Ithaca is evaluating a proposal to replace the Dryden Road Garage in Collegetown with a hotel, restaurant and new garage while preserving the existing number of public parking spaces.
The project at 118 Dryden Road would increase the total parking supply and transfer long-term maintenance and capital responsibilities to the private sector, according to a city news release. No final approval has been granted.
Replacing an aging public parking facility
The nearly 40-year-old garage requires substantial spending to maintain, repair and operate, city officials said. Redevelopment would replace that structure while allowing the city to avoid future major repair, rehabilitation and operating costs.
City Manager Dominick Recckio said the proposal would retain parking for residents, employees, customers and visitors. The replacement public spaces would equal the number available today, even as the overall number of spaces increases.
“The proposal would allow public parking to remain available while transferring those long-term responsibilities to the private sector,” Recckio said.
Mayor Robert Cantelmo said discussions about the site date to the 1980s. He described the proposal as a way to serve students, residents, businesses, visitors and Cornell University while retaining a neighborhood parking resource.
Cantelmo also credited Cornell with following through on a commitment to contribute land to the city.
Kyle Kimball, Cornell's vice president for university relations, said the university is committed to working with the city and the developer on redeveloping the garage as a public parking asset with additional uses. He linked that work to the neighborhood's economic vitality and its offerings for students, faculty, staff, businesses and the surrounding community.
Adding lodging near Cornell
City officials said the hotel would address a gap in Collegetown's accommodations. The neighborhood attracts visitors throughout the year because of its proximity to Cornell, but most overnight lodging is elsewhere in Ithaca.
A hotel within walking distance of campus would add accommodations for prospective students, families, conference attendees, researchers, alumni and athletic participants, among other visitors.
Recckio described Collegetown as the city's densest neighborhood, with substantial housing investment and entrepreneurial activity. He said the project could increase activity during quieter seasons and improve the visitor experience.
“A hotel within walking distance of Cornell University has the potential to bring new customers to restaurants, retailers, service providers, and entertainment venues throughout the year,” said Alderperson Robin Trumble, who represents the 4th Ward.
Further review would come before a decision
The next step under consideration would authorize conveying an option to acquire the property to the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency. The agency would then work with the project sponsor to structure a proposed urban renewal project for future review and consideration by Common Council.
The city said additional public review and discussion would take place before final decisions. Cantelmo said public input and analysis would remain part of that process.
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