Residents in Ithaca’s Fall Creek and Northside neighborhoods are weighing in on the future of the Neighborhood Pride site.
The property on Hancock Street was purchased by Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services in August. They hosted an open house at the site Wednesday.
Officials with Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services say they plan to use the property for residential and commercial purposes, and are seeking community input.
Robert Gaylor and his family own a home across the street. They’re concerned about the impact the project could have on traffic and crime in the neighborhood.
“We’re very concerned about the crime that could be associated with all the new housing going in here,” Gaylor said. “We’re scared about property values as well. Who wants to buy our old house when they come in and undercut the market with brand new houses that are subsidized?”
Sadie Hays also lives in Ithaca’s Northside neighborhood and says whatever happens to the property, it should fit in with the rest of the neighborhood.
“If you look at every single one of these houses, they have something very different about them,” Hays said. “There is this eclectic nature of Ithaca and Fall Creek and Northside that people really like. I think building something that allows eclecticism to come into the development would also be really welcomed here.”
Hays is one of several residents expressing support for a Trader Joe’s at the property.
To stay updated on the project, you can also visit 210hancock.org
