Cornell University hosts a wide range of environmental experts and sustainable initiatives. Yet Cornell is also a modern American community with typical American needs - especially in regards to transportation - leading to inevitable choices and conflicts over the environmental impacts of site use issues. This lesson is illustrated by the controversy surrounding a small but diverse stand of second growth trees, known as Redbud Woods.
As part of its West Campus Residential Initiative, Cornell required Site Plan Approval from the City of Ithaca. The project was nearing approval when the City of Ithaca announced that they had concerns about one aspect of the project: the construction of a 195-space surface parking area at the west "bend" of University Avenue, at the top of Gun Hill. Although Cornell owns the land and the parking area is allowed by local zoning law, the university took several actions to mitigate the negative effects of the parking lot. Cornell:
- modified the location of the parking lot to preserve the original location of the carriage path,
- introduced extensive landscaping,
- oriented lights downward to reduce glare,
- added more stormwater control features,
- compacted the overall footprint of the parking lot by reducing the lot from 195 to 176 parking spaces, and
- reduced the visibility of the lot by moving it away from the road and increasing the green buffer.
Despite these efforts, the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board rejected the university's plan for the lot in February 2003. Cornell students joined the City of Ithaca by forming the Redbud Woods Working Group. Recognizing the area as an important green space, natural buffer, and historic resource, students and community members wanted to see the community asset preserved. Redbud Woods is part of the property of the Robert H.Treman family, one of Tompkins County's foremost conservationists and trustee of Cornell University. Also, notable landscape architect, Warren Manning, is known to have had input in the layout of the property. The Redbud Woods Working Group organized rallies, petition signing, and demonstrations, including a tree-sit, resulting in significant media attention.
Meanwhile, Cornell felt that the Planning Board decision stretched the limits of its approval authority, and the case went to court. Cornell was successful but now needed approval from the Ithaca Landmark Preservation Commission (ILPC) because of the site's historic status. After the ILPC rejected the proposed lot in December 2003, citing the impacts it would have on the historic landscape, Cornell sued again successfully in April 2004. In July 2004, the City appealed the State Supreme Court decision to the State Supreme Court Appellate Division in Albany. The Appellate Division sided with Cornell.
During the 2005 spring semester there were numerous meetings between community members, students, and Cornell officials. However, the university maintained its course in planning to construct the parking lot and some students and community members continued to voice opposition with rallies and demonstrations. During the last month of classes, the situation escalated and a few students posed a sit-in in the President's office, ultimately resulting in their arrest for trespassing. Construction efforts began in early June but were postponed due to opponents occupying the site and "tree-sitting".
In early July, Interim President Hunter Rawlings met with several groups, including the Redbud Woods Faculty Working Group, to discuss alternatives to the University Ave. Parking Lot. On July 13, 2005 he issued a statement (leaving site) confirming that the parking lot construction would continue. Following that statement, President Rawlings released $50,000 for research relating to the sustainability issues raised by the parking lot.
In the five days following President Rawlings' statement , about 50 trespassing citations were issued. After several days of negotiations, the Redbud Woods Working Group and President Rawlings came to an agreement. The protestors left the site peacefully and construction of the parking lot commenced.
This agreement represents an important milestone for the university and community. The ability of stakeholders to work together and compromise is a common obstacle to achieving sustainability. This agreement initiates various structures of collaboration: a Cornell Neighborhood Council that would represent the community and report to the Cornell Administration, bi-annual sustainability summits, an annual report issued by the Cornell Administration to the community, and a charged faculty committee that will advise the university.
Despite an award-winning Transportation Demand Management Plan, which provides incentives and disincentives for automobile use, controversies like Redbud Woods are likely to be repeated as long as people value both cars and natural or historic lands. Cornell's success in achieving a sustainable campus depends on its ability to resolve this controversy and similar issues in a socially, environmentally, and economically viable way.
Of Related Interest
- Cornell University West Campus Residential Initiative Parking Lot FAQ's ( tab located right hand side of page)
