[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6243108,"mediaKeyId","3242663-7052cd2cf6774a3387f2ebdf7d5dd8e7","parentId",3242663,"title","Common Council reaffirms Ithaca Green New Deal in show of broad support","audioSeconds",6761,"startMs",5109000,"endMs",11870000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3242663-7052cd2cf6774a3387f2ebdf7d5dd8e7&start=5109&end=11870","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3242663-7052cd2cf6774a3387f2ebdf7d5dd8e7/thumbnail_5109000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6243108/New-York/Common-Council-reaffirms-Ithaca-Green-New-Deal-in-show-of-broad-support","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6243108-f5640a3d341d956b8b38e11a55746267/orig.mp4?Expires=1771033112&Signature=L~hkv~IppEfhLqv21akXcFADbnqDJPv0lsXi64tdNVW6GGlF~vc9zwPiE4mI8BPvqz9~hAEOqgMWJfKUnbDNQrcxfBaDQf8tRjquZA2f10UCYL2N4Lb04d2qooJsv2H75cJuNAUnlxQwWwnrcUkRre~74fF-tE4Ur34Cm9bjW-IOYIEnfzFuqEyhq-a4nxf5ynj47zPQ9oBDxfm20x4PJoR~0YWAimNLZpLUvwxleeHrv3-ERvj0RLdK-D4x6Mewh9pqt3j59LUJHWYIq-EcWcpdlZGBXv90YOoEmQwRiGF5fWjL6W2gqlVXbsX893J0o78MeEyHnv1WW1FzlSQbAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Ithaca City","date","2025-05-08T14:02:44Z","article","The Ithaca Common Council on May 7 unanimously adopted a resolution reaffirming the Ithaca Green New Deal and the city’s climate and equity goals, following an extended public-comment period in which advocates, students and residents urged the council to sustain justice‑oriented climate actions.

Speakers from local advocacy organizations, student groups and residents told the council the reaffirmation would sustain the city’s progress on energy, active transportation and equitable climate policies. Commenters noted recent local actions such as green building standards and the adoption of a Justice 50 equity framework and asked the council not to backtrack amid federal-level rollbacks.

Council members said they saw the resolution as an affirmation of prior commitments and noted staff guidance that keeping consistent targets and timelines in public commitments helps track progress. The resolution passed unanimously; supporters said the city will continue work on clean-energy transitions for municipal operations, active-transportation investments and climate-justice initiatives in partnership with community groups.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","May 7th 2025 Common Council Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Ithaca Common Council unanimously adopted a resolution reaffirming the city’s commitment to the Ithaca Green New Deal and related climate and equity goals after public comment in favor from local advocacy groups, students and residents.","taxTitle","Ithaca City, Tompkins County, New York","taxId",52738,"location","New York","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6243113,"TCAT board and general manager brief Ithaca Common Council on fleet, funding and fare plans",586,514000,1100000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3242663-7052cd2cf6774a3387f2ebdf7d5dd8e7&start=514&end=1100","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3242663-7052cd2cf6774a3387f2ebdf7d5dd8e7/thumbnail_514000.jpg","/articles/6243113/New-York/TCAT-board-and-general-manager-brief-Ithaca-Common-Council-on-fleet-funding-and-fare-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6243113-4c98b84a6b6706e6030242b4bb5f84c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771033112&Signature=e7MSHrqus0YJBWfE8d6FiNmqnYdr5f5~m5tEgbFzI3NKukvJ~bW2U6TkrfcwVGx6wn50dqZVMxv4Fs16~Ki~7oahY1LpdyFnxZ-SWlZnQ8OymgTF7L5fRNkp9Ba8VUGXlC89dgO1PPMqgZBnIZwSXyN3d~QMCpdxjAGDI75v~RjntXgVyeF6aauErl~E9CRGZMkTKBrhRyq7ANR7PSfvMEWAxMrVkvehSVoBYta0GQ5C5uh7r4fUhr7QRXE-ebaEEKnxQIcXYgqjpHiXhXLH8kmOVRqOI5KOTWpFzNaot2CmfWOQ2K3u5NtuZe0uTPIRYKmfi0n8tqzwaeIIrP~vMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Officials from the Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) updated the Ithaca Common Council on May 7 about system operations, funding and near-term plans to modernize the fleet and payment systems.

TCAT leaders said the agency operates about 1.2 million revenue miles annually, carried nearly 3 million riders in 2024 and runs roughly 53 buses across 25 fixed routes plus seasonal service. They described the system’s funding mix as primarily public: state operating assistance (STOA) accounted for roughly 20% of revenue, state and federal sources combined approximately 35%, Cornell’s service‑level agreement about 17% and local partners (city, county and Cornell) forming the local match needed for federal capital grants.

Fleet and equipment emerged as the agency’s primary challenge. TCAT officials said a number of older buses are increasingly unreliable and some battery-electric buses from an earlier vendor (Proterra) have been taken out of service because of frame and safety issues. To address shortages, TCAT expects to receive 11 new buses this year — five diesel buses to arrive soon plus six battery-electric buses procured from Gillig, a longstanding manufacturer. The system also has taken delivery of several used hybrid buses donated by a regional transit agency to help cover service in the near term.

On fare policy, TCAT officials said fares cover only a small fraction of operating costs (under 5% of revenue). They explained state rules that condition some operating assistance on having a minimum fare structure but noted that fare revenue can be subsidized by third parties. TCAT plans two payment upgrades in the near term: contactless mobile payment (tap-to-pay with credit card or device) and fare capping, a program that automatically prevents riders who pay per-trip from paying more than a daily or monthly pass over a period of use — an equity measure that benefits riders who cannot afford an upfront monthly pass.

Workforce and recruitment were also discussed. TCAT reported recent gains in hiring mechanics and bus operators, a new collective bargaining agreement that raised starting wages, and partnerships with regional vocational programs (Alfred State, SUNY Morrisville) and Cornell Cooperative Extension to develop training pathways for mechanics and operators. The agency said recruitment remains challenging because of regional cost-of-living pressures and competition from neighboring employers, but officials expressed guarded optimism that the new wage structure and training pipelines will improve retention.

Council members asked about free-fare possibilities, park-and-ride options and timelines for the new battery-electric buses and for federal approval to dispose of the previously problematic Proterra vehicles. TCAT officials said the federal disposition waiver for Proterra buses remained pending and that the Gillig battery buses would be delivered this year, while noting capacity and charging infrastructure considerations for wider service expansion.

The presentation concluded with council members thanking TCAT for the briefing and encouraging continued coordination on routes, service for workers and pilot efforts to increase ridership and accessibility.","TCAT officials presented system ridership, funding sources and fleet issues to the Ithaca Common Council, including plans to receive new buses (diesel and battery-electric), fare-capping and mobile payments, and workforce recruitment and training initiatives.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6243118,"Council adopts pilot encampment policy; navigation hub, services discussed",7869,3336000,11205000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3242663-7052cd2cf6774a3387f2ebdf7d5dd8e7&start=3336&end=11205","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3242663-7052cd2cf6774a3387f2ebdf7d5dd8e7/thumbnail_3336000.jpg","/articles/6243118/New-York/Council-adopts-pilot-encampment-policy-navigation-hub-services-discussed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6243118-3319cd434f828c349afd32876871933c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771033112&Signature=cdIuekGN2y0kmuPD7QjTdxuptzwMKy~BQhTfd2YqWNJCYqEDNKcBA3W22qaNhFeIDjqovdoMIQXIxwNz78HdhOYcmFFfOxaPME4EICFsRqFK56BTuDuFP14zeQf8WUkYEAuKEMuxa7XEVQ7woquU0-fLEXMM-hkNYaVXRtOQ2S-yoBuFWWgXPCXpaXXraJ4RUxU6nWDySLh8Pb5VHGcf6ygKUtF1s2MIQ9U690gDMnPUsq6QYB1FvguEQbH-tkdDUbdkiH6dv8yLM-K~DCeQRME6Ign-~q-3I4bLy1yHnzbqyyojyl7wOlY5sDXIqvpSurL-MWyzl20B7Acgl9q~-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ithaca Common Council on May 7 adopted a pilot policy addressing sanctioned encampments and city response to homelessness, following work by a time-limited Encampment Working Group that included community members, service providers and county representatives.

The adopted document is a framework rather than a capital project authorization: it summarizes outreach the group performed, lists potential services for sanctioned camping areas (water, restrooms, casework, connections to benefits and health services), and recommends a navigation hub as a coordination point for people experiencing homelessness and housing instability. The policy does not finalize a site or fund construction tonight; council members said any capital or lease approvals would be brought back to council for review and public process.

Council and public comment during the meeting emphasized several recurring points: the need to coordinate city and county roles and funding; desire for decentralized or multiple service points rather than a single distant hub; requests for basic public-safety measures where camps exist (lighting, water, sanitation) and concerns about criminal activity in some encampments. Some speakers urged delay so the community and advocacy groups could fully digest a recent, expanded report; others urged immediate action for basic services.

On the floor, council adopted a friendly amendment requesting periodic updates to council on partnership resources and requested that the working group include mechanisms for community members with lived experience to be engaged in ongoing planning. The mayor and council members noted the effort represents a shift from the city’s previous approach and said the working group will continue to meet and refine recommendations.

The resolution as adopted leaves detailed budgeting decisions and capital expenditures for future votes. Council members said they expect additional council review when a specific navigation-hub site, budget or capital project is proposed, and they asked staff to pursue intergovernmental partnership conversations with Tompkins County and nonprofit providers.","The Ithaca Common Council adopted a pilot encampment policy proposed by a special working group and amended the motion to ask for regular updates and partnership information. The policy outlines interim services, engagement with encampment residents and a possible navigation hub; it leaves capital decisions and siting to future action.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6243122,"Ithaca Common Council adopts ADU ordinance removing owner-occupancy requirement",3371,6959000,10330000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3242663-7052cd2cf6774a3387f2ebdf7d5dd8e7&start=6959&end=10330","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3242663-7052cd2cf6774a3387f2ebdf7d5dd8e7/thumbnail_6959000.jpg","/articles/6243122/New-York/Ithaca-Common-Council-adopts-ADU-ordinance-removing-owner-occupancy-requirement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6243122-7abb4ca6729b69fd77f45ac71c333c40/orig.mp4?Expires=1771033112&Signature=BCoPril0N7uFw-682IEI-ZEqm~zEeOB6zsj6TKXH-VyLJ1yVGOrJ31FeYjPAA5jpPwtQAzfNpB3zxtjhuoPDammZQyDrN3czTjAPyamFaOPbcDCEh6~jbK55Gd8cjAcwIDb4LLs9ybOS1MrN5ChsGrgfStA5x7zuYRYMMjD5AJbD4GVD-E0f~auJqsAbUqWQGDsCDykem2DWDB5NkWGcWL2KM76iucoWiGkrRw3iVXaQsB1E~y1LIaARpzthFB34U1Tp7x8D-ZfPlRGEZ83ZTDwg-y0JnmoRzwoi-N7kkU~Wlx6E-vnP7nqLQZWY3KSIDr6egaqtbam3MQMWtC9Wzg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ithaca Common Council on May 7 adopted an amendment to the city code to allow accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, by right in qualifying residential zones and to remove the owner-occupancy requirement in most areas of the city.

The change, approved after extensive public comment and council debate, legalizes construction of detached or attached ADUs that meet prescribed standards (size limits, setbacks and other code requirements) without a special permit in most single-family and low-density residential zones. Provisions already in the zoning code that govern lot coverage, setbacks and stormwater remain in force.

The council debated the measure for more than one hour. Supporters said the ordinance is a modest, permissive step to add small-scale housing options; opponents — particularly residents of South Hill and portions of the Third Ward — argued owner-occupancy requirements protect long-term residents and neighborhood character. Several council members proposed, and the council considered, amendments to require reevaluation of the ordinance after a period and to create special rules for specific neighborhoods; those amendments failed on the floor.

Council members who supported the ordinance said ADUs are a low-impact tool to add housing supply and can provide options for aging homeowners, renters who want to live in a single-family neighborhood, and modest rental units that can help local residents with rising housing costs. Opponents contended that the city should first put in place stronger supports to ensure long-term residents and small local owners can take advantage of ADUs rather than outside investors.

The new ordinance directs planning staff to implement the by-right ADU regulations and to continue work on complementary measures staff and council discussed earlier, including template designs to speed permitting, partnerships with lenders to support financing for homeowners, and an opt‑in property-tax abatement program for qualifying ADU projects. Several of those supporting measures were already underway before this vote.

The measure was the result of months of public hearings, committee meetings and written input from neighbors, the planning department and housing advocates. The council adopted the ordinance at the May 7 meeting and directed staff to return to council with implementation details and possible incentive programs discussed during the debate.

Looking ahead, council members said they will continue to track ADU applications and may revisit related incentives, permitting streamlining and design guidance in committee to ensure the program benefits local residents and addresses unintended impacts.","After months of debate, the Ithaca Common Council voted to adopt an amendment to city zoning to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right in most residential zones and to remove an owner-occupancy requirement. The measure drew extended public comment and several floor amendments before final passage.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Common Council reaffirms Ithaca Green New Deal in show of broad support

TCAT board and general manager brief Ithaca Common Council on fleet, funding and fare plans

Council adopts pilot encampment policy; navigation hub, services discussed

Ithaca Common Council adopts ADU ordinance removing owner-occupancy requirement