Ithaca · Local digest

The contested West Hill apartments project moves to the next stage.

Following last week's council vote, the five-building complex on vacant wooded land near Lehman Alternative Community School now enters the Planned Unit Development design process. The project, which sparked debate over traffic safety and green space loss, must complete concept refinements and additional studies on impacts before final approval. City officials and neighbors remain focused on how the narrow West Hill roadway—already one of Tompkins County's most dangerous intersections—will handle 75 new residential units.

Public hearings and detailed traffic modeling come next, likely stretching into fall.

Ithaca's fall season is back in full swing.

With Cornell and Ithaca College students returning, Collegetown businesses report a tangible uptick in foot traffic and sales [Quelle: WCTV]. Retailers and restaurants say the familiar rhythm of the academic calendar has brought back the energy that drives summer revenues. The return also signals a test for downtown infrastructure—newly reopened sidewalks around the Seneca Street parking area will now face peak-season foot traffic.

Expect packed streets and full registers through the semester.