As longtime members of the Ithaca community and owners of businesses downtown, we are deeply concerned about the rushed plans to demolish the Seneca Street Parking Garage without exploring all possible alternatives. This site has been a vital resource for patrons and businesses alike in our vibrant downtown area. Its proximity to our restaurant and many other local establishments means it plays a crucial role in ensuring accessibility for residents and visitors, and we have suffered enormous losses since the garage was closed in April.

It's imperative that the Ithaca City Council conduct a thorough evaluation of the parking garage to determine if repairs could extend its life, rather than opting immediately for demolition. In many instances, infrastructure can be maintained or improved at a fraction of the cost and environmental impact associated with new construction.

Consider the environmental implications of tearing down and rebuilding. According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, building reuse typically yields significant environmental savings—between 4 and 46 percent—over new construction. Additionally, repairing can often cost less than building from scratch, saving taxpayer dollars.

Furthermore, the loss of the garage this summer has been devastating to all our businesses, and a 5-year disruption caused by prolonged demolition and construction will be detrimental to our businesses, which rely on ease of access for customers. By investing in repairs, we ensure the continued flow of traffic and support the financial stability of those who have invested their livelihoods in downtown Ithaca.

This is not just about a building; it's about preserving the vulnerable economic and social hub that our downtown area represents. We urge the City Council to commission an independent study on the current structural integrity and required upgrades of the Seneca Street Parking Garage, and to provide full transparency with residents about the findings. These decisions should be made with community involvement, not behind closed doors.

Let's choose a path that recognizes our community’s needs, respects our environment, and supports the cultural and economic viability of Ithaca. Please join us in calling for a comprehensive evaluation of repair options for the Seneca Street Parking Garage, and a moratorium on development plans  and the transfer of the Seneca Street Parking Garage to IURA.   

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