ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Collegetown will see more housing.
On June 23, Ithaca’s Planning & Development Board unanimously granted final approval for a mixed-use building on College Avenue. The eight-story structure will include 77 apartment units and retail space.
The project will involve demolition of the old East Hill Fire Station, which is expected to take place later this summer. Developer Nick Robertson said the work will be disruptive.
“Whether we’re demolishing a building, or whether we’re drilling in piles, or whether we’re installing structural steel . . . there’s logistics that cause issues with access and safety, and we just have to manage it,” Robertson said.
The demolition will likely affect foot traffic to neighboring businesses, such as GreenStar. Modern Living Rentals Founder Charlie O’Connor said he’s been involved with the Collegetown Community Collective to address concerns.
“We totally understand like how important it is for these businesses to be successful,” O’Connor said.
To limit disruptions, Robertson and O’Connor hope to begin work before Cornell students arrive for the fall semester.
