ITHACA, N.Y. — The first ribbon-cutting ceremony since the COVID-19 pandemic started was held in Downtown Ithaca to celebrate the openings of three new businesses.
The ceremony was hosted by the Downtown Ithaca Alliance and included a representative from the City of Ithaca Common Council in Ducson Nguyen, alderperson for the 2nd Ward, and the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce, with President and CEO Jennifer Tavares in attendence.
“The small businesses are a part of our community, and ultimately make up the special place that is downtown,” said John Guttridge, the President of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance Board.
Cayuga Nail Spa recently opened at 115 N. Aurora St., Kimchi Korean Restaurant on the Commons — which filled the space of the Commons Kitchen — and Odyssey Bookstore at 115 W. Green Street.
“Within the next couple of years, we are likely to have almost 500 new residential units, just a block away,” added Thomas Knipe, Director of Economic Development for the City of Ithaca, emphasizing the importance of local small businesses.
“I am very happy to have a chance to be a part of the conversation,” said Laura Larson, owner of Odyssey Bookstore, adding that she intends to be very involved with the community.
