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Guthrie Ithaca City Harbor • 720 Willow Avenue, Ithaca For a full list of services, visit: www.Guthrie.org/IthacaCityHarbor
Ithaca Carshare Celebrates One-Year Back on the Road, Plans Expansion
By Matt Dougherty
ITHACA, N.Y. — One year after relaunching operations, Ithaca Carshare has recorded over 11,000 bookings and helped community members travel more than 165,000 miles.
The community-based car-sharing nonprofit has been back in action and working to regain momentum since it restarted services. While it’s still working to recover financially from the nearly yearlong shutdown forced by outdated state insurance laws, Ithaca Carshare Executive Director Liz Field says the organization is planning to expand its services.
Retention Groups for auto coverage. After months of advocacy, including support from Assemblymember Anna Kelles and State Senator Lea Webb, legislation passed allowing access to these insurance options and Carshare reopened on March 11, 2024.
While the service has resumed, the financial strain continues.
“We lost more than $500,000 in usage revenue when we paused operations,” Field said. “That’s been hard on our parent organization, the Center for Community Transportation [CCT] and we’ve had difficulty getting back on track and purchasing vehicles.”
“We want to help people who don’t have access to a personal car, especially in areas where you really need one sometimes, gain access to transportation.”
— Liz Field, Ithaca Carshare Executive Director
“We’ve been running 24/7 since we reopened,” said Field. “Things are going well. We’re fully staffed, have an awesome team, and provide reliable service — but we’re still climbing out of a serious financial hole.”
The organization paused operations in May 2023 after discovering it could no longer obtain affordable insurance due to a New York State law that barred nonprofits from using national, nonprofit Risk
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Ithaca to
Despite operating with a reduced fleet of 20 vehicles, Ithaca Carshare members logged 11,159 trips and 165,505 miles in their first year back on the road.
“Our cars are driving fewer miles per year than the national average for personal vehicles, which is over 13,000,” she said.
“Our fleet averages about 8,275 miles per vehicle per year. That reflects how carsharing leads to more intentional use, less traffic, and fewer emissions.”
T ake n ote
Begin Annual Spring Street Cleaning on March 31
ITHACA, N.Y. — The City of Ithaca’s Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin its annual spring street cleaning program on March 31, starting in Collegetown. The initiative involves sweeping and flushing city streets to clear accumulated winter debris and prepare roadways for the warmer months.
The DPW encourages residents to assist by raking tree lawns — the strip of grass between sidewalks and curbs — before scheduled cleaning takes place. Property owners should ensure all raked materials are placed in the curb gutter before crews arrive. The city warns that debris left after cleaning is completed will be removed at the owner's expense.
The DPW has scheduled the first phase of street cleaning in Collegetown to coincide with
Cornell University’s spring break. During this time, fewer vehicles are parked on the streets, minimizing disruptions.
Students leaving town for the break are advised not to leave their vehicles on city streets. Streets slated for cleaning will be posted with “No Parking” signs at least 24 hours in advance, and all vehicles must be removed from those areas by 7 a.m. on the designated cleaning date.
The Ithaca Police Department will ticket and tow any vehicles left on the street at the owner’s expense. Vehicles may return to street parking only after DPW crews remove the posted signs. Last year, the city towed more than 100 vehicles in a single day during spring break for violating parking restrictions.
The city will use Tompkins SIREN to help
According to Field, carshare is looking to expand its fleet by the end of 2025, potentially increasing its total number of vehicles to 25. Field said the Assembly Ways and Means Committee is reviewing state funding to help purchase new cars, and advocacy from Kelles’ office is continuing. “We think we’ll be awarded some money to purchase cars,” Field said. “We’re hoping by June we can begin to buy again.”
Some of those purchases will support Ithaca Carshare’s shift toward electric
Continued on Page 18
THE WEB
residents stay informed about street cleaning schedules. Residents subscribed to the “Street Cleaning” notification list will receive real-time updates about which streets are scheduled for cleaning each day. Those who aren’t registered can sign up for notifications or check their subscription preferences by visiting the Tompkins SIREN website.
Residents in need of long-term parking solutions during the street cleaning program can contact the City Chamberlain's Office at (607) 274-6580 to inquire about available parking permits at the Seneca Street Parking Garage.
A full schedule of the street cleaning program is available online. Additionally, those with questions or concerns can contact the Streets and Facilities Office at (607) 272-1718 for further assistance.
F r EE lan CE rs : Barbara Adams, G. M Burns, Jane Dieckmann, Charley Githler, Ross Haarstad, Steve Lawrence, Marjorie Olds, Henry Stark, and Arthur Whitman
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Ithaca Carshare Executive Director Liz Field says the organization is looking to purchase more electric vehicles and expand operations into more rural areas of Tompkins County.
IN UIRING PHOTOGR PHER Q A
By Mark Syvertson QUESTION OF THE
WEEK:
“WHAT ’ S THE FURTHEST YOU ’ VE EVER BEEN FROM ITHACA?”
Momodou Taal’s Visa Revoked Before Trial Against Trump Administration
By Matt Dougherty
ITHACA, N.Y. — Days after filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration that challenges the constitutionality of two executive orders that violate free speech, Cornell graduate student Momodou Taal has said that he is being watched by federal agents who could be looking to detain and potentially deport him before he can make his case in court on Tuesday.
“This morning, shortly after a federal judge scheduled a hearing in my lawsuit demanding the courts strike down Trump’s executive orders attacking free speech, law enforcement from an unidentified agency came to my home in Ithaca, New York,” Taal said in a social media post on Wednesday, March 19. “Trump is attempting to detain me to prevent me from having my day in court. Trump does not want me to present my arguments challenging his actions. This is part of a continued pattern in the Trump administration’s flagrant disregard for the judiciary.”
Taal said he was initially scheduled to appear in court in Syracuse on March 19, but the hearing was rescheduled to Tuesday, March 25. It remains unclear if the delay had anything to do with law enforcement's surveillance of Taal.
When asked about the credibility of reports that federal agents could be trying to detain Taal before he can make his case against Trump in court, immigration attorney Eric Lee, who represents Taal, said, “Those reports are very credible.”
first step in the formal deportation process.
“Trump is doing everything to prevent me from having my day in court,” Taal said in response to the threat to surrender to ICE. “Trump knows he is trampling on the fundamental freedoms every American holds dear and wants to get away with it.”
Lee responded to the email in a statement on social media, “This does not happen in a democracy. We are outraged, and every American should be too.” He added, “We urge the population to defend the right to freedom of speech against the urgent threat of dictatorship by exercising that right actively and vigorously."
“Trump is doing everything to prevent me from having my day in court.” — Momodou Taal, Cornell graduate student
As a result, Lee said the legal team filed an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO) to prevent any enforcement action before the case is heard in court. He added that if the court grants the TRO and federal agents still proceed with detaining Taal, the situation would escalate to a violation of the court’s order, which would create an opportunity for additional legal action.
However, the Justice Department responded to the motion for a TRO by sending an email to Taal’s legal team requesting that he “surrender” to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Syracuse “at a mutually agreeable time for personal service of the [Notice to Appear]” — the
He added that there was no reason for Taal to surrender to ICE custody because his visa was not revoked. However, in a follow-up email on March 21 the Justice Department told Taal’s legal team that his student visa had been revoked by the State Department on March 14. In their statement, the Justice Department said that Taal was involved in “disruptive protests” that created a “hostile environment for Jewish students.”
The Cornell Graduate Student Union (CGSU), which Taal is a member of, released a statement condemning the visa revocation and accusing Cornell of aiding the federal government’s efforts to silence Taal.
According to the union, the federal government is using past disciplinary actions that Cornell has taken against Taal as the justification for why his visa is being
revoked. They highlight two suspensions that Cornell has filed against Taal over the past year for participating in pro-Palestinian campus protests, with the most recent nearly leading to his deportation.
“Today, we got the horrifying news that Momodou Taal’s visa has been revoked by ICE,” CGSU said. “Even more disturbingly, in its explanation for why Taal’s visa was revoked, ICE utilized direct quotes from Cornell’s completely unjust notice of suspension issued through the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (OSCCS) — a suspension based on charges made with no investigation, resulting in a complete lack of evidence, and hence in a total absence of due process.”
CGSU said Taal’s suspension was part of a broader disciplinary strategy pushed by Cornell’s senior administration.
“Taal’s entire disciplinary process was the result of the Cornell administration advising OSCCS whom to target for disciplinary action,” the statement continued. “Cornell’s current draconian disciplinary procedures are completely out of control and dangerous. The danger is even more real now that the federal government is utilizing Cornell’s sham disciplinary processes for their own benefit. It is unconscionable that Cornell’s unjust discipline can result in visa revocation.”
In response to the threats against Taal’s due process rights the Cornell Collective for Justice in Palestine (CCJP) organized an emergency protest on March 20 calling on Cornell students, faculty and the local community to rally in support of Taal.
“I went to Greece on my honeymoon.”
Cindi
“Australia. The flight was brutal.”
Marla
“I just got back from a semester abroad in Italy.”
Kyler
“I went to my roommate’s wedding in India.”
Eliana
“I spent 6 weeks in Southeast Asia.”
Trevor
The Justice Department says that Momodou Taal’s visa was revoked on March 14, but they didn't notify Taal’s legal team until March 21, just four days before he was scheduled to appear in trial for his lawsuit against the Trump administration.
Library Place Tax Abatement Moves to New Ownership as Travis Hyde Faces Financial Strain
By Maddy Vogel
On Wednesday, the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency (TCIDA) made the unconventional decision to transfer the tax abatement for Library Place, a downtown luxury housing development, to the building’s new ownership.
The sale comes as Travis Hyde Properties, the development company behind Library Place, faces financial hardships associated with rising construction costs, high vacancy rates and unexpectedly low demand for luxury senior housing.
Following months of negotiations between Frost Travis, president of Travis Hyde, and the TCIDA, the agency allowed Travis to drop the age 55+ restriction for Library Place while retaining their tax abatement on the condition that rents were lowered by 10% for two years.
In January, Travis told the agency that he had acquired an “additional investment,” which would allow him to lower the rents on the condition that the age restriction for tenants be removed. It’s apparent now that the “additional investment” likely referred to the sale of the building.
The agency approved the transfer of the existing $5.32 million 10-year tax abatement to the building’s new ownership, Park Grove Realty, a Rochester-based real estate development and property management company backing several prominent developments in Ithaca.
Park Grove Reality is a partner in the Cayuga Park development, which involves constructing The Aurora, a project set to have 141 luxury apartments with groundfloor commercial space. Other projects in Ithaca that Park Grove Realty has helped develop include the Cayuga Medical Center Building, the Marketview Apartments, The Meadows at Ithaca and the Triphammer Apartments.
UPS DOWNS&
Ups
The Dorothy Cotton Jubilee Singers will present a powerful and uplifting concert featuring Spirituals and African American sacred music on Sunday, March 30, at 4:00 p.m. in Ford Auditorium on the Ithaca College campus.
Downs
First responders located a deceased individual at a house fire in Freeville that occurred around 4 a.m. on Monday, March 18, at 318 Asbury Rd. The investigation is ongoing.
Heard
the financial hardships he was facing at Library Place.
The last time the TCIDA approved the transfer of tax incentives after a building sale was in 2021, when City Centre was sold for a $25 million profit but the new ownership retained the tax incentives that the TCIDA granted.
The agency got pushback from the public after their decision to transfer the incentives for City Centre. While it is customary for tax incentives not to transfer when a building is sold, the TCIDA has the authority to make exceptions.
Board members explained why they supported this transfer despite public con-
a PILOT, this is not a situation where the original developer is making a pile of money on this,” Dawson said. “In fact, there will be some losses entailed in this but it’s necessary to the continued viability of this project.”
TCIDA member Greg Mezey echoed Nguyen’s sentiments, emphasizing that the TCIDA supports the transfer because Library Place is a community investment.
“I just think it’s important, for the record, to recognize the work that the original team has done and the asset they brought forward to our community is to be commended,” Mezey said. “ I think it’s important that we continue to invest in projects that we believe are the right investment in our community, so that’s the reason why we support this transfer.”
“I think this board acknowledges the public concern over transferring incentives but the situation is very different from another one that has made headlines.”
— Ducson Nguyen, board member
cerns about the City Centre transfer.
Last month, Travis Hyde entertained the idea of selling The Dean, another recently-completed downtown housing development with similarly high priced apartments, though he claimed the potential sale was not in connection with
“I think this board acknowledges the public concern over transferring incentives but the situation is very different from another one that has made headlines,” board member Ducson Nguyen said. “I think this is a project that is a community asset for my neighborhood, for downtown, and I want to see it succeed.”
Board member Deborah Dawson said that this transfer of incentives is unlike City Centre because Travis Hyde will be taking a loss on the property.
“This is unlike the last time we transferred
The board unanimously approved the transfer of the PILOT agreement.
The action item was absent from the TCIDA’s meeting agenda, and the decision was delivered following an executive session.
Member of the TCIDA Legal Counsel and Attorney at Law Russell Gaenzle said it came together at the “last-minute” and told the board that he will get resolutions reflecting the action into the meeting minutes.
TCIDA Chair Rich John explained that the new ownership will have to commit to the previously negotiated lowered rent agreement, and that they will be responsible for addressing the current vacancies in the building. He added that Park Grove
For the fourth time, fairy magic is coming to Downtown Ithaca as Spring Fairy Fest makes its way to the Commons on Saturday, March 29 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Dress as your favorite fairy, elf, imp or magical creature and come enjoy a day of crafts and family fun inside your favorite downtown businesses. All ages welcome!
Seen
The Cornell Board of Trustees today voted to appoint Michael I. Kotlikoff, who has served as interim president since July 2024, Cornell’s 15th president, effective immediately.
IF YOU CARE TO RESPOND to something in this column, or suggest your own praise or blame, write editor@ithacatimes. com, with a subject head “U&D.”
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Should Cornell do more to protect the free speech rights of international students? Visit ithaca.com to submit your response.
The Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency voted to transfer a $5.32 million tax abatement to Park Grove Realty, the new owners of Library Place, amid financial difficulties faced by the original developer, Travis Hyde Properties. (Photo: Maddy Vogel)
The Talk at
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
RE: In Support of TCPL Director Leslie Tabor
“Folks, I am so tired. I’m tired of being ignored. I’m tired of the joyous, positive voices of the TCPL staff going unheard. I’m tired of the bullies getting all the attention. I’m tired of watching our director, Leslie Tabor, get harassed and abused. I have the best job in the world and I want to go home at the end of the day feeling proud and satisfied, but instead I worry endlessly about my coworkers’ mental health because of how they’re being treated. I’m so, so tired.
I’m tired of hearing about “employee retention” being a yardstick of good leadership but no one questioning the types of employees that were being retained before Leslie came aboard. Should we hire back the staff members who watched pornography at their desks? The employees who sexually harassed coworkers for literal decades? How about the folks who scrolled Facebook and did jigsaw puzzles at their desks instead of working? Should
we have retained the employee who made racist comments and purposefully misgendered trans staff and patrons?
I’m tired of folks ignoring the fact that a large number of the staff who have left in the last three years a) retired, b) MOVED AWAY, and c) got promotional positions at other libraries because there weren’t any positions open at TCPL at the time. This is what happens in employment, and I’m tired of TCPL being treated as if it should be any different.
I’m tired of people pointing out all the grievances being filed but fail to recognize that these grievances are being filed by the same handful of people in a strategic attempt to overwhelm and beat down Leslie.
I’m tired of people willfully overlooking all the great work we’re doing at TCPL under Leslie’s leadership. Circulation is up, surpassing our pre-pandemic numbers. Card registration is up. We are holding monthly Narcan training and mindful meditation programs. We are offering more digital services in the spirit of accessibility. We’ve mindfully rearranged the library to be more accessible to differentlyabled people. We are partnering with more and more community members and organizations. Despite brutal budget cuts last year, we were able to avoid any layoffs. We are a safe space, a shelter, one of the only third spaces in Ithaca. But, no, by all means, let’s keep focusing on the “empty” front lobby as if it’s the biggest tragedy in
Ithaca’s history (and, by the way, had nothing to do with Leslie).
I’m tired because I’m a happy and positive person, and I work with happy, positive people, and we’re treated as if our feelings and opinions don’t matter— only the few angry, unhappy people matter. I’m tired because it feels like no one wants us to be happy and positive. They want to rant and rave and demand Leslie’s resignation. WHY??
I’m tired and incredibly saddened watching “do-gooders” demean and diminish Leslie, one of the most inspirational and thoughtful people I’ve ever worked with. I’m tired of people refusing to acknowledge their biases and admit that race absolutely has something to do with this.
And I’m tired because, even as I write this, I know I’m screaming into the void. People who feel the same as I will continue to feel this way, and the bullies and racists and angry people will continue to ignore me.” — Melisa Crumrine, TCPL Library Assistant and employee of eight years
RE: USA Votes Against Hope at UN
“The United States was the only country to vote against a United Nations resolution declaring an “International Day of Hope.” It was approved 161 to 1.
The U.S. delegate said that the text “contains references to diversity, equity and inclusion that conflict with U.S. policies that seek to eliminate all forms of discrimination and create equal opportunities for all.”
Moreover, the United States was one of just three nations, along with Israel and Argentina, to vote against a resolution calling for an “International Day of Peaceful Coexistence.”
The U.S. representative expressed concern that the resolution “advances a program of soft global governance that is inconsistent with U.S. sovereignty.”
John Paul Lederach is Professor of International Peacebuilding at the University of Notre Dame. In 2002, he wrote a classic essay titled, “Breaking the cycle of violence.”
LIBRARY PLACE TAX ABATEMENT
continued from page 5
Realty is requesting a one-year extension to the agreement.
“The new developer would be responsible for addressing the current vacancies in the property and carrying all of the costs during that period of time,” John said. “With that in mind, the new owner
In the article, Lederach contends that the most important question the United States and the West can ask other nations is, “How can we help you meet the fundamental needs of your people?”
Can we not just work together as human beings to build a better world?”
Terry Hansen
RE: Trump Undermines EPA
“The Trump administration’s proposal to reconsider the EPA’s endangerment finding is reckless, anti-science, and a huge step backward for climate action. This decision isn’t just about politics—it puts our health, environment, and future on the line.
The endangerment finding, established in 2009, is based on clear scientific evidence that greenhouse gases harm public health and the planet. It’s been the legal backbone for policies that reduce emissions from cars, power plants, and industry. Without it, we lose a key tool for fighting climate change—and that’s exactly what polluters want.
The reality is, climate change isn’t some distant threat. It’s here. We’re seeing record-breaking heat, wildfires, floods, and hurricanes that devastate communities. Our state is not immune from these catastrophes and the Trump Administration’s actions would reverse progress. Gutting this policy ignores science and common sense at a time when we need stronger action, not more rollbacks. This also sends a terrible message to the rest of the world. While other countries are working toward clean energy solutions, the U.S. risks becoming a climate laggard instead of a leader.
We can’t let this happen. We need to push back against this dangerous move and demand real climate solutions. The health of our planet—and future generations—depends on it. The EPA should scrap its plan to undo this regulation and maintain the rules that are protecting all of us and the air and water we rely on.” —
John Avery
is requesting consideration of a one-year extension of the PILOT, so that they would get a similar PILOT as if this was a new project.”
The TCIDA will hold a public hearing for the one-year extension on Monday, April 7 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Ithaca Area Economic Development office on 119 E Seneca Street. The board said they would discuss the extension during their Wednesday, April 9 meeting.
The Tommy Plane Restoration
By Charlie Githler
The first thing that grabs your attention when you walk into the exhibit space at the Tompkins County History Center is a World War I-era biplane. It’s the “Tommy Plane”, an original Thomas-Morse Scout S-4B, first built right here in Ithaca in 1918. It’s one of a few hundred made; for a time they were used to train virtually every World War I pilot.
The plane is bigger than you might imagine, and meticulously, exquisitely restored. You can even see it from Bank Alley on the Commons, if you peer through the window.
The Tommy Plane is actually on permanent loan to the History Center from the Ithaca Aviation Heritage Foundation (IAHF), which is the organization that, over the course of 14 years, located and acquired the plane, and spent countless hours restoring it.
It enjoys a permanent spot in the exhibit hall. Also, there’s no obvious other place to put it. Regardless of the theme of the current exhibit, the Tommy Plane is part of the landscape. With a 5-step raised platform, allowing visitors to look inside the cockpit, it’s a favorite item, particularly for kids. As luck would have it, the current 2025 exhibit (“Planes, Trains and Automobiles”) is focused on the theme of the evolution of the various modes of transportation in Tompkins County, so the plane is in its glory.
The first sustained heavier-than-air airplane flight was, of course, by the Wright Brothers in December 1903. It lasted 12 seconds, covered 120 feet at
a maximum height of 10 feet at 7 miles an hour. It was a glorified manned kite with a lawnmower engine, but obviously an earthshaking achievement.
To look at the Tommy Plane now, the word “contraption” springs to mind, with wooden struts, a system of alarmingly narrow-gauge guy wires, and an open cockpit. The technology was absolutely state of the art for its time, though, miles beyond the Wright Brothers’ first plane from 14 years earlier, and reliable enough to change the nature of warfare in World War I.
Aviation technology has always been a work in progress, and at the beginning of World War I, barely a decade after that first airplane flight, flying was still a precarious enterprise. In August 1914, aviator Baxter Adams planned a flight from Hammondsport to the Ithaca fairgrounds (where Wegmans is today), a distance of 45 miles. It was an event noteworthy enough to make the newspapers. The stunt was postponed three days in a row due to weather, and when he finally made the trip, he briefly got lost in the clouds over Lamoka Lake. Once here, he stayed for a couple of days, putting on displays and doing tricks like the ‘Loop the Loop’, but during one of his flights over the city his engine disintegrated, raining parts down on West Buffalo Street. He was somehow able to coast back to the fairgrounds, and left town the next day with
Continued on Page 18
Concerns Raised Over Public Participation at Town Planning Board Meeting
Yayoi Koizumi, Zero Waste Ithaca
Dear Town of Ithaca Planning Board Members,
We are writing to formally file a complaint regarding the handling of public participation at the Town Planning Board meeting on March 4th, where Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff, Chemist Brett P. Fors, field hockey parents, field hockey players, alumni, and the athletic director attended and spoke against Zero Waste Ithaca’s submissions.
It is important for us to understand why Cornell’s President and affiliates were present at the meeting, especially given that we were informed by a Town Planning Board staff member that it was unclear whether we would be allowed to speak. As we understand it, the “Persons to be Heard” section is typically reserved for public comments unrelated to agenda items, and Cornell’s synthetic turf project was on the agenda that evening—yet, no public hearing was scheduled.
When we inquired about whether we would have an opportunity to speak, we were told it was uncertain. Given this, we invited others but had to make clear that we might not be able to speak, out of respect
DETAIN CORNELL GRAD MOMODOU TAAL
“Momodou has never been charged with a crime; he is being targeted for protected political speech and for his prominence as an activist who has been covered extensively by national and international media outlets,” said the CCJP statement announcing the protest. “We cannot let this happen to Momodou or other international students at Cornell.”
for their time, since we could not be sure we would be permitted to address the Board.
Yet, on March 4th, Cornell brought a significant number of representatives, including high-ranking officials and students, who were able to speak at the meeting. We would like to understand how and why this was possible, and why this level of participation was seemingly coordinated when it was unclear if members of the public would be allowed to speak. We request that this email be entered into the public record as a formal protest regarding the handling of public participation at the meeting.
Furthermore, because these correspondences pertain directly to procedural fairness and transparency regarding the Negative Declaration (Neg Dec), we request that the Town Planning Board proactively disclose any existing relevant records now, prior to finalizing the Neg Dec, to ensure a complete and accurate record of the decision-making process.
Additionally, I’m attaching Safe Healthy Playing Fields’ public comment submitted to the City of Petaluma, CA, as it contains relevant information and links to sources regarding TenCate.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
have. If that is taken away from you, then everything else is gone.” He added, “This is an assault on democracy itself.”
continued from page 4 Continued
Chris Godshall-Bennett, Legal Director of the Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) and co-counsel on the case condemned the administration’s targeting of activists.
During the protest, Lee said, “Our lawsuit is a challenge to the constitutionality of these executive orders… Trump has criminalized all criticism of the U.S. government by non-citizens and opened up citizens who criticize the State of Israel to potential criminal prosecution.” Lee continued, “Criticizing the American government is the most core democratic right you can
“The pretext being used to intimidate and incarcerate people like Momodou and Mahmoud Khalil is my safety as a Jewish person, and I reject that fundamentally,” Godshall-Bennett said. “This is not about safety. This is about silencing dissent. We need to stand up now before it’s too late.”
International Labor Relations (ILR) Professor Risa Lieberwitz, President of Cornell’s American Association of University Professors (AAUP) Chapter, called on the university to refuse compliance with
The Tompkins County History Center is home to a rare World War I-era “Tommy Plane,” an original Thomas-Morse Scout S-4B, which was built in Ithaca in 1918. (Photo: Provided)
Ithaca Unions Demand Fair Wages as Cost of Living Soars
By Maddy Vogel
Several unions across Ithaca are currently engaged in contract negotiations, all fighting for contracts that provide fair and equitable wages as the cost of living in Ithaca continues to rapidly increase.
The unions held a press conference on Wednesday, March 19 at the Southside Community Center, updating the community on their negotiations and providing insight on their priorities for the bargaining process.
Seven unions in Ithaca are currently negotiating for a new contact, including the Ithaca Teachers Association (ITA), Ithaca Education Support Professionals, Cornell Graduate Students Union, Bang’s Ambulance, GreenStar Workers United, Tompkins County Public Library Workers and Tompkins County Area Transit Workers.
David Isley, first vice president of the Ithaca Teachers Association described that
tation services would have a tremendous impact on residents.
The statement’s commitment to “uninterrupted service” indicates a strike is unlikely at this point, but the contract has not yet been ratified by members.
In the statement, UAW TCAT Chairperson Brandon Chamblee emphasized the importance of providing services to TCAT riders while bargaining for a fair contract.
“Our members play a crucial role in keeping the community connected, and we are proud of the work we do every day,” Chamblee said. “We are encouraged by the progress we’ve made at the bargaining table and remain dedicated to ensuring a fair and equitable future for TCAT workers.”
The tentative agreement still needs to be voted on by union membership before it is approved. In the meantime, both parties have agreed to transparent communication and consistent transit services for the community.
many of the unions that are currently in negotiations were deemed essential during the pandemic, leading to an increased union presence in Ithaca.
“These unions represent many essential workers and are particularly concerned about wages, safer working conditions and job security,” Isley said.
According to the latest Tompkins County Living Wage Study conducted by Cornell University’s Ithaca and Buffalo Co-Labs, the living wage for a single adult in Tompkins County has surged to $24.82 per hour in the past two years, a 34.5% increase from the 2023 figure of $18.45.
The minimum wage for upstate New York rose 9.2% from $14.20 to $15.50 over the same period, but this rate still falls $9.32 short of Ithaca’s living wage.
As the living wage continues to grow, Ithaca’s unions are fighting for wages that will allow them to live in the community which they serve.
TOMPKINS COUNTY AREA TRANSIT WORKERS
After lengthy negotiations and an overwhelmingly-approved strike authorization vote, Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) workers and management have reached a tentative agreement and have made a commitment to maintain “uninterrupted service.”
Management and TCAT workers represented by United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 2300 announced the agreement in a joint statement on Friday following a full day of negotiations.
According to the statement, the tentative agreement reflects management and union members’ dedication to contract compromises and ensuring that public transportation services continue.
Workers had previously authorized a strike with 84% member approval but hadn’t yet called a strike, with drivers citing concerns that the sudden lack of transpor-
“We appreciate the hard work and dedication of the UAW Local 2300 bargaining team, and our employees who remain committed to providing safe and reliable transit for the community,” TCAT General Manager Matthew Rosenbloom-Jones said. “We value the vital role our workforce plays in keeping Tompkins County moving and are pleased to have reached an understanding that allows us to continue serving our riders.”
ITHACA TEACHERS ASSOCIATION AND ITHACA EDUCATION SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS
Kathryn Cernera, president of the Ithaca Teachers Association (ITA), a union representing hundreds of teachers and staff in the Ithaca City School District (ICSD), described the ongoing negotiations between the union and district administration.
The union has been engaging in livestreamed public negotiations—the first of any teachers union in New York State— since January, aiming to reduce teacher turnover and create an equitable salary structure.
Aurora Rojer, vice president of the Ithaca Teachers Association, speaks at a press conference at Southside Community Center on March 19. The ITA is currently negotiating a new contract with the Ithaca City School District.
(Photo: Mark Syvertson)
Tompkins County Public Library workers represented by UAW Professional and Support Staff Associations have been working under an expired contract since Dec. 31 and are demanding living wages, equitable compensation and stronger job security protections.
(Photo: Mark Syvertson)
President of the Ithaca Teachers Association
Kathryn Cernera said the union is pushing for a more equitable salary structure to address teacher retention, citing an 18% teacher turnover rate in the Ithaca City School District.
(Photo: Mark Syvertson)
Like many other unions, the ITA is fighting to earn a living wage. Cernera believes that a living wage for teachers could improve the “teacher retention crisis” that the district currently faces.
“Right now, our biggest ask for competitive, attractive, predictable and incentivising salaries is getting caught up in the back and forth of district budget proposals and the politics of whether or not Ithaca taxpayers will support our teachers,” Cernera said.
The ICSD experienced a teacher turnover rate of 18% last year, a figure that Cernera said was “substantially higher” than the 12% national average and the 14% state average.
“In the past five to 10 years, we’ve seen an alarming rate of mid-career teachers, those with 10, 15, 20 years in the district, leaving us,” Cernera said.
Cernera highlighted the importance of students forming strong relationships with their teachers, sharing the story of a fifthgrade student she recently spoke with, who revealed that none of his teachers from previous years in the district were still working there.
Cernera added that veteran teacher retention rates dropped from 83% in 2015 to 57% in 2025.
“If we want to keep educators in our
schools, we’ve got some real work to do,” Cernera said.
Cernera attributed this retention crisis to the district’s “systemically inequitable and just broken” salary structure.
She said that in the current structure, teachers’ pay relies entirely on the salary raise that was negotiated when they were hired, leading to some early-career teachers earning more than teachers with more experience.
“Our members have spoken, and we cannot adopt another contract full of salaries that offer band-aid solutions and dubious action plans,” Cernera said.
Beyond salaries, Cernera said the union hopes to increase retention by focusing on solving everyday issues that teachers face, including improved health and leave benefits, safer working conditions and more dedicated time for teachers to complete prep work at school.
Cernera said the union has already come to agree with district leaders on many of their requests. The ITA has renegotiated the district’s grievance procedure for the first time in over 50 years, ensured more protections for non-tenured teachers and is currently working on establishing a protocol for progressive discipline.
In addition to the ITA, Ithaca’s Educational Support Professionals including teacher aides, teacher assistants and bus aides are also in contract negotiations. No members of the union were present at the press conference to provide a bargaining update, but a change.org petition from the union calls for a contract with fair wages.
The petition states that educational support staff with one year of experience earn $16.91 per hour, far below the latest living wage.
CORNELL GRADUATE STUDENTS UNION
After successfully unionizing in November 2023, the Cornell Graduate Students Union has been negotiating their first union contract for over a year, since March of 2024. The union represents over 3,000 graduate workers at the university.
Marguerite Pacheco, graduate worker and biomedical engineer on the bargaining committee said the union wants academic due process, protections for undocumented workers, strong nondiscrimination protections and just cause protections for graduate student workers.
Pacheco said that the University doesn’t currently pay the Tompkins County Living wage. She said that during recent negotiations, the university admitted they could pay more, but said they weren’t going to, stating that the University said they “have money for their priorities.”
“We are going to make the workers of this town a priority for our employer,” Pacheco said.
Pacheco said that the union is prepared to strike if Cornell does not present the contract they think they deserve.
GREENSTAR WORKERS UNITED
In August, GreenStar workers voted to unionize, becoming the second co-op grocery store in the entire state to be represented by a union. Workers cited the desire for greater workplace democracy, improved communication, and increased accountability as key reasons for forming the union.
Joe Damiano, union member and negotiating team member for GreenStar Workers United said that they are currently negotiating their first contract, but didn’t want to reveal many details of the process.
“At GreenStar, the union has transformed us into a much more active and unified workforce,” Damiano said.
Like others, GreenStar workers are fighting for fair wages and just cause protections to be included in their contract.
“It benefits Ithaca greatly to have those that serve be able to pay their rent and feed their families,” Damiano said.
Damiano added that the union is about to head into economic proposals, where they will negotiate key aspects of economic stability like wages and benefits.
TOMPKINS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY WORKERS
The UAW Professional Staff Association and UAW Support Staff Association, representing 33 Tompkins County Public Library (TCPL) staff, have been negotiating
on an expired contract since Dec. 31.
The unions seek a contract that offers competitive wages and compensation, dignified working conditions and fair discipline and grievance processes, according to Asia Bonacci, bargaining committee member and TCPL librarian of over 10 years.
“It is the priority of the negotiations for both professional and support staff to bring pay up proportionately to avoid wage compression of higher skillsets while making sure TCPL offers a living wage to all staff,” Bonacci said.
According to Bonacci, the union has presented demands on reciprocal rights and have strengthened language around anti-discrimination, unions rights to postnotices, grievance remediation and board trustee meeting attendance for union representatives.
The union is calling for a dependable third-party facilitator in grievance processes, along with increased wages and job security protections.
“In upcoming bargaining sessions, the professional staff are committed to settling on contract language that strengthens workers job security in line with civil service law in other area institutions,” Bonacci said.
BANGS AMBULANCE WORKERS UNITED
Bangs Ambulance workers are also in negotiations, although they did not have a union representative present at the press conference and have not posted any bargaining updates on their website. In previous negotiations, workers advocated for better wages, up-to-date equipment and training, consistent discipline practices and open communication between staff and management.
Members of UAW Local 2300, representing Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit workers, reached a tentative agreement with management after months of negotiations and a strike authorization vote. The agreement commits both parties to uninterrupted service while union members await a ratification vote. (Photo: Mark Syvertson)
Champion Again
Ithaca High School and Ithaca College Diver Kailee Payne Repeats as Champion
By Steve Lawrence
Ithaca College diver and Ithaca High School alum Kailee Payne closed out her collegiate career over the weekend at the NCAA Division III championships in Greensboro, North Carolina, by winning her second consecutive dual-national championship and was selected the NCAA Division III Diver of the Year, also for the second consecutive year.
Chris Griffin — Payne’s diving coach was named the Diving Coach of the Year. It was a fitting way for the duo to wrap up their athlete/coach relationship, which dates back to Kailee’s middle school years.
Payne came into the meet (held in Greensboro, N.C.) as the defending national champion in both the 1-meter and the 3-meter dives, and the dominance she has maintained since stepping atop the podium continued. She won the 1-meter competition
handily, then set an NCAA D-III record in the 3-meter preliminaries. Knowing she still had to finish the job, Payne scored a 522.80, a full 21 points higher than her closest competitor. It was a great way to put the finishing touches on a brilliant collegiate career, and on a productive and fulfilling collaboration between a coach and an athlete.
Coming into her senior season, Payne told me, “I just want to perform, and put on a show. I know ‘a successful season’ will end with me walking away knowing I had fun, and I did as much as I could to help the team.”
Well done, Kailee. I would say that two more national championships qualifies as helping the team.
I don’t know if anyone gave Mike Schafer a rocking chair as a retirement gift, but if so, nobody is complaining that it is gathering a few more cobwebs.
Schafer’s ride off into the proverbial sunset was delayed once again, as the Big Red
Honoring Our Guthrie Physicians
This Doctors’ Day, Guthrie celebrates the compassion, expertise, and dedication of our remarkable physicians. Every day, you touch lives, bring hope, and strengthen our communities. Your commitment inspires us and makes a profound difference for every patient you care for.
Thank you for the invaluable role you play in advancing health care and healing. We are proud to support and celebrate you today and always.
men’s hockey team won its second consecutive ECAC Hockey championship at one of the sport’s iconic venues, the 1980 Rink — Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid — to move on to next weekend’s NCAA Division I Men’s Hockey Championship. (It was the program’s 14th ECAC Hockey championship, and that total leads the league in titles.)
Senior Ondrej Psenicka did his part to make sure he could lace up the skates for Cornell at least one more time, factoring on all three goals (1 goal, 2 assists) in the 3-1 win over Clarkson. Ian Shane’s 30 saves notched career win number 65 for the senior, tying him for second place on the program’s all-time wins list.
The #4 Big Red will travel to Toledo, Ohio, and take the ice on Thursday against #2 Michigan State. The puck will drop at 5:30 pm, and the game will be televised on ESPN +.
It was another great season for the #3 Big Red women, who made it the program’s fifth Frozen Four, where they fell to the #2 Ohio State Buckeyes by a score of 4-2. The women finished the season at 25-5-4.
I’d like to share a hockey spin-off story that transcends statistics and win/loss records... For the second year in a row, Cornell hockey’s Hank Kempf is a finalist for the NCAA Humanitarian Award.
Sadly, two years ago, Hank’s mom passed from breast cancer, and knowing this, one of his professors introduced him to Kesem, an organization that provides year-round free programs to support children whose parents are diagnosed with cancer.
Last season, in honor of Hank’s mom, Cornell Hockey asked fans to donate at least 10 cents for each blocked shot to go toward Kesem, with a goal of raising $5,000. Ultimately, the total amount raised was more than $30,000, and this year, the “Big Red Blocks for Healing” campaign has continued — with a goal of exceeding the $30,000 mark set last year. What a great way to utilize the program’s extensive platform for good, and to honor Hank’s mom.
Kailee Payne has been diving in Ithaca since middle school and ends her college career as National Champion and Diver of the year again. (Photo: Provided)
Jagraj S. Rai, MD
ALL ABOUT ITHACA 2025
Campus Club at Cornell: Connecting Ithaca’s Women For 125 Years
By Maddy Vogel
In a community like Ithaca where people are always searching for ways to connect, the need for “third spaces”— environments that are neither home nor work—are vital to establishing a support system. For thousands of women in Ithaca, those critical connections have been made through the Campus Club at Cornell, a women's social organization that is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.
First established in 1900, the Campus Club at Cornell (CCC) was initially a place for Cornell-affiliated women, typically the wives of Cornell faculty, to establish connections and find purpose. Back then, formal teas and organized community service opportunities were at the core of the club.
The club’s founding came at a time when only 6% of married women worked outside
Club Details
The club has an upcoming 125th birthday bash celebration, open to members.
Campus Club 125th Birthday Bash
Date/Time: Saturday, April 26, from 3 to 5 p.m.
Location: Foundation of Light, Turkey Hill Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850
the home. The club was a chance for women to become involved in the community and find fulfilling work outside the home.
Since then, the club has grown and evolved past extraordinary circumstances.
Although Cornell is in their name, the Campus Club has been open to all Ithacan women — lifelong residents and newcomers alike — since 2013, when they dropped the connection to Cornell as a requirement for membership.
But it wasn’t an easy path to get to that point. Despite their diminished connection to the university today, changes to membership eligibility were controversial throughout the group’s history.
Slowly but surely, the group’s membership requirements lessened and their efforts became less service-based as it became more socially acceptable for women to have full-time jobs. The club’s initiatives became more connectionbased, forming groups for the various interests of women in the CCC.
Today, the club has over 20 activity groups, ranging from book groups to hiking and crosscountry skiing, and even their aptly named “friendship group.”
President of the club Ellen Harrison first became involved in the CCC when she was
retired and a friend suggested she join the club’s hiking group. She soon became more involved with the club, joining the executive board as the assistant social chair and eventually stepping up to be president.
Harrison’s story mirrors the journey of many women in the club who join through a shared passion and develop friendships, many of them following her similar trajectory of blossoming into a leader on the board.
“The Campus Club attracts lively women,” Harrison said, describing some of her fellow club members who she has formed connections with. “I think it’s a way for somebody to gain entry into a community of interesting women.”
Harrison emphasized the importance of the club for people who are experiencing significant life changes that lead them to seek connection.
“It’s been extremely useful to newcomers,” Harrison said. “Newly retired people or people who have just moved to Ithaca.”
An organization that survives for more than a century in Ithaca is rare, especially considering that the club was able to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the pandemic, the club endured by holding social events on zoom and hosting
outdoor events. In 2024, the Campus Club had a total of 337 members, which was just 35 members shy of their pre-COVID membership in 2019.
“I think we’re very proud of the fact that over all of that time, including during COVID, the club was a strong, positive way for women to come together,” Harrison said.
Despite their lessened Cornell affiliation, the university has archived historic documents and materials, preserving the club’s history and legacy.
“That’s an important connection that we really appreciate,” Harrison said.
Adaptability has been central to the group’s continued success. Despite shifting societal norms and changes in how women allocate their time, the club’s membership has steadily grown in recent years. The group has fostered an invaluable number of friendships for Ithaca’s women.
“To have an organization that’s been able to continue to provide something so valuable and evolve with the times, I think is noteworthy,” Harrison said.
For more information on the Cornell Campus Club, visit blogs.cornell.edu/campusclub/social/.
Community Listings
Area Attractions
Visitor information
Ithaca/Tompkins County
Convention and Visitors Bureau
Downtown Visitor Center: 110 North Tioga Street, Open Thur. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (607) 272-1313; (800) 284-8422 (toll-free)
www.visitithaca.com
Downtvown Ithaca Alliance
171 East State St. Center Ithaca Ithaca, NY 14t850 (607) 277-8679
Downtownithaca.com
The Downtown Ithaca Business
Improvement District is a New York state-chartered not-for-profit organization charged with the revitalization, development, promotion and management of downtown Ithaca.
The Ithaca Times
109 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 277-7000 Ithaca.com
Shopping
DeWitt Mall
215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca, NY (607) 273-6464
This converted brick building houses various shops, including the worldfamous Moosewood Restaurant, the DeWitt Café, GreenStar Oasis natural foods market, Cat’s Pajamas, Ithaca GuitarWorks, and other retail stores.
East Hill Plaza
327 Pine Tree Rd., Ithaca, NY (607) 257-1725
An outdoor complex featuring Collegetown Bagels, local banks, and more.
Ithaca Commons
Located between N. Aurora and S. Cayuga Streets, and East and West State Streets, this pedestrian mall offers a variety of restaurants, clothing stores, art galleries, bookstores, record stores, and more.
Ithaca Farmers’ Market
Steamboat Landing, 545 3rd St., Ithaca, NY (607) 273-7109
Operates Saturdays (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.) and Sundays (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) from
April through October, and reduced hours (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) in November and December. ithacamarket.com
The Shops at Ithaca Mall 40 Catherwood Rd. off North Triphammer Rd., Ithaca, NY (607) 257-5337
theShopsatIthacaMall.com
Home to national retailers such as Target, Best Buy, and Regal Cinemas. The Triphammer Marketplace 2255 North Triphammer Rd., Ithaca, NY (607) 273-6851
triphammermarketplace.com
Features a variety of retail, dining, and service offerings, including Ithaca Bakery, Gene’s Barber Shop, Finger Lakes ReUse, Triphammer Laundromat, and more.
Supermarkets
Greenstar Cooperative Market
Greenstar Cooperative Market 770 Cascadilla St., Ithaca, NY (607) 273-9392
greenstar.coop
Open daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
This market features organic produce, homeopathic products, and an affordable membership.
Greenstar DeWitt Dewitt Mall, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca, NY (607) 273-8213
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Greenstar Collegetown
307 College Ave., Ithaca, NY (607) 882-2667
Open daily, 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Aldi
505 3rd St, Ithaca, NY (855) 955-2534
Open daily, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Aldi is a discount grocery store offering a wide range of fresh produce, meat, dairy, and pantry essentials at affordable prices.
Aldi (Cayuga Shopping Center) 2309 N Triphammer Rd, Ithaca, NY (855) 955-2534
Open daily, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
P&C Fresh
315 Pine Tree Rd. (East Hill Plaza), Ithaca, NY (607) 272-5836
Open daily, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
This large, full-service, up-market store is within walking distance of Cornell graduate housing.
Tops Friendly Market
2300 N Triphammer Rd., Ithaca, NY (607) 257-4952
Open daily, 6 a.m. – Midnight
A wide selection of ethnic ingredients, sushi, and an excellent bakery catering to the diverse and cuisineconscious community.
Wegmans
500 South Meadow St., Ithaca, NY (607) 277-5800
Open daily, 6 a.m. – Midnight
A bustling market with a vast selection of baked goods, fresh produce, deli items, meats, and seafood. It also has a café, sushi bar, and buffet tables offering a variety of choices.
Win Li Supermarket
374 Elmira Rd., Ithaca, NY (607) 277-6790
Open daily, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
An Asian market offering fresh meats, fish, produce, as well as a wide variety of processed foods and specialty items.
Ithaca Mini Mart
124 S. Cayuga St., Ithaca, NY (607) 319-0823
Hours vary.
Ren’s Mart Asian Groceries
701 W. Buffalo St., Ithaca, NY (607) 319-5073
Open daily, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Trader Joe’s
744 S. Meadow St., Ithaca, NY (607) 272-1420
Open daily, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Wineries
Check ahead of time for hours
Cayuga Wine Trail See cayugawinetrail.com for a listing of the 16 wineries on both sides of Cayuga Lake.
The region is most well-known for its Rieslings and Cabernet Francs. Recently, some wineries have begun focusing on Pinot Noir and Lemberger, both cool-climate vinifera grapes.
Ports of New York
815 Taber St., Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 220-6317
portsofnewyork.com
Regular hours: Thursday – Saturday, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Located along the Cayuga Inlet in the Northside neighborhood, this winery, a scion of Maison La Bouche of France, produces Meleau Specialty Wines, including ports and other fortified wines.
Six Mile Creek Vineyard
1551 Slaterville Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 272-9463
sixmilecreek.com
This winery, located in Ithaca, offers a beautiful setting to enjoy a variety of memorable wines. A new line of distilled specialties, including Vodka, Limoncello, and Grappa, enhances the tasting experience.
Arts & Entertainment
Cinemas
Cinemapolis
120 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 277-6115
www.cinemapolis.org
Independent theater features art and indie movies, showcases local filmmakers and hosts film festivals.
Cornell Cinema
104 Willard Straight Hall Ithaca, NY 14853 (607) 255-3522
www.cinema.cornell.edu
Screening over 300 films a year, seven
nights a week, Cornell Cinema runs the gamut with classic Hollywood cinema, international movies, cult classics, documentaries and experimental films as well as Ithaca premieres.
See website for details.
Regal Cinemas @ Ithaca Mall 40 Catherwood Road Ithaca, NY 14850 (844) 462-7342
Galleries
CAP ArtSpace
A program of the Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County, The ArtSpace gallery is located in the Tompkins Center for History and Culture at 110 N. Tioga Street. Monthly live and virtual exhibits. www.ArtsPartner.org
Community School of Music &
Arts
330 East State St., Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 272-1474
csma-ithaca.org
CSMA is a community school housing excellent art by many local artists in its galleries and hallways. Emphasizing collaborative ventures with lesser-known artist groups, the galleries feature experimental, daring, and aesthetically pleasing work.
Corners Gallery 903 Hanshaw Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 257-5756
Tuesday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Located minutes from Cornell University, Corners Gallery specializes in Ithaca art by Ithaca artists, featuring paintings, prints, and photographs depicting scenes of Ithaca, Cornell, and the Finger Lakes by local, regional, and national artists.
Women-owned and operated.
Handwork
102 W. State/MLK St., Ithaca, NY (607) 273-9400
handwork.coop
Open daily, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
This cooperative features crafts and fine art from artists around the country. Members work in the store, and sales clerks are also craftspeople, so feel free to ask them about their work.
The Ink Shop Printmaking Center
330 East State St., 2nd Floor, Ithaca, NY (607) 277-3884
ink-shop.org
Tuesday – Friday, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Ithaca College: Handwerker Gallery
1170 Gannett Center, 953 Danby Rd., Ithaca, NY (607) 274-3018
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
North Star Art Gallery
743 Snyder Hill Rd., Ithaca, NY (607) 323-7684
northstarartgallery.com
Open daily, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
In addition to fine arts, the North Star Gallery offers visitors the chance to stay at their nearby Airbnb.
State of the Art
120 W. State St., #2, Ithaca, NY (607) 277-1626 soag.org
Open Thursday – Sunday, 12 p.m. –5 p.m.
This members-only gallery features rotating exhibitions, offering highquality works from regional, national, and international artists.
Museums
Cornell University Lab of Ornithology
159 Sapsucker Woods Rd., Ithaca, NY (607) 254-2473
birds.cornell.edu
Open Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. –4 p.m.
A renowned research institution focused on the study, conservation, and education of birds through science, outreach, and global collaboration.
Tompkins Center for History and Culture
110 N. Tioga St., on the Commons, Ithaca, NY (607) 273-7482
tompkins-center.net
Open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. –6 p.m.
Explore Ithaca’s colorful history through exhibits that highlight topics such as the area’s boating history and its most notable women.
Johnson Museum of Art 114 Central Ave., Cornell Campus, Ithaca, NY (607) 255-6464 museum.cornell.edu
Open Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
An internationally renowned museum housed in a stunning building designed by architect I.M. Pei. Exhibits range from avant-garde video art to iconic Impressionist works. Free and open to the public.
Museum of the Earth 1259 Trumansburg Rd., Ithaca, NY (607) 273-6623 museumoftheearth.org
Open Friday – Monday, 10 a.m. –5 p.m.
A natural history museum with a collection of about 2-3 million specimens. Family-friendly and full of energy.
Sciencenter 601 1st St., Ithaca, NY (607) 272-0600 sciencenter.org
Open Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. –
5 p.m.
A hands-on, interactive science museum for kids (and adults) of all ages, blending fun with learning.
Theatres
The Cherry Artspace 102 Cherry St., Ithaca, NY
(607) 241-0703
thecherry.org
A not-for-profit arts facilitator supporting a wide range of artists and organizations in multiple disciplines. The Artspace is a flexible, multidisciplinary arts venue located on the banks of the Cayuga Inlet in Ithaca’s West End.
Civic Ensemble
civicensemble.org (607) 241-0195
Civic Ensemble focuses on plays that address issues relevant to the community, fostering open dialogue around important social topics.
Hangar Theatre
801 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca, NY (607) 273-2787
hangartheatre.org
The Hangar Theatre offers a wide variety of productions, including musicals, comedies, dramas, classics, and regional premieres.
Ithaca College Theatre
953 Danby Rd., Ithaca, NY (607) 274-3345
Ithaca College stages productions ranging from the 17th century to contemporary works, showcasing live theater's ability to delight, provoke, and inspire.
Kitchen Theatre Company
417 W. Martin Luther King Jr. St., Ithaca, NY (607) 272-0570
kitchentheatre.org
Open for virtual viewing options
With a diverse array of performances, including stage classics, regional and world premieres, family fare, and oneperson shows, the Kitchen Theatre
offers an intimate space for artistic conversation.
State Theatre of Ithaca
107 W. State St., Ithaca, NY (607) 277-8283
stateofithaca.org
A historic venue offering concerts, film screenings, and community events.
Schwartz Center for Performing Arts 430 College Ave., Ithaca, NY (607) 254-2700
pma.cornell.edu
Home to a variety of performances by Cornell’s performing arts departments, featuring student and professional productions.
Local Music Organizations
Cayuga Chamber Orchestra 110 N. Tioga Street, Suite 302, Ithaca, NY (607) 273-8981
ccoithaca.org
A professional 35-member orchestra which performs a regular orchestral concert season, a Sunday afternoon chamber music series, an annual Holiday Concert: Caroling by Candlelight, and youth concerts.
Cayuga Vocal Ensemble P.O. Box 95, Ithaca, NY cayuga-vocal.org
A twenty-voice choral ensemble of professionally-trained singers, presenting a wide variety of works from a broad spectrum of periods and genres.
Chamber Music at New Park 1500 Taughannock Boulevard, Ithaca, NY
chambermusicatnewpark.com
An annual chamber music festival presenting world-class performers in a relaxed and natural venue on Taughannock Blvd in Ithaca.
Cornell Savoyards PO Box 742, Ithaca, NY facebook.com/CornellSavoyards/ Producing Gilbert and Sullivan operettas since 1953. They delight in exposing modern audiences to the wit and music of G&S, also producing light opera, Broadway musicals, revues, and sing-a-longs.
Cornell University Concert Series 101 Lincoln Hall, Cornell, Ithaca, NY ccs@cornell.edu cornellconcertseries.com
The Cornell Concert Series has been hosting musicians and ensembles of international stature since 1903. Originally featuring Western classical artists, the series presented Ravi Shankar in 1987 and has since grown to encompass a broader spectrum of the world's great art music.
Dryden Area Intergenerational Band & Chorus drydenbandandchorus@gmail.com daibc.org
The DAIBC provides a non-competitive, fun, free summer music ensemble experience to anyone of any age or musical ability.
Finger Lakes Chamber Ensemble 102 First Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 (607)272-4839 flce@twcny.rr.com fingerlakeschamberensemble.com
A chamber music ensemble with a regular season of chamber concerts,
solo and lecture-recitals, performing in Ithaca and Lodi.
Affiliated Choruses of Ithaca musicinfo@ACIthaca.org acithaca.org
A non-profit organization providing students and residents in Tompkins County, New York the opportunity to participate in four professionally directed choral groups.
Ithaca Concert Band ithacaconcertband.org
Ithaca’s official community band for over 40 years, offering free concerts throughout the year, including an outdoor summer concert series.
Ithaca Underground ithacaunderground.org
A not-for-profit fostering a sustainable, all-ages environment for music and art outside the mainstream. They present 40+ shows a year featuring national touring, regional, and local performers.
NYS Baroque
333 The Parkway, Ithaca, NY 607-301-0604 nysbaroque.com
Performs music of the Renaissance, Baroque, and early Classical periods on period instruments.
Opera Ithaca PO Box 71, Ithaca, NY operaithaca.org
Bringing professional opera to Ithaca, New York, and the surrounding Finger Lakes and Southern Tier region.
State Theatre of Ithaca 107 W State St, Ithaca, NY (607) 277-8283
stateofithaca.com
A restored historic venue for national, international, and community performances and programming.
Triphammer Arts
607-257-2043
2622 N. Triphammer Road, Ithaca, NY triphammer.org
Brings together dancers and musicians for high-quality, audiencefriendly music and dance productions both outdoors and indoors. Festivals
Greater Ithaca Art Trail ArtTrail.com
A program of the Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County, offering the opportunity to visit artists' studios by appointment, on special event weekends in October, and during monthly First Saturdays, along with virtual events.
Spring Writes Literary Festival springwrites.org
May 8 to 23, 2025
A program of the Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County, the Festival features over 40 readings, panels, workshops, and performances in May, showcasing more than 100 local writers.
Friends of the Library Book Sale 509 Esty Street, Ithaca (607)272-2223 booksale.org
Each year, the Friends of the Tompkins County Public Library hold two book sales to benefit literacy organizations in the area. These sales include books, audio books, CDs,
DVDs, records, puzzles, and games, with special sections like Children’s Corner and Collector’s Corner.
Ithaca Festival
May 29 – June 1, 2025
Downtown Ithaca
A long-standing festival celebrating music, art, and Ithaca's unique culture. Highlights include a massive parade on the first Thursday evening and live performances throughout the weekend.
Ithaca Pride Festival
June 15, 2025 ithacapridealliance.org
An annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, featuring a vibrant parade, live performances, and events that promote inclusivity, acceptance, and pride.
Juneteenth Celebration
June 19
Southside Community Center, 305 Plain Street, Ithaca
(607) 273-4190
An annual celebration marking the end of slavery, with a day of music performances, a street fair, food, crafts vendors, and community activities.
Ithaca Reggae Fest
June 20-22, 2025
Stewart Park, 1 James L Gibbs Dr, Ithaca, NY ithacareggaefest.com
A celebration of Ithaca’s legendary reggae community and its history dedicated to the protection of Cayuga Lake.
Downtown Summer Concert Series
Late June through mid-September Bernie Milton Pavillion on the Commons, Ithaca, NY
Free live music every Thursday evening featuring local musicians playing a wide range of genres, from classical to jazz, rock, and folk.
GrassRoots Festival
July 17-20, 2025
150 Trumansburg Road, Trumansburg, NY (607) 387-5098, grassrootsfest.org
The Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance, held every July at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds, offers an eclectic mix of music and dance, along with communityfocused events.
Ithaca Artist Market
August 8, 2025 artspartner.org
An annual juried show and sale organized by the Community Arts Partnership, showcasing work by local artists in various mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, and more.
Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival Downtown Ithaca, NY
downtownithaca.com
Held annually in early October, the Ithaca Apple Fest celebrates the region’s apple harvest with over 100 vendors, live music, local food, cider tastings, and family-friendly activities.
Martin Luther King Jr� Day of Celebration
January
Held at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC), this event includes workshops, children’s activities, music, and a free community luncheon, all coordinated by volunteers to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Book/Record Stores
Alphabet Soup
171 The Commons, Ithaca, NY (607) 272-6885
Angry Mom Records/Autumn
Leaves Bookstore
115 The Commons, Ithaca, NY (607) 319-4953 (Angry Mom) (607) 273-8239 (Autumn Leaves)
angry-mom-records.com autumnleavesithaca.com
Barnes and Noble
614 South Meadow St., Ithaca, NY (607) 273-6784
Buffalo Street Books
215 N. Cayuga Street (Dewitt Mall), Ithaca, NY (607) 273-8246
buffalostreetbooks.com
Comics for Collectors
124 W. State St., Ithaca, NY (607) 272-3007
comicsforcollectors.com
Odyssey Bookstore
115 W. Green St., Lower, Ithaca, NY (607) 269-5800
odysseybookstore.com
Golf Courses
RaNic Golf Club
189 Pleasant Grove Road, Ithaca, NY (607) 317-5215
ranic.org
A private, membership-only golf course previously known as the Country Club of Ithaca. It was founded in 2020 by the Whittaker family.
Newman Golf Course
10 Pier Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 273-6262
The 9-hole course at the Newman Municipal Golf Course features 3,055 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 36. The course opened in 1935.
Pools
Alex Haley Pool (GIAC)
408 N. Albany St., Ithaca, NY (607)272-3622 for off-season (607)277-6169 pool season
Cass Park Pool
701 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca, NY (607) 273-1090
Ithaca Swimming Club
124 Uptown Road, Ithaca (607) 379-6200
YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County
50 Graham Rd. W, Ithaca (607) 257-0101
Cornell — Teagle Building 512 Campus Road, Ithaca, NY (607) 255-1318
Ithaca College Outdoor Pool & Kelsey Partridge Bird Natatorium 953 Danby Rd, Ithaca, NY (607) 274-1880
Bowling
Helen Newman Bowling Center Temporarily closed for renovations and maintenance
Cradit Farm Dr., Ithaca (607) 255-4200
Atlas Bowl
61 W Main St, Trumansburg, NY (607) 387-3191
Skating
Ithaca Skate Park 401 Wood St, Ithaca, NY
Cass Park Rink
701 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca, NY (607) 273-1090
Ithaca League of Women Rollers Shops at Ithaca, 40 Catherwood Rd, Ithaca, NY
Parks
Allan H Treman State Marine Park
805 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY (607) 272-1460
Right next to Cass Park and the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, Allan H. Treman State Marine Park is one of the largest inland marinas in New York State, boasting 370 seasonal slips, 30 transient slips, and 30 dry boat slips.
Baker Park
This neighborhood passive park is located in the triangle formed where Elmira Road, South Plain Street, and Park Street meet. It has several large shade trees, an open lawn area, and benches.
Buttermilk Falls State Park
106 E Buttermilk Falls Road, Ithaca, NY (607) 273-5761
Buttermilk Falls features a foaming cascade from Buttermilk Creek. The park includes hiking trails, a small lake, and picnic areas. The lower park has a campground, pool, and playing fields. The park is open year-round, with camping from mid-May to mid-October.
Cass Park
701 Taughannock Blvd., Ithaca (607) 273-1090
Cass Park is a regional park with athletic fields, tennis courts, playground equipment, an exercise trail, and a large picnic pavilion. It is used year-round by residents of Tompkins County.
Conway Park
Located at the triangle of Cascadilla Street, Madison Street, and Third Street, Conway Park features a half basketball court, a play structure, and a large lawn area.
Mulholland Wildflower Preserve 501-03 Giles St, Ithaca, NY
This preserve features trails for visitors to explore and is an important conservation area aimed at preserving native flora and supporting local biodiversity.
Cornell Botanic Gardens
124 Comstock Knoll Drive, Ithaca (607) 255-2400
Cornell Botanic Gardens spans hundreds of acres and includes the arboretum, botanical gardens, and natural areas.
DeWitt Park
102 E Court St, Ithaca, NY (607) 273-6464
At the corner of Buffalo and Cayuga Streets, DeWitt Park is the oldest park in Ithaca.
Hillview Park
Located at the corner of Turner Place, Columbia Street, South Aurora Street, and Hillview Place, this park offers a serene and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for walkers and runners.
Ithaca Falls Natural Area Lake St, Ithaca, NY (607) 272-1313
Located on Lake Street, Ithaca Falls is a stunning 150-foot high waterfall visible from the street. The falls are one of Ithaca’s most famous natural landmarks.
McDaniels Park
This neighborhood park is located at the intersection of Hook Place and Warren Road.
Robert H� Treman State Park 105 Enfield Falls Road, Ithaca, NY (607) 273-3440
Robert H. Treman State Park is a 1,110-acre state park featuring winding trails that follow the gorge past 12 waterfalls.
Stewart Park
Stewart Park Road, Ithaca
Stewart Park is a regional waterfront park featuring a playground, a carousel, a splash pad and is on the Cayuga Waterfront Trail. Swimming is no longer allowed.
Taughannock Falls State Park 1740 Taughannock Road, Trumansburg, NY (607) 387-6739
Taughannock Falls features a 215-foot waterfall. The park offers gorge and rim trails, campsites, and a marina.
Thompson Park N Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY Thompson Park is a small, triangular-
shaped neighborhood park on North Cayuga Street.
Titus Flats-Wood Street Park
401 Wood St Ithaca, NY
Located on Wood Street, Titus FlatsWood Street Park is directly next to the Ithaca Skate Park.
Titus Triangle Park
A small neighborhood passive park located in the triangle formed by Fair Street, South Street, and Six Mile Creek.
Washington Park
Located at the square formed by Washington Street, Court Street, Park Street, and Buffalo Street, this park offers ample green space for visitors.
Resources
Municipal Government
City of Ithaca 108 Green Street, Ithaca, NY (607) 274-6570 cityofithaca.org
Town of Ithaca
215 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY (607) 273-1721 townithacany.gov
Village of Cayuga Heights 836 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca, NY (607) 257-1238 cayugaheights.gov
Tompkins County Clerk
320 N. Tioga Street, Main Courthouse, Ithaca, NY (607) 274-5431 tompkinscounty.gov
Tompkins County Legislature 121 E Court St, Ithaca, NY (607) 274-5434 tompkinscountyny.gov
Tompkins County Whole Health 55 Brown Road, Ithaca, NY (607) 274-6600 tompkinscounty.gov
Tompkins County Environmental Health Division (607) 274-6688
Higher Education
Cornell University
General Information: (607) 254-4636 cornell.edu
410 Thurston Avenue, Ithaca, NY Ithaca College
General Information: (607) 274-3011
ithaca.edu
953 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY
Parking Garages:
Cayuga Street Parking Garage
Cayuga St., Ithaca, NY
Dryden Road Parking Garage
Dryden Road, Ithaca, NY
Seneca Street Garage
East Seneca Street, Ithaca, NY
Green Street Garage Green Street, Ithaca, NY
Waste Removal Services
Libraries
Cornell University Libraries Ithaca, NY (607) 255-4144
libpublicservices@cornell.edu library.cornell.edu
Health/Aging/ Community Resources
Bridges/Cornell Heights
407 Wyckoff Ave, Ithaca, NY (607) 257-5777
bridgescornellheights.com
Tompkins-Cortland Community College (TC3) (607) 844-8211 tc3.edu
170 North St., Dryden, NY Education
Ithaca City School District
400 Lake Street, Ithaca, NY (607) 274-2134
ithacacityschools.org
Grades K-12 served in 12 school buildings, with a total enrollment of approximately 4,800 students.
New Roots Charter School 116 North Cayuga Street, P.O. Box 936, Ithaca, NY (607) 882-9220
newrootsschool.org
A high school (grades 9-12) charter school, tied to the Ithaca City School District, open to all students in Tompkins County.
Ithaca Montessori School
701 West Buffalo Street, Ithaca, NY (607) 273-7032
ithacamontessori.org
Serving children from age 18 months through grade 6, Ithaca Montessori provides an environment based on Montessori principles, encouraging independent learning and exploration.
Cascadilla School
116 Summit Avenue, Ithaca, NY (607) 272-3110
cascadillaschool.org
A preparatory school founded in 1876, originally as a boys’ preparatory school for Cornell University. Serves grades 9 through post-graduate.
Parking
Parking in Downtown Ithaca
Parking is easy with a variety of options, including on-street parking and garages. Parking is FREE on weekends and special holidays, both on the street and in the garages.
On-Street Parking
The City of Ithaca has installed pay stations downtown to provide multiple payment options, replacing traditional coin meters. These pay stations accept cash, coins, debit, and credit cards, but it’s easiest to use the Park Mobile app.
Street Parking Hourly rate: $1.50/hr but is enforced from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Parking in Garages
Parking in the Green/Seneca garages is $1/hour; Cayuga St garage charges $2/hour.
Monthly parking passes can be purchased at the City Chamberlain’s Office and renewed online.
The City of Ithaca provides a trash collection service for residents within the City limits, and trash is collected once a week. To determine the day of collection for your address, please call the Streets and Facilities Division office at (607)272-1718. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Residents need to place trash at the curb the night before the scheduled collection day as the crews start their day at 4 a.m. Trash cans or plastic bags may be used.
Trash Tags
Trash tags are required to pay for the collection of the trash. Tags can be purchased at City Hall or at the local grocery stores. Tags are $5 each, sold in a sheet of 6 for $30. One tag is valid for large trash cans and/or bags weighing up to 35 pounds. Whole tag strips are to be used; tags torn in half will not be accepted. One tag is needed for each can or each bag of trash that is placed at the curb. If more than one bag of trash is put in a can, be sure that the total weight of all the bags does not exceed 35 pounds.
Recycling
Recycling is collected in the City of Ithaca every other week on the same day as trash. More information about recycling can be obtained by calling the Tompkins County Department of Recycling and Materials Management at (607) 273-6632. There is no fee or tag needed for this service, and Recycling bins may be purchased at 122 Commercial Avenue, Ithaca, NY. The Department of Recycling and Materials Management site is recycletompkins.org
Yard Waste
Note: Leaves and grass clippings are not to be raked into the street. Collection of yard waste occurs within the city between April 1 and November 30, or until snow falls, on the weeks opposite of recycling collection. Yard waste tags are $9 for a sheet of 6 and can be purchased at City Hall, Agway, all GreenStar locations, P&C Fresh (Pine Tree Road), Cornell Campus Store, the Dandy Mini Mart on West Buffalo Street, Tops, and Wegmans. Yard waste is collected every other week on the opposite recycling weeks. Only natural materials, such as grass, leaves, branches, and brush from the resident’s property are considered yard waste.
Voting
Tompkins County Board of Elections
128 East Buffalo Street, Ithaca, NY (607) 274-5522
tompkinscountyny.gov/All-Departments/Board-of-Elections
To find your voting location, visit the Board of Elections website.
See website for individual library hours. Ithaca College Library 1201 Gannett Center Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 274-3206 library.ithaca.edu Hours vary by season.
Tompkins County Public Library 101 E. Green St., Ithaca, NY (607) 272-4557 tcpl.org
Open Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Sundays
Post Offices
U.S. Post Office, 757 Warren Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850-9998 (607) 375-6003
U.S. Post Office, 213 N. Tioga St., Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 275-8777
U.S. Post Office (Cornell University), 135 Ho Plaza, Ithaca, NY 14853 (607) 255-3907
Transportation
Ithaca Tompkins International Airport
Terminal Address: 1 Culligan Drive, Ithaca, NY
Mailing Address: 72 Brown Road, Ithaca, NY (607) 257-0456
flyithaca.com
Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is owned and operated by Tompkins County. Airline services available at the airport.
TCAT – Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit Inc
737 Willow Ave., Ithaca, NY (607) 277-7433 tcatbus.com
Adult (Ages 18-59)
Youth (Ages 0-17)
Family-style rental housing with coordinated aide service.
Cayuga Medical Center
101 Dates Dr., Ithaca, NY (607) 274-4011
cayugahealth.org
Cayuga Medical Center houses 212 beds, employs over 1,500 health-care professionals, and has a medical staff of more than 200 affiliated physicians.
WellNow Urgent Care
740 South Meadow Street, Ithaca, NY (607) 319-4563
Guthrie Medical Group 1780 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca, NY (607) 257-5858
Ithaca Free Clinic
521 West Seneca Street, Ithaca, NY (607) 330-1254
The Ithaca Free Clinic, operated by the Ithaca Health Alliance, is widely known as one of the first free clinics in the US to offer both primary medical and holistic care through an integrated model.
Kendal at Ithaca 2230 N. Triphammer Road, Ithaca, NY (607) 266-5300
A continuing care retirement community situated on 106 acres in the heart of the Finger Lakes District.
Longview Senior Living Community
1 Bella Vista Drive, Ithaca, NY (607) 375-6300
A residential senior community offering both independent apartments and assisted living located in the Finger Lakes region, high on South Hill overlooking Cayuga Lake.
Planned Parenthood 620 W. Seneca Street, Ithaca, NY (607) 273-1513
Guthrie Cortland Medical Center 134 Homer Ave., Cortland, NY (607) 756-3500
Cayuga Bird Club c/o Cornell Lab of Ornithology 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY (607) 659-7703
Family & Children’s Service of Ithaca 127 W. State St., Ithaca, NY (607) 273-7494 fcsith.org
Finger Lakes Independence Center 215 Fifth St., Ithaca, NY (607) 272-2433 fliconline.org
Finger Lakes Land Trust 202 East Court Street, Ithaca, NY (607) 275-9487; fllt.org
Foodnet Meals on Wheels 2422 N. Triphammer Road, Ithaca, NY (607) 266-9553 foodnet.org
GIAC (Greater Ithaca Activities Center)
301 West Court St., Ithaca, NY (607) 272-3622
Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County 118 N Tioga St #304, Ithaca, NY (607) 273-8686 hsctc.org
Ithaca Community Recovery Inc 518 W. Seneca St., Ithaca, NY (607) 216-8754 ithacacommunityrecovery.org
Lifelong 119 West Court Street, Ithaca, NY (607) 273-1511 tclifelong.org
Loaves & Fishes of Tompkins County
210 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca, NY (607) 272-5457 loaves.org
Love Living At Home 830 Hanshaw Rd, Ithaca, NY (607) 319-0162 lovelivingathome.org
Southside Community Center
305 S Plain St, Ithaca, NY (607) 273-4190 sspride.org
$1.50
$0.00 Seniors (Ages 60+)
Persons with disabilities
$0.75
$0.75 Pay fare with cash or TCAT Pay with cash or TCAT card. Daily, weekly, monthly and annual passes are also available.
Collegetown Cab 630 Elmira Rd, Ithaca, NY (607) 588-8888 collegetowncab.com
Ithaca Carshare
317 W. State St., Ithaca, NY (607) 277-3210
ithacacarshare.org
Ithaca Carshare is a nonprofit organization offering car-sharing services to the Ithaca community. Cars are available for hourly or daily use, and members can reserve vehicles online or through a mobile app.
Ithaca Bike Share help@ithacabikeshare.org ithacabikeshare.org
Ithaca Bike Share provides an easy, affordable way to get around downtown Ithaca and nearby areas with convenient docking stations and a fleet of bikes available for rent. Memberships are available, or you can pay for short-term bike rentals.
American Legion 1231 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY (607) 272-1129
Ithaca Youth Bureau
110 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY (607) 273-8364
ithacayouthbureau.org
The Ithaca Youth Bureau offers a variety of programs for children, teens, and families, including afterschool activities, summer camps, and recreational opportunities.
Tompkins Community Action 701 Spencer Rd, Ithaca 14850 (607) 273-8816 tcaction.org
Tompkins County Workers’ Center Ithaca, NY (607) 269-0409 tcworkerscenter.org
Tompkins Workforce New York
171 E. State St. #241 Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 272-7570
continued from page 3
vehicles (EVs). Ithaca Carshare will receive nine EVs and nine chargers through an earlier $7 million NYSERDA grant shared with other local transportation partners.
In addition, CCT recently received a $100,000 Clean Mobility grant from NYSERDA to study the feasibility of new “micro-mobility hubs” around Tompkins County. The study will explore establishing multi-modal transportation sites in rural communities such as Danby, Newfield, Lansing, Varna, and Trumansburg, equipped with electric vehicle chargers, e-bike charging, shared bikes, and covered parking.
DETAIN CORNELL GRAD MOMODOU TAAL
continued from page 7
the executive orders and to publicly defend Taal and other students under threat.
“The Trump administration is trying to dismantle all democratic institutions, and like other fascists, they start with universities,” Lieberwitz said. “Cornell cannot capitulate to this. We must stand firm and refuse to be complicit in these unconstitutional actions.”
In response to the threat for Taal to surrender to ICE, Lee and Godshall-Bennett released a joint statement, saying, “This is an unlawful attempt to deny Momodou Taal and his two U.S.-citizen co-plaintiffs the right to access the courts. It aims to block the judicial branch from fulfilling its constitutional duty to scrutinize the legality of presidential actions. If Trump succeeds at violating these core democratic principles in Mr. Taal’s case, it will set a precedent
THE TOMMY PLANE RESTORATION
continued from page 7
the remains of his aircraft on a train. War has an accelerating effect on the evolution of technologies that can be useful in the fight, and by 1917, there had been significant improvements to airplanes. There was also a sudden demand. The Thomas-Morse Aircraft Corporation was started by brothers William and Oliver Thomas in Hammondsport in 1910, and was originally called the Thomas Brothers Company. After being invited to relocate to Ithaca, the company merged with the Morse Chain Company on South Hill in 1917, and began making and selling airplanes to the U.S. Army.
“This is the first time CCT as a whole — which includes Bike Walk Tompkins, Ithaca Bikeshare, and Ithaca Carshare — has been awarded a grant to collaborate like this,” Field said. “That’s important because we want to present ourselves as a unified transportation and education provider.”
One specific expansion initiative already in motion is the placement of a carshare minivan in Varna, a small hamlet in the Town of Dryden. The Varna Community Center initiated the idea, Field said, and Ithaca Carshare expects the vehicle to be installed later this spring.
“The timing didn’t work out in January, but we’re finalizing plans now,” she said.
“It’s a great test case for us. A minivan would support the families out there, and
that applies to everyone.” They added, “This is not normal. In a democratic society, agents do not show up at your doorstep or demand you surrender to law enforcement for filing a lawsuit. We are outraged, and every American should be too.”
Taal’s case is part of a broader wave of federal crackdowns targeting universities and student activists. Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian green cardholder and former Columbia University student, was recently detained without charges and transferred to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Louisiana, where he has had difficulty speaking to his legal team.
Since then, several other students and faculty members at universities across the country have been detained and threatened with deportation despite never having been criminally charged or given their right to due process — which protects citizens and non-citizens from government abuse by guaranteeing the right to a trial by an “impartial jury.”
Manufacturing went on at a plant on Brindley Street in addition to the South Hill factory. It was the fourth largest airplane factory in the country during the war, and was a major local employer.
The actual artifact selected by our esteemed archivist Donna Eschenbrenner isn’t the plane itself, though, it’s the documentation of the restoration project. The records are fairly voluminous, filling over a dozen boxes.
It’s a remarkable story. When members of the IAHF began the project of locating a Thomas-Morse Scout with the idea of restoring it and bringing it back to Ithaca, there were only 15 planes left worldwide. In 2010, though, fate smiled on the project in the form of a Dr. William Thibault of Newport Beach, California, who was willing to donate his
it’s close to new Cornell housing and the Dryden Rail Trail.”
Field emphasized that locating a carshare vehicle outside the city of Ithaca is part of a broader mission.
“This isn’t just about emissions,” she said. “It’s also about equity. We want to help people who don’t have access to a personal car — especially in areas where you really need one sometimes — gain access to transportation.”
In addition to local and state funding, Ithaca Carshare was expecting $40,000 in federal funding through a research grant to evaluate the feasibility of EV carsharing. That grant was among several nationwide projects paused during a review of Green New Deal programs.
However, the Trump administration has already violated the due process rights of 200 undocumented men by deporting them to a detention facility in El Salvador based on unsubstantiated allegations that they were members of the Venezuelan gang Ten De Aragua. Despite a federal judge ordering the deportation flights to not take place, the Trump administration ignored the order based on the legal precedent of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, resulting in hundreds of people being deported without ever being given a trial.
Protesters at Cornell vowed to continue organizing to prevent further attacks on academic freedom and political expression.
“The federal government wants to intimidate us, to make an example out of people like Momodou and Mahmoud Khalil,” Lee said. “But it’s up to all of us to resist. This is about more than one student—this is about protecting the fundamental freedoms of every person in this country.”
In response to questions regarding how
vintage Tommy Plane. It arrived back ‘home’ in Ithaca in May, 2010, and it was arranged that the restoration would take place at the Emerson Power Transmission plant on South Hill, formerly the Morse Chain plant — the exact location where the plane had been constructed 100 years before. In fact, the volunteers on the project used some of the same tools from the original factory. When that facility closed down in 2011, the restoration project was moved to the Significant Elements building downtown, another site where Thomas-Morse planes were built. For the next seven years, IAHF members completely dismantled and re-built the plane, finding the parts and knowhow to complete the project from hundreds of sources.
The project culminated in a successful flight on September 29, 2018, with an
“It’s $20,000 this year and $20,000 next year, mostly to cover our staff’s time gathering data on our EV use,” Field said. “We’ve been told it’s been given the green light to move forward, but the work hasn’t started yet.”
While the delay has not affected core carsharing operations, Field said the funding would support general operations and data-sharing efforts that could benefit carshare service locally and nationwide.
“Carsharing helps people live car-free, but it also helps people drive less,” Field said. “That matters in a place like Ithaca. If we want a cleaner, more connected city and county, we need to build systems that support that — and carshare is part of that vision.”
the community can best support Taal in his case, Lee and Goodshall-Bennett called for continued public demonstrations but warned that harboring an individual facing arrest by ICE could lead to criminal charges under federal law.
“It is a federal crime to interfere in ICE’s ability to effectuate an arrest warrant,” Lee said. “If someone is targeted and you try to hide them, that could bring criminal prosecution.” He added, “We have to be careful while we fight this.”
Lee also confirmed that prior Trump executive orders have rescinded protections that once prevented ICE actions in churches and schools — meaning Cornell’s campus and other local schools and churches — are no longer “safe” spaces.
“We are in emergency times,” Goodshall-Bennett said. “We have to use every legal tool we have, but we also have to be ready to mobilize in mass numbers. If they take Momodou, they’ll take others. We have to stop this before it escalates further.”
earthbound audience of more than 3000. If one were to make a film documentary about the Tommy Plane, or write a book, or take on a similar project (all good ideas), the documents in the archives would be an excellent place to start. There are minutes of IAHF meetings, correspondence about acquiring the plane, financial records, every detail about every component of the plane from parts specifications to drawings, brainstorming notes about how to transport the plane across the country, and ten thousand other details. It’s all there, which is an essential function of the archives: preserving the records that can explain and fill in the whole picture about an item. Sometimes, what’s preserved in the archives is more than the artifact itself, but the story behind the artifact.
‘Five Cents a Can’ Opens at The Cherry Arts, Exploring Labor and Recycling Through Art
By Matt Dougherty
ITHACA, N.Y. — The Cherry Arts will conclude its gallery season with Five Cents a Can, a new multimedia exhibition that brings together visual art, activism, and labor justice. The show opens Friday, March 28, with a reception at 5 p.m. at the Cherry Gallery in Ithaca’s West End.
Five Cents a Can features work by ChineseAmerican artist and workers’ rights lawyer Siyan Wong, Los Angeles-based filmmaker Alvin Tsang, and former National Labor Relations Board Chairman turned painter Mark Gaston Pearce. The exhibition investigates the lives of “canners” — individuals who collect recyclable beverage containers to earn a living — and places their experiences within the broader conversation on labor in the United States. The exhibition is curated in conjunction with current lobbying efforts to pass the Bigger Better Bottle Bill in Albany. The proposed legislation seeks to expand the state’s bottle deposit program to include more beverage types, increase the deposit from five to ten cents, and improve accessibility for redemption centers — reforms
advocates say would benefit low-income communities and increase recycling rates.
To further public understanding of the issue, Wong will host a panel discussion titled “Redeeming New York” on Saturday, March 29. The event will feature perspectives from Blair Horner of the New York Public Interest Research Group, Laurie Konwinski of Ithaca Catholic Charities, Ryan Castalia of Brooklynbased recycling non-profit Sure We Can, and a local canner.
Wong, a member of the New York Artist Equity Association’s Board of Directors, has exhibited her socially engaged work at venues including Governors Island, National Arts Club, and Equity Gallery. Her projects often address the intersection of art and activism, and she has presented talks at institutions such as the Asia Society and The Black Institute. She is the recipient of multiple grants from the New York State Council on the Arts, the Asian Women Giving Circle, and the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.
Wong’s collaborator, Alvin Tsang, is known for blending personal narrative with broader societal issues in his video work. He is currently developing a sequel to his award-win-
ning documentary about his family’s migration journey. His ongoing project is sponsored by the New York Foundation for the Arts and supported by grants from both NYSCA and the Queens Council on the Arts.
Pearce, a self-taught figurative oil painter, brings a unique perspective as both an artist and labor advocate. During the Obama administration, he chaired the NLRB, and he continues to explore workers’ rights through his art. His mural Strong Solo, commissioned by People Inc. and the Western New York Urban Art Collective, is on display in Buffalo. His paintings have been exhibited at the AFLCIO headquarters and the Martin Luther King Jr. Labor Center.
Five Cents a Can will run through May 3 at the Cherry Gallery, located at The Cherry Arts campus on Cherry Street, along the Cayuga Inlet. The gallery is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m., and admission is free by donation.
The Cherry Arts, Inc. is a multi-arts organization that supports artists and community engagement through its gallery, the Camilla Schade Studio, and its flexible Artspace venue.
For more information about the exhibit and upcoming events, visit thecherry.org.
Arts & Entertainment
A painting by Siyan Wong, featured in Five Cents a Can at The Cherry Arts in Ithaca, portrays an elderly woman seated beside bags of redeemable cans, highlighting the everyday labor and dignity of New York’s canners.