09-22-2026 Planning and Development Board Meeting

The City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board held a meeting on September 22, 2026, focusing on several key development projects and site plan reviews. The board discussed the W's Edge project, deliberating on preliminary site plan and subdivision approvals. Board members expressed concerns about the project's retail viability, parking, and interaction with the waterfront trail, ultimately deciding not to grant preliminary site plan approval pending further revisions. The Southworks Gateway project received preliminary site plan approval with conditions related to playground and dog run design, lighting, and landscaping. The Beginnings Credit Union parking lot proposal was reviewed, with the board acknowledging the need for parking but expressing concerns about placing a parking lot in a residential zone. The Baker House site improvements project was introduced, featuring a mixed-use conversion of a fraternity house, with positive board feedback and a vote to declare lead agency status. Lastly, the City Harbor project requested an extension due to economic and bidding challenges; the board voted to grant the extension while emphasizing the need for future updates and potential modifications. The meeting also included discussions on zoning consolidation efforts and the Pride of Ownership Awards program.