Activists from Zero Waste Ithaca and Ithacans for Responsible Technology have expressed frustration with the Ithaca Town Planning Board’s handling of two controversial projects: a synthetic turf field for Cornell’s field hockey team and a 138-foot Verizon cell tower.
During the Nov. 19 meeting, Zero Waste Ithaca filed a formal complaint alleging that public input was denied, an assertion supported by a YouTube recording of the meeting. Activists say they were forced to wait from 6:30 PM to 10 PM, including a 45-minute recess, without being given an opportunity to speak.
Yayoi Koizumi, founder of Zero Waste Ithaca, criticized the process as “deeply undemocratic” and said it raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability. “It should raise alarms and prompt people to question why the planning board is operating this way and who benefits from such actions,” Koizumi said.
According to Koizumi, it was only after the group filed a formal complaint with the New York State Attorney General and an anonymous ally inquired with the planning board about the meeting that the board announced another opportunity for public comment on Dec. 17. However, this opportunity came too late for those protesting the cell tower, as the planning board had already approved the project by a narrow 4-3 vote.
Zero Waste Ithaca opposes Cornell’s proposed synthetic turf, citing environmental concerns and toxicity risks. Meanwhile, Ithacans for Responsible Technology argue the cell tower could harm health and disrupt property aesthetics, though Verizon’s evidence contradicts these claims.
Critics urge adjustments to planning board procedures to prioritize transparency and fairness in the public process.y.
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