Editor’s Note: The following column was written by Common Council member Cynthia Brock, who represents the city’s First Ward.
To submit columns, contact me at jstein@ithacavoice.com.
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I have stood against the Stone Quarry Apt project for several reasons:
– because INHS failed to involve or notify neighbors of its intent to build a high density project (35-units on 1.5 acres) in an established 1- and 2-family neighborhood;
– because INHS failed to notify HUD and the City that it discovered extensive contamination on the property resulting from decades of use as a automotive junkyard, automotive repair and paint shop and finally a taxi dispatch;
– because instead of working with neighbors to create a project that was supportive of this low-density neighborhood (or to find an appropriate substitute location for it) they insisted on keeping the project size as-is to meet funding criteria; and finally
– because it is located at one of the most problematic and dangerous intersections for pedestrians in the City.
When it comes to the side of history and justice that I want to be on, I will continue to stand on the side of building quality, safe housing in appropriate areas — not on contaminated sites, on sites where families and kids are unable to walk across or down the street safely, or in areas where the project will overwhelm the neighborhood.
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