HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-10 Newsletter 2Town of Ithaca October
Follow-Up Newsletter
October is Breast Cancer
Awareness Month
Help show your support by wearing
PINK this Friday, October 22nd
South Hill Traditional Neighborhood Development Charrette
The Town of Ithaca and its consultants is drafting a regulating plan – a detailed master zoning and
development plan – to shape how the area around the intersection of Danby Road and King Road
East/West will grow in the coming years. This area is one of the locations where the Town’s 2014
Comprehensive Plan recommends that future growth follow traditional neighborhood development
(TND) design principles. TND has a compact form, interconnected streets and sidewalks, wide variety
of housing types and price ranges, prominent parks and gathering areas, and storefront-lined main
streets.
On October 25, 26, and 27 (Monday through Wednesday), we’ll be holding a charrette – a
collaborative design process – to create a concept for a regulating plan for the Danby/King Road area.
The regulating plan will build on the vision of the Comprehensive Plan, to paint a clear picture of the
area’s future form and character.
This will be the first project under the New Neighborhood Code, the Town’s framework for designing
and building comfortable, walkable, and sustainable new neighborhoods.
Visit South Hill TND for more about ongoing planning activities for the Danby/King Rd area, and
links to these upcoming events:
Monday, October 25 at 7:00 PM: introduction to the South Hill TND charrette.
Wednesday, October 27 at 7:00 PM: presentation of design concepts for the South Hill neighborhood
regulating plan.
To learn more, contact Dan Tasman, Senior Planner, at dtasman@town.ithaca.ny.us.
The History Center Haunted October
Haunted History Tour, Cemetery Scavenger Hunt and Visit the Exhibit Hall
If you have never done this, you really should. Schedule a Haunted History Tour and read up on other
events and happenings at The History Center in Tompkins County
Ales for Tails – SPCA Fundraiser
Wednesday, October 27th 5-8p.m. at The Westy
Costume contest for our furry friends, with prizes!!!
All Hallows Eve in Press Bay Alley
Free and Family Friendly!
Live kid’s entertainment Featuring Nate the Great, Fire Spinning & more 3-5pm. Food truck 4-8pm.
Adult Costume Party 5-8pm, Live music 5-8pm. Kids & Adults Costume Contest & Prizes
School Taxes Due by November 1st
School tax bill payments must be postmarked or paid by November 1st. Payments are made to any
Tompkins Trust Company location. Can’t find your bill…. You can get an amount or check the
payment status at www.TaxLookup.net
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
The Town of Ithaca is considering enacting legislation that will protect our community’s valuable
historic and cultural resources. The proposed law will establish a shared Town and City historic
preservation program, create a process for identifying and designating significant historic properties
and districts, and form a joint City and Town of Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission.
A virtual information session presented by Bryan McCracken, City of Ithaca Historic Preservation and
Neighborhood Planner and Secretary, Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission was held on
Thursday, October 14th, and can be seen on our website HERE. (PowerPoint Presentation Only)
Meet your Department of Public Works Crew!
Joe Slater was appointed Highway Superintendent and Director of Public Works when Jim Weber
retired in 2020. Joe has been in the DPW for 20 years and lives here in the Town. He is actively
reviewing the way his department does everything with an eye to increasing efficiencies and
productivity while also ensuring we stay within town, state, and federal regulations.
Joe oversees a department of approximately 30 people, with the help of Rich Tenkate, Deputy
Highway Superintendent; Joe Talbut, head of our Parks and Trails division, Travis Mills, Water and
Sewer Maintenance Supervisor and Joe Hulbert, head of facility maintenance (including Town Hall.)
There are also approximately 20-25 other staff, seasonal and full time, who break into crews assigned
to particular tasks as they become necessary. For example, the brush and leaf pick up days and of
course, the snow removal crews! There are also two Heavy Equipment mechanics to keep things
running smoothly.
Joe also attends numerous meetings working with other municipalities and the colleges on
infrastructure needs and plans as well as coordinating with Dan Thaete and his Engineering
Department to oversee outside contractors doing long-term studies on our infrastructure needs and
goals and maintenance, repairs and replacement capital projects.
Public Works and Engineering share administrative support from Laura Pastore and Lori Shurtleff.
Laura has been with the Town for about 10 years and her historical knowledge of the ins and outs of
the Facility is invaluable, while Lori, a relative newcomer at 5 or so years, is picking up steam and a
great help to all.
Our New Town Logo!
As always, any questions, comments or suggestions for future newsletters, please let us know.
Paulette and Becky
Town Clerks Office