HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetters to the City from Concerned Citizens • o
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DidYouKnowJOGrnqI USTERrPLAMFORIMPROVEMOFSTEWARTiI cooisho Agti11 bJLJ
16 r-19 d eliminate the willow row(36 trees)west of the1a86 Pavilion because they aro a"visusi berries"and"to reflect awM -,nof func ion and allow mora informal plandnq, ,, .
men .the same 1genera Park ares would txeate"ma ,not more then 5.6 feet high,""to relieve the flatneess of then'?anar-iwb tial lafarohelta�eo SawSMs inrtArk „ " 2fiRaraat , 1 '
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4 Did You Know That The
MASTER PLAN FOR IMPROVEMENT Q)OF STEWART PARK
�Crl.%V-K ou approved by the Mayor and Common Council
)k,4f 23 f 2 6 1. Says Stewart Park"suffers the impact of overuse."
2. Yet calls for a new two story Youth Bureau on park land with a
Q 8 6 large area to be rented out to organizations for meetings or
atMedc events.(it's being built—go take a look.)
3. Plans"major rehabilitation"of Cascadilla Boat House"for
broad community use potential"and for"commercial
development"
4. Plans to convert the maintenance building into an"Exhibit and
Interpretive Center as a"major regional attraction."
5. And on July 1,1986 the Mayor and Common Council passed a
resolution agreeing in concept to letting the Chamber of Com-
- merce construct their new headquarters on Stewart Park land.
What kind of planning is this?
Sign our petition and write the Mayor to halt the plan,and to locate the
Chamber of Commerce elsewhere.
c1drem to Saw Stewart Ark 2 Halorest Drive,/dmcn,N.X
RECEIVED AUG 1 1986
1210 N. TIOGA ST.
ITHACA, N.Y. 14850
JULY 311 1986
MAYOR JOHN GUTENBERGER
CITY HALL
ITHACA, N.Y. 14850
DEAR MAYOR GUTENBERGER:
THIS LETTER CONCERNS WHAT IS BEING PLANNED FOR
CHANGING STEWART P
PLEASE DO ALL YOU CAN TO PRESERVE THE PARK.
WILLOWS ALONG LAKE FRONTAGE ARE LOVELY TO SEE;
LEAVE THEM ALONE .
PARKING LOTS SHOULD NOT BE PUT ON PARK PROPERTY.
THE PRESENT DRIVING LANES ARE SATISFACTORY. MAINTAIN
PROPER CARE OF THE PARK AND REPAIR WHATEVER NEEDS FIX-
ING . PLEASE ABANDON THE IDEA OF MAKING MAN-MADE HILLS
AND SPENDING VAST SUMS OF MONEY ON WHAT IS ALREADY VERY
GOOD.
ANOTHER POINT I WANT TO EMPHASIZE IS WE DO NOT WANT
TO ALLOW A CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUILDING TO BE ERECTED
ON PARK PROPERTY OR NEAR THE SAME,RESULTING IN A LOSS
OF NATURAL BEAUTY AND MAKING STEWART PARK A MACADAM
HOT SPOT WITH TOO MUCH GOING ON .
SINCERELY,
HELEN FULLER
UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
OLYMPIC HOUSE: 1750 EAST BOULDER STREET, COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO 80909
Tel:(303)632-5551 Telex:45-2424 Cable: "AMOLYMPIC CSP"
IX PAN AMERICAN GAMES, Caracas, Venezuela, August 20-September 3, 1983
XIV OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES, Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, February 7-19, 1984
GAMES OF THE XXIII OLYMPIAD,Los Angeles,California,U.S.A.,July 28-August 12,1984
ROBERT J. KANE
Television Committee
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CONTRIBUTIONS ARE DEDUCTIBLE FOR INCOME TAX PURPOSES
rmum"
RECEMD SEP ?6 1936
Mrs . James. V. Buyoucos
316 N. Geneva Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
Mr. Jonathan Meigs
Planning Department
City of Ithaca
108 E. Green Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
September 24, 1986
Dear 141r. Meigs:
I am writing to you because you are known to me : you may
recall our talks last June about having a program for the Ithaca
Garden Club at Stent Park next May 20. We are counting on that.
I want to comment on the Mayor' s article in the Ithaca Journal
of September 18, which must have relied on information furnished to
him by the Planning Department.
As you may know, I was at the public meeting of April, 1984,
representing the Garden Club. I filled out a questionnaire and
was later telephoned by a representative of your department.
Please note the following facts:
1. Until the news reports of the contract to Peter Trowbridge
appeared in the newspaper last Spring, I was unaware that the Master
Plan had been presented and approved by the Common Council. rhe
Garden Club was not informed, although we had made our interest
known. I did not receive a copy of the plan or a condenseofersion
of it. I think, in our case, that the Mayor is misinforme .
2. Aside from my own comments on several points, which perhaps
were not deserving of a place in the Master Plan, I know that those
of Professor Walter Stainton were not "incorporated into the final
recommendations, as the Mayor states. We both pointed out the
dangers attendant on running an "interpretive center" in that location
for four months out of the year. Professor Stainton, a specialist
in the silent film, told you about the technical problems involved.
I should think that his informed opini®n would have given pause to the
planners. this is merely one example of objections that were ignored,
but it happens to be one I know.
If plans for Stewart Park will continue "to be th2roughly
debated in public hearings, " I hope you will recognize our club
as an interested group, one that has done a great deal for the City
of Ithaca. The chairr4an of civic development is now Mrs. John Ivey,
55 Highgate Circle. 6he would appreciate advance notice of future
public meetings. We accept the Mayor' s call to stay involV ed in
"the specifics of th uture of Stewart Park."
Sincerely yours,
��CL> -1 ��\e. ,, a(.s ok,cC9 S
Mary Ellen Buyoucos, Program Chairman
RECEIVED SEP 16 1986
P.O. Box 8, 10 Union Street
Dryden, N.Y. 13053
September 14, 1986
Mayor John Gutenberger and
Ithaca Common Council
City Hall
Ithaca, N.Y. 14850
Dear friends:
As a resident of the county rather than the city,
I have wondered whether it is appropriate for me to
write to you about they Stewart Park controversy. .
f have been following"in the news with much interest
because the park has meant a lot to me and my family
over the many years we have lived here , .-- . Ve have
always loved it, especially with the steppd-up main-
tenance of recent years, pretty much the way it has
been.
Thus I find myself agreeing with many of the things
that Citizens to Save Stewart Park have been saying.
In the abstract it does seem to make sense to get roads
away from the waterfront, yet in Stewart Park the exist-
ing roads, with very slow traffic, are certainly in-
conspicuous. And they do serve a purpose in allowing
families to bring old people and small children close
to the water without long walks from a distant parking
lot. I have seen numerous elderly couples (or individuals)
on week days park facing the lake and enjoy lunch in
their car or a brief walk near by. The proposed changes
in the road system and parking arrangements would eliminate
all this.
I would certainly hate to see any of the willow raw
out down, or any of the wonderful big, old trees that
might have to be sacrificed for parking lots, etc. The
flatness of the terrain is wonderfully enhanced by all
the nice plantings, and it "belongs" in that location.
I do not find the idea of man-made hills at all attractive.
Thus, if you will allow a vote from outside the
city, mine is for keeping the park as much as possible
like it is. t.
Sincerely yours,
Martha F. Ferger
RECEIVED JUL 25 1986
July 23,1986
�.
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Dear Mayor Gutenberger:
Change may be an inevitable part of life, but; change isn't
always for the better. There is absolutely no reason to change
Stewart Park - unless , of course, the city has 5.5million dollars
that couldn't be better spent elsewhere.
When I think of Ithaca, b one of the first
things that comes to mind. It is a very special place to me, and
many other members of the community. The park has always been the
perfect; spot for any occasion - celebration on the fourth of July,
or quiet enjoyment on a Sunday afternoon.
The enclosed ad has appeared in the Ithaca Journal for
several weeks. The ad st at es that, part of the plans for changing
Stewart Park involve removing the row of Willow trees along the
lake because they are a "visual barrier. " I 've always thought the
trees enhanced the view. As for- the "man-made hills" that would
"relieve the flatness of the terrain," it is the flat terrain that
makes the park so accessible to the elderly and handicapped.
Parking is always adequate, and there's always room for everyone.
From what •I 've heard, these proposed alt erat ions will not
improve the park or benefit its users, but only detract from its
uniqueness. Please don't ruin the natural beauty and charm of
Stewart Park in the name of improvement ,
Sincerely,
X,C/a JOAAC
Michelle Gladu
r
CITIZENS TO SAVE STEWART PARK
Statement of Position
Ithaca is most fortunate to have Stewart Park, a place of great natural beauty
that has been landscaped and designed to let that natural beauty be clearly seen
and yet also permit free and easy flow of human activity. There is an elegant
simplicity to the main design elements of roadways, trees and grass, which allow
large congregations to gather comfortably or small groups to feel a sense of
intimacy.
We recognize how unique such a combination is. We think Stewart Park should be
treated as a precious resource, a precious community resource. We urge proper
maintenance, preservation and restoration o bugs, roads, landscaping and
other facilities of the park.
Because we are for Stewart Park, we are a ainst the new plan (Master Plan for
Improvement of tewart Park) or any otherp an which would impose new design or
landscaping on the park. It seems appropriate that the Board of Public Works in
1983 requested of the city long range guidelines for the park, but the answer
should have been, as we now urge, to maintain, restore and preserve the park.
Why, when we have a park of such great beauty and which absorbs people and their
activities so superbly well , should we impose change upon it and at such great
expense? We think the community is asking this question with a growing sense of
outrage.
We think the major elements of the new plan would not only mar the natural
beauty of the park but would destroy those elements of the park design which
permit such good use of the space for human activity. The elements in the new
plan, which we can in good conscience support, can be subsumed under mainte-
nance, preservation or restoration (with the exception of enlarging park land to
the northwest, and this we certainly do support if the environmental impact
studies also support it. )
Therefore, we urge the Mayor and Common Council to rescind their resolution and
to discard in its entirety that part of the Master Plan for Improvement of the
Stewart Park Complex which concerns the area we know as Stewart Park and to
resolve instead to preserve, maintain, and restore that park because it is a
place of great natural beauty and of gracious and efficient design.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Hillcrest Drive
Ithaca, NY 14850
Addenda to Statement of Position
Because our Statement of Position is based on recognition that Stewart Park is
a naturally beautiful spot that is extraordinarily well designed and that,
therefore, no new design should be imposed upon it, any analysis of the new
Master Plan is essentially irrelevant; nevertheless, we feel there may be some
value in focusing on some of the major errors in that plan.
PARKING LOTS
We are against construction of three large parking lots. At a cost of $748,000,
they would provide less parking than is now available (see next item, "Road-
ways"). The microclimates set up by three such large areas of asphalt would be
unpleasant. The largest of the proposed lots (which would hold 340 cars) is
over one-third larger than Woolworth's parking lot (which holds 200 cars);
the second largest lot (180 cars) is almost as large as Woolworth's, and the
third lot (112 cars) is more than half as large as Woolworth 's. For an area as
small as Stewart Park, these large lakes of asphalt are a significant consider-
ation. The proposed isolation and screening of all three lots and the earth-
mounds around two of them would create a possible breeding ground for muggers
and other crime. Even hidden, such lots are unsightly introductions to the
park. The earthmounds and plantings on them would obstruct the open vistas
which constitute one of the natural beauties of the park. The proposed lots
would be inconvenient. Most people using the park like being able to drive
close to the area they choose to use.
ROADWAYS
We are against the proposed deletion of all roadways except new ones leading
directly to the three proposed parking lots. It is pleasant to be able to drive
around the park. It is convenient and in some cases necessary to be able to
park near the area one wants to use. If traffic problems such as occasional
speeding occur, they can surely be solved by other than deletion of the entire
system (what about speed bumps?) . Parking along the ample space provided by the
present roadway permits greatly increased parking during peak holidays. This
expanded parking will not be available under the Niederkorn plan. On July 4, 1986,
at 7:30 p.m. , 485 parked cars and 277 additional spaces along the road were
counted. Total : 762. The proposed lots can only hold 600 cars and, because
most roads have been deleted, possible overflow parking is greatly diminished.
To remove well utilized roadways and build unattractive parking lots and new
roads to those lots, at a total cost of $1 ,027,000, seems unconscionable to us.
SHORELINE PROMENADE
We do not think the proposed promenade would "enhance" the shoreline. A promenade
"outlined" with "informal planting" would restrict present freedom of movement
along the shoreline. It would limit the number of people who could gather along
the shoreline. A large and joyous congregation, such as occurred during the flare
ceremony July 4, 1986 (and other years) would not be possible. Lighting the proposed
promenade would destroy the beauty and serenity of sunset watching. Lighting the
promenade would create dark shadows outside the lit area and would create a possible
climate for crime. "Informal planting" would usurp space better used by people.
-2-
WILLOWS
We are against the wanton proposed "elimination of the willow row west of the
pavilion . . . to allow more informal planting treatment." There are 35 willows
in this row just now reaching maturity and full beauty. These willows do not
obstruct the view (as stated on page 49). They provide pleasant shade. They
provide beauty. Because of their size and good health, they permit people to
congregate near them and to move freely among them (which would not be true of
the proposed new "informal planting treatment"). The plan faults these willows
for being "a visual barrier" yet it proposes that in the same general area
"earthmounds . . . 5-6 feet high . . . be created to relieve the flatness of the
terrain." What kind of planning is this?
CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND
The children's playground as presently laid out (actually children now play over
the entire area of the park) is enormously enjoyed by the children -- why re-
design it when they love it now?
OVERALL
Overall , the plan seems strangely inconsistent. It gives as rationale for
redesign "serious overcrowding" "many times reaching saturation and beyond,"
yet the main thrust of the plan is a definite expansion of park use and,
therefore, an increase not a decrease in overcrowding. How will creation of
an Exhibit and Interpretive Center or developing Cascadilla Boathouse as a
"facility with broad community use potential " and as a "commercial development"
alleviate present so-called overcrowding? How will the recent decision not
mentioned in the plan) to let the Chamber of Commerce build an office complex
on park land help so-called present congestion?
No matter how great the population growth of Ithaca may be, the acreage at
Stewart Park will remain (even with some extension to the north) essentially
the same. We think it is strange planning to increase usage of park facili-
ties for an indeterminate number of people when the planners already define the
area as overcrowded.
We do not like the way the gracious open space of the park is divided into
separate activity areas which are hidden and screened from each other by land-
scaping and planting. Why should the "Family Picnic Area" be so carefully
separated and hidden from the "Children's Play Area"? All these separate
little cells seem to suggest confinement and control , not freedom and enjoy-
ment. The enormous amount of new planting deemed necessary to "delineate
specific areas of the scheme" will not only restrict human movement by serving
as barriers, but the space taken up by the plantings will be usurping space now
available for human activity. Gatherings and activities such as the Ithaca
Festival and the Flare Ceremony will no longer be possible, or at least not on
as large a scale as in the past.
The plan says the total estimated cost is 5.5 million dollars and that funding
will be a "major challenge for the city in years to come." It further says,
however, that "these cost estimates . . . do not include professional fees, over-
head and profit, legal and administrative expenses, testing, financial cost, and
-3-
similar items . . . because they cannot be foreseen at this time. " In other words,
we do not know the estimated total cost of the project. All we know is that it
will cost considerably more than 5.5 million dollars.
Many of those we have interviewed have expressed fear that "the next step will
be an admission fee." To us it seems a very precious privilege that such a
lovely spot is accessible to all in our community and not just to those who
could afford a fee. The city may now say they don't want to charge fees, but
how else is the city going to pay for these extraordinary debts they are so
casually assuming?
We think the park is beautiful , that it is well laid out for easy and com-
fortable human use, that it works marvelously well for the enjoyment of many,
and we are for preserving it and we are against imposing new design upon it.
We urge that the new plan be discarded in its entirety and that the Mayor and
Common Council resolve instead to preserve, restore and maintain Stewart Park
because it is now a spot of great natural beauty and of elegant and gracious
design.
-4-
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.RECEIVED JUL 29 1986
221 South Geneva Street #301
Ithaca, New York 14850
July 27, 1986
Mayor Guttenberg
City Hall
Ithaca, NY 14850
Dear Sir:
I should like to express my opinion on the proposed upgrading
of Stewart Park.
This would seem to me to be probably the most ridiculous use
of the taxpayers ' money which has been hatched by the City of
Ithaca.
If there is extra construction money to be used, might I urge
you to consider spending it on the broken, uneven downtown
sidewalks, crosswalks, and the mis-engineered curb breaks
provided for the handicapped and senior citizens. As you must
surely know, these are traps for water, defeating their
avowed purpose; in the winter the ice which accumulates is
hazardous. Thus, winter or summer, they can rarely be used! !
Please do not disturb one of the outstanding scenic parts of
Ithaca by letting the "experts" hack it up! ! ! ! !
Very truly y s,
-�N
Helen Wilson Lewis
z � � RECEIVED JUL31 1986
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Mayor John Gutenberger 1 Aug 06
City :4011
Ithaca, New York 14850
Your Honor_
As you know, Y do not lige in the City, but in the Town_ Other-
wise, as a good machine Democrat, 1 would have voted for you
regularly_ 1 do, however, spend a good deal of money in the cite,
and 1 am concerned about its environs. The willow trees in
are part of my standard tour for visiting firemen,
and 1 `find the proposal to tear them down (like 'Old Ironsides`)
outrageous, if not. unconscionable. For from obstructing the
view, the willows provide shade to the non-sunworshipers and
gentle elegance to the park_ 1 am sure that I am not alone in
making this point_
Furthermore, the landmark pavilions, the bandstand, and the
playing field make for strong nostalgic binds to local citizens,
and sof t pl easure f or returni ng vi si tors, of whi ch there are
many_
Stewart Park is beautiful as it is, and the citizens of the
area obviously (judging by its heavy and joyous use) enjoy it
greatly as it is.
John, 1 urge you not to consent to disturbing the pleasant
tranquillity of the park with gimmicky landscaping and the
destruction of trees planted with love and faith_
YP Obt Sept ,
I�I"h 7
Gerald Kelley
117 Renwick Drive
P_S_ The last political letter I wrote was to Senator Engleton,
hoping to lessen the blow of his being dropped from the ticket_
I believe i can therefore claim that 1 am not a compulsive letter
writer, and fire off only when 1 feel seriously threatened or
offended That is, you don't hear from me often,
qAf
GK
204 Fairmount Ave.
Ithapa, NY 14850
July 15, 1986
Alderman Jim Dennis
Dear Jimt
I understand the city wants to hear people' s opinions about the
StArt Park plans . Here are mine t
1 . Although I think taking out the big road loop around the west
end of the park would be fine , I feel strongly that a section facing
the lake (where it now iso should be left. I never thought I 'd come
down on the side of cars , roads , parking lots, etc . But for people
who are not physically fit , that section of road is important so they
can sit in their cars and look out at the lake. Also, in nasty
stormy weather, it' s nice for the rest of us , too.
2. As for all the other changes : I think the nark is Just fine
exactly as it Is.* If more parking is needed, well, maybe an in-
obtrusive lot somewhere would be ok--but that might Just draw even
more people , making the park uncomfortably crowded .
3. Speed humps are a simple solution to speeding.
4. An island would obstruct the vie)+ of the lake from the shore.
And an island and its pier would be expensive to maintain and patrol.
Could be a real safety hazard for young children.
5. Planners have to Justify their existence by coming up with
plans. Therefore they often come up with unneeded and unwanted
changes . It' s like peonle who live in a perfectly fine house but
decide to remodel it anyway Just because. they want to do something--
or because they' re tired of it the old way. But that' s ok because
they use their own money, not the public 's.
6. The numerous nroposed changes wt,,-11 not result in any great
improvement and will Just be a sponge for city funds .
Let' s leave Stewart Park alone!
Sincerely,
Betsy Derlington
RECEIVED ^^Tt 1986
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RECEIVED JUL 18 1986
Mr.. R. M. Phele.n
4 Cornell Walk
Ithaca, New York 14850
JuZy 17, 1986
Dear Mr. Gutenberger:
Last night an organization I belong to reserved the
smaZZ pavilion at Stewart Park to attend as a group
(and thus support) the Gad-A-Bout BBQ. There were 37
of us. It was a beautifuZ night and everyone's appre-
ciation of this very speciaZ facility was renewed.
When the subject of a NEW PLAN FOR STEWART PARK was
brought up, no one understood WHY! 'It's ZoveZy as
it is!" etc. So, improve the plumbing and paint the
pavilions if there is money to spend; but, Zeave the
park flat and Zeave the trees.
Why make the park into something it is not (since
what it IS is so much enjoyed)? WiZZ we then have to
rename it? It is FRANKLY a ZoveZy, ZeveZ area at the
south end of a ZoveZy Zong Zake. If there is money
begging to be spent (how can this be??), why not do-
nate it to the proper governmentaZ agency and suggest
the curve be taken out of the Zake--so we can ,Look toward,
from our ZoveZy, ZeveZ, tree-lined park the northern
end of it? Then, we can name it something else besides
Cayuga Lake, which it would no Zonger be.
I hope your job as mayor incZudes sharing complaints
with the proper powers-that-be. If so, I thank you.
Concerned citizen-,1izen
KI
Olive Phelan
RECEIVED JUL 1 $ 1986
,e
July 17, 1986
Mayor John Guttenberger
City Hall
Ithaca, New York 14850
Dear Mayor Guttenberger:
Although I do not presently live in the city
of Ithaca, I was born and raised downtown
and lived in the city for 22 years. However,
I always go to Stewart Park.
I am very concerned about this proposed
"improvement" to Stewart Park, one of my
very favorte places. The beauty;;of
the park has delighted thousands of people
for many years. Take down the willow
trees? I remember when they were-,,,planted--
it was a verygood-1dea -thdft and still
is because they provide a lovely bit of
shade to sit under while gazing out onto
the lake. I feel that, since they do not
surround the entire end of the lake, that
those who feel they are a barrier should
simply move elsewhere to look at the lake.
Also, one of the assets of the park is
it's flatness. Mothers, myself included,
can safely watch their children from a
distance. Cyeating "rolling hills" would
be disasterous. After all, people who
have trouble navigating uneven ground
because of leg problems, wheelchairs, etc,
would not be able to enjoy the park as they
••r + ,, now do.
Surely this money can be better spent to
help PEOPLE. . .I know that the city is not
� $ V hard up to find people or organizations in
need of cash. How about improving day care?
.`° Help for pregnant teens? More funds for those
r . "t •: who work with abused children or battered wives?
There is an old saying that goes, "If it ain't
. �. broke, don't fix it." I feel that this
applies to Stewart Park.
Please halt this silly plan and put the money
to use where it is sorely needed.
Sincerely,
Irenae Scott
r 461 Sheffield Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
cc: Citizens to Save Stewart Park
RECEIVED SEP2 1906
CITY OF 1THACA - PUBLIC WORKS
FROM: JOHN A. DOUGHERTY
To: (f-qL't d,E
DATE:
PWP—j4 15 Ac Ai-,r—-re LY 1�)5110E,
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PN U I R I N G
ff0 'T '0GK1- PHE *ft '1
BY MIKE RAMBO
Do you think Stewart Park
should be improved?
a
I
MERE&MARY SOROUSHIAN, MATH GEORGE HERSKOWITZ, NYC EDUCA-
DEPT. AT CORNELL, MOTHER: I TOR (who has come to this park now
think it would be,very unfortunate to for 20 years):We think it's a jewel just
cut the willowsdown. I think they're the way it is.We'd be very sad if they
very romantic.fte first thing you see made the what they call improve-
when you comic into Ithaca is the ments.It would be a civil disaster.It's
VM
JOHN & CATHLEEN GEE, ATTOR- CECIL MALONE, ROOFER: No, to the
NEY, MOTHER: I'.m not opposed to willows, but it can stand`some im-
change,but I don't like the things they provement.
propose.I like the openness;definite-
ly don't cut the willows.
IF
ELAINE & ARIELLE BONNELL, DAVID MALECKI, TECHNICIAN IN
_. - -_.___ _______._ •._ ice L II TIT/YTT TT TT•T
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.......... ......... .................................................................................................................................................�.....................................................................
Date-- =/-��Time �c By
Did You Know That
THE MATER PLAN FOR IMPROVEMEN'TM OF STEWART PARK
�I od*GkyIn yms tto own�whid b abet owly bel ft'"ir„ °f"'E'rp'
1. would eliminate the willow row(36 trees)west of the Stewart
Perk Pavilion because they are s"visual barrier"and"to reflect
differentiation of function and allow more informal planting
treatmerrL"
2 and in the same general park area would create"man-made
hille..not more than 54 feet high,""to relieve the flatness of the
terrain"?
AIS"wrPor mft do Mga to hi*Me plan
t tla�raeroSam StirwartPrk 2Pon soOhA idmol ALV l
from the roadway system, is espe- II1SjSt park's design..
cially needed in rainy periods, par-
ticularly be in spring and fall when the
soil is often saturated. A properly On Aug. 7, a public meeting was
constructed and maintained walk- held in City Hall t_o discus,W$.sibie.
way system would remain accessi- alterations to `9" �,Par-k.
ble and dry enough for park visi- Throughout.tthe evening, several
tors to use throughout the year. members of the Citizensto Save
IGikny of 4he design ideas con- Stewart Park.committee spoke in
tained in the planning document opposition to making changes to
approved by Common Council the park.
should be further developed and Ironically, a study of the park's
evaluated.Certainly Stewart Park's history shows that it has been re-
historic character should be en-
hanced through careful preserva- peatedly altered by man, and by
tition and restoration of its build- acts of nature, since its creation
on landmarks and memorials. nearly 90 years ago. Are we to be-
However, two proposals memorials.
ide - lieve, therefore, that the piecemeal
changes occurring over the years
fied in the plan are,.in my opinion, have resulted today in a park that
undesirable. The first proposai.is to optimally serves the Ithaca commu-
create an island. A major attribute nity? Clearly this is not the case.
of Stewart Park is the unobstructed In cities like Chicago and Zurich,
vista of the lake, and an island, as
shown on the-plan, would signifor example, the waterfront parks
fi-
cantly diminish this very unique vi- have bikeways, walkways and jog-
ging paths that encourage recre-
sual resource. The second proposal ational activity in areas closed to
is to add and consolidate parking in vehicular° traffic. Picnic tables,
three large lots. Probably more ap- benches, shelters and restrooms,all
propriate, given the park context, easily accessible from parking areas
would be a more linear arrange- and public transportation routes,
ment, with parking in smaller lots further enhance the outstanding
running parallel to the spine road. recreational opportunitites within
There are, therefore, alterations these communities.
that should be made at Stewart Here in Ithaca., most of us enjoy
Park to improve it. However, the Commons because we can sit or
through advertisements and public stroll there,in the heart of the city,
statements, the Citizens to Save without the overwhelming presence
Stewart. Park,committee is oppos- of automobiles.- An opportunity
ing changes to the park.This group now exists to make coordinated,
centainly has that right; yet most far-reaching improvements to
disturbing to me is their failure to , Stewart Park that could equal, in
acknowledge the possibility that their effect, the creation of the
opportunities for positive change Commons.
could exist. On the other hand, if nothing is
My hope is that as the.design done, the growing number of daily
process,proceeds, the clamor to do visitors at Stewart Park will in-
nothing will be kept in perspective, creasingly exceed the park's ability
and those with the vision of what to accommodate them. Although
could be, at Stewart Park,will pre- imposing entry fees to limit park
vail• James LaGro Jr. use is an alternative,design changes
Ithaca should in any case be implemented
to expand the park's capacity to
safely and comfortably meet the di-
erse recreational needs of our
,mmunity.
'pecifically, a walkway system,
lakeside promenade, should
istructed to expand opportu-
'or walking and jogging in
'�. This system, separate
Stewart Park
deserves better
In these dog days of August, when it takes an extra jolt to stir''
people up some remarkable rumors have been set afloat
concerning Ithaca's favorite city park. You willread or hear,it
said, in one place or another, that: .
• City Hall has approved a master plan involving$5.5 million `.
worth of projects at Stewart Park, and public works officials
have already begun work that will alter the park.
•Approved is a plan to build a huge 344-car parking lot in the
northeast corner of the park,but almost no parking spots will be
left for cars to stop and view the lake.
• Willow trees along the Lakeshore (implying all or most of
them).will be cut,down by the city, and there are firm plans to
build a lighted promenade along the shore.
• People will no longer be able to drive through the park to
picnic sites, and parking will no longer exist.adjacent to picnic
and play areas.
*The city could easily restore public swimming at the park,but
stubbornly refuses to do so.
The small pavilion at the park will disappear, and the main
pavilion will be pre-empted for an enclosed concourse, all but
eliminating the shelter available for club picnics,group activities
or Ithaca Festival events.
• The city is considering a lease of some of its most beautiful
lakefront land to the Chamber of Commerce for construction of
an office building, which will obstruct the park vistas.
Not one of these honor stories is true.They were initiated by a
group called the Citizens to Save Stewart`Park, which seems to
think that if enough mud is thrown at the master plan, some of it
will stick, and all plans to change the park will die a-borning.
The city is indeed reviewing redesign proposals for Stewart
Park, through a careful process that was publicized but ignored
by the public in its earlier stages.The self-styled citizens are doing
city residents and other park users a disservice with their
disinformation campaign. Stewart Park deserves better.
RECEIVED AUG 2 ,J 1986
kn&�4l
of
_ � l
l
n
r1
G i
J
L y U�; y,
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- G
1 .
STEWART PARK
Mr. Mayor,Common Council:We do not think it props for he
city to "lease"our most beautiful,lake frontage land at Stewart
Park ,to the Chamber of Comme
building. rce to construct an office
_
1. This is exactly the kind of central city evacuation the city
Should be fighting to stop not implement.
2. The Chamber is a lobby group for business and in the past has
tried to form a local Political Action Committee,
3• "Leasing to build"amounts to giving the land away(or buying
a building we don't need if we ever decide to end the lease),
4. We don't want our beautiful vistas at Stewart Parkobstructed
by Yet another building;we think the present small tourist infor-
mation booth with volunteers and telephone provided by
R.S.V.P.is just fine.
ng
Th #) �...
droppw. wIthisT,yc
new, vey found the aver- 'Lundberg predicted a aew'
:*,.
it STEWART
W What right do the Mayor and Common Council
have to"lease"(which amounts to giving,-away)our
e most beautiful lake frontage land(next to or;part of
Stewart Park)to the Chamber of Commerce,a
private organization,so they can construct an office .
i building on it?
1.Write the Mayor or your alderman not to let the _
a Chamber of Commerce build their headquartersat
S Stewart Park,The vote comes up August 6.
n 2. Read the letter by Sally Grubb,Director of the Ithaca
at Festival in the Ithaca Times,July 24.
s
,.n 3.Sign our petition to halt the plan to alter Stewart Park
:e
itizens to Save Stewart Park 2 Hillcrest Drive,Ithara�
j
e
Wver, �4
W E
-� R L
RECEIVED AUG 1 2, 1986
-tRUArANSBURG SENIOR CITIZENS
Trumansburg, New York 14886
Office of the President
52 South Street,
Trumansburg, N.Y.
Mayor, City of Ithaca,
City Hall,
Ithaca, N.Y.
Dear Sirt
Although we are not citizens of Ithaca,
many of our members f 'oy visiting
Ithaca's wonderful
Therefore, I have been instructed by
our Board of Directors to write you to let your
administration know that we hope t're city will
maintain Stewart Park in the way it has been kept
for the enjoyment of countless thousands of folk
like us throughout the years.
Very truly yours, /
Francis H. Schaef
President.
Meets second, fourth Wednesdays January-October
First, third Wednesdays November, December in the Presbyterian Church Chapel
'RECE-WED J U L 31 1986
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RECEIVED JUL 21 1986
LOUISE BOYLE
107 CAYUGA HEIGHTS ROAD
+4
ITHACA, NEW YORK
14850 �-
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RECEIVED JUL 22 1986
204 Fairmount Ave.
Ithaca, NY 14850
July 190 1986
Mayor John Gutembergar �-- --
City Hall, Ithaes
Dear Gutie
Recently I sent you a copy of some opinions (on the '`Stewart Park
proposal) that I sent to Jim Dennis. Today, however, I
the appalling plan to cut down some 35 willow trees west of the
pavilion and to put in some silly little hills. The hill idea
is just that silly. But the idea of cutting down those beautiful
willows is downright stupid. Big trees gjW Nsat are an essential
ingradient. in making Stewart Park the special place it is. I can
only wonder where the planners that came up with this absurd idea
come from-.a desert or tundra maybe?
Please don't let them dut dowry any of Stewart Pa*_Wlesootched
treest
In fact, I'd be happy if the whole Stewart Park plan ;
As so many have said in letters to the Ithaca Journal, If it ain t
broke, don't fix it."
I think the city's planners have too much time on their handst
Sincerely,incerely,
1�s
Betsy Darlington
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RECEIVEb J U L 2 2 1986CL PQX4,CIA
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Hands 0iffthe Park !
One Man's Fight to Save Stewart Parke.
Lu•¢ r..�e, d�� Y `°� PHOTO$BY DAVID RUETHER
,�Q-�-F:ie-C�
"I care about Stewart Park.I really care about it.I want it to stay the
way it is."
Photographer David Ruether's pictures clearly show his love for the
lakeside park, now the focus of growing controversy (see Closeup
p Ae 5hinRecently he spent an afternoon at the park,snapping pictures
of tgs that would disappear if the city were to implement all :
aspects of the master plan.Although city officials have stressed that
the plan is only a guideline for the park's future, Ruether maintains a,that some aspects of the plan—removing the zoo,wrapping stone in
wire gabians along the banks—have already been implemented.
Among other things,the Stewart Park Master Plan: ,
yy ' would replace this grassy,popular area with a parking lot
i
_
n
e
G
Y
would replace this
natural looking bank...
would separate cars and people,eliminating the only park where you
don't have to first park and then walk to where you're going;
...with this, stone and
wire gabians(note
which part(If the bank ' r
people prefer to use);
r
y
T * would obscure the
r open lake view
would remove the duck pond
�; with a pier and
man-made island;
ti
� fI�
would eliminate the
natural shoreline,making
` wy this area all water,
removing the land,trees
and mossy rocks that
now exist.
"Perhaps," Ruether says,
"we should leave Stewart
Park unimproved."
You can make your com-
ments known at Common
� _ { Council's next meeting,
7:30pm Wednesday, Oc-
tober 1 and at the ne--t.
Stewart Park hearinj
7:30pm October S, bo
in Common Council
Chambers City Hall.
helps to have your c
ments in writing.