-income rental rehab

YouthDevelop a youth activities catalogueConduct a youth surveyHold a youth summitProvide youth internshipsDevelop more youth activitiesProvide basic medical and dental services to youth

InfrastructureCoordinate with the DPW on the reconstruction of

First Street

TransportationIdentify opportunities to expand bus serviceConstruct bus sheltersReduce automobile traffic

Neighborhood-Oriented RetailRedevelop the P&C Plaza

Public SafetyDevelop information about substance abuse

resources

SustainabilityWork with the Sciencenter to develop activities

about sustainability

Groups responsible for spearheading projects

Technology

Actionplan