In a move that unites the preservation of nature with savvy urban planning, the Town of Ithaca is setting the stage for groundbreaking development. Historically embraced by farmlands and framed by gorges and the expansive Lake Cayuga, Ithaca stands on the brink of transformative growth – a compact regional growth structured by form-based code.
Understanding Ithaca's Evolution
With its roots deeply embedded in pastoral charm, half of Ithaca has been shaped by the mid-20th-century allure of suburbs, the establishment of educational institutions, and the blossoming of commercial hubs. The 2014 Comprehensive Plan introduces a vision teeming with intent: focus development in selective nodes to conserve the remaining slices of pastoral bliss.
Strategizing Open Space Preservation
The blueprint for preserving open space lies in policies like the transfer of development rights, paired seamlessly with compact development. The delineation of permanent natural reserves and rural swaths sets the foundation for a sustainable regional network with mixed-use focus areas at its core.
The Promise of a New Village
The crux of this planned development looms in the prospect of a vibrant village center. Consider the intersection of Route 96B and King Road with its car-centric layout. The design charrette, a collaborative forum spearheaded by Form Ithaca, vaults this intersection into the realm of possibility, mapping out two potential configurations under a form-based code: one with a classic village center and another centered around a bustling village square.
Building Communities Around Village Squares
Envision a square humming with the vibrancy of 20,000 to 25,000 square feet of retail space, residential units, and a network of parking solutions. This isn't just a space for transit; it's a community anchor that could offset the reliance on distant big-box retail, fostering local commerce and reducing regional traffic.
The Architectural Fabric of the Village
Imagining new housing typologies like courtyard cottages and townhouses isn't just a dream. These "missing middle" dwellings, designed with simplicity and affordability in mind, are the stitches in the social and architectural fabric of this nascent village.
Importance of Street Design
Intertwined with the residential and commercial layout is the crucial element of street design. The transformation of Route 96B holds paramount importance, as it bridges the proposed village to Ithaca city, and is tethered to schools and business complexes. Crafting thoroughfares that accommodate vehicles, cycles, and pedestrians is pivotal for connecting communities safely and sustainably.
Looking Forward
As development progresses, it's not just about building structures; it's about sculpting character and honoring the compact region with its scenic allure. Upcoming articles will dive into topics like waterfront plans and innovation districts, stitching together Ithaca's narrative of growth and sustainability.
For travelers, the future of Ithaca is bright. These new developments promise to entwine the comforts of modern accommodation with the beauty of Ithaca's natural landscapes. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the local community – dining, shopping, and living – within the same charming settings that make Ithaca, a region transformed by careful planning and a vision for integration, an enticing destination.