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Home My WebLink AboutJune 2026 NewsletterThe Town is pleased to announce the acquisition of Sage Preserve, a 137-acre parcel of land on SouthHill, encompassing a diverse landscape of natural features, including streams, wetlands, successionalgrowth, and forested areas. Sage Preserve adds to the Town’s growing network of protected open spaces which play an importantrole in supporting biodiversity, protecting water resources, and maintaining ecosystem health whileaffording walking & passive recreation opportunities for residents and visitors to our area. The Town extends its sincere gratitude to the landowners, Tessa Sage Flores and Ira Goldstein, fortheir stewardship of the property and for providing the Town with the opportunity to permanentlyprotect this land. Their commitment to conservation played a critical role in making Sage Preservepossible. Sage Preserve was made possible through a funding partnership with The Park Foundation, Tompkins County’s Natural Infrastructure Capital Program, and the Town of Ithaca, whose combined support ensured the land will be protected from future development. “This South Hill preserve is a great addition to the Town’s network of preserves and is timely given anticipated housing development in that area,” said Rod Howe, Town Supervisor. “The acquisition meets multiple Town goals and will benefit current and future residents.” Information link for the Town’s Parks, Trails, & Open Space L-R: John Hunt (Tompkins County Legislator), Katherine Borgella (Commissioner, Tompkins County Department of Planning & Sustainability), Rod Howe (Town Supervisor), Tessa Sage Flores &, Ira Goldstein (Landowners), Adam Vinson (Tompkins County Legislator) June 2026 Newsletter Town of IthacaTown of IthacaTown of Ithaca All Town offices will be closed on Friday, June 19 in Observance of Juneteenth & Friday, July 3 in Observance of Independence Day th rd Town Acquires 137 Acres on South HIll for New PreserveTown Acquires 137 Acres on South HIll for New PreserveTown Acquires 137 Acres on South HIll for New Preserve Contact: Michael Smith, Senior Planner 607-273-1747 * msmith@townithacany.gov Due to a recent inspection by NYS DOT, the Pedestrian Walkway atthe Lower Forest Home Bridge will be closed immediately topedestrian traffic to mitigate safety concerns. Pedestrians areprohibited from using the vehicular travel lane to cross the bridgeand must use an alternate route. The Town is working with NYS, Tompkins County, and an Engineeringfirm to develop plans for the necessary repairs with a goal ofreopening the Walkway prior to the Fall semester’s start if at allpossible. Lower Forest Home Bridge WALKWAY CLOSEDLower Forest Home Bridge WALKWAY CLOSEDLower Forest Home Bridge WALKWAY CLOSED F. Robert Wesley received the Richard B.Fischer Environmental Conservation Award for2025, presented during a tree planting ceremony of a White Oak in the open fields ofthe Town’s Culver Road Preserve. Robert was honored for his more fifty years of acute, dedicated, and detailed attention to thebotany of Town’s unique natural areas andpreserves. His sharp-eyed inventories and sharing of anencyclopedic understanding of the botany inour open spaces has had a crucial influence onour ability to advance land protection efforts that preserve native species and manageinvasive pests. We're especially grateful for hiswork preserving rare plants like fringedgentians, American globeflowers, and Leedy's roseroot as well as supporting learning aboutour native plant heritage through hiscontribution to the Finger Lakes Native PlantSociety. Conservation Board Honors F. Robert WesleyConservation Board Honors F. Robert Wesley Conservation Board Honors F. Robert Wesley Retiring after 30 years of Service to the Town! Debby Kelley, Deputy Finance Officer & Receiver ofTaxes and Joe Hulbert, Maintenance Supervisor The Town is very grateful for their dedication andmany years of service. Best wishes and we hope youenjoy your well-earned retirement. Congratulations To: Justin McNeal, promoted to Director of Engineering Pat Barnes, promoted to Maintenance Supervisor Town Staff ChangesTown Staff ChangesTown Staff Changes Learn about Historic TaxLearn about Historic Tax Credits for HomeownersCredits for Homeowners Learn about Historic Tax Credits for Homeowners If you own a home in one of the historicdistricts, there is a free workshop onThursday June 11, 2026 at 6:00pm at theTompkins County Public Library’s BorgWarner Room. The Library is located at 101 E.Green Street. Learn how the NYS 20% taxcredit can save you on repairs and upgradesto your home. Town TriviaTown TriviaTown Trivia Can you guess who the person on the right is? Lat month’s answer: Rich DePaolo, Board Member Road Construction Schedule 2026Road Construction Schedule 2026Road Construction Schedule 2026 Road work will begin mid-summer as weather permits. Some traffic disruptions may occur as workprogresses. There may be blocked roads, one lane traffic patterns and temporary blockage ofdriveways and public entrances and roads open with only gravel in place. The Department of Public Works will make every effort to keep disruptions as brief as posisble. For your safety and the safety of our crews, no parking will be allowed on the roadaways orshoulders during construction actiivity. No parking signs will be posted and enforced with towing at the vehicle owner’s expense. Construction Sechedule Milling and Paving Winners Circle Dove Drive Pheasant Lane Upper Stone Quarry Road King Road W (partial) Fairway Drive Crest Lane Surface Treatment and Micro Paving Homestead Circle Marcy Court Saunders Road Summer Hill Lane Whitetail Drive Orchard Hill Road Saranac Way Vista Lane Sandbank Road Calkins Rpad Drainage Work now Paving in the Fall King Road W Cross-Road Culvert Pipe Replacement Penny Lane Stone Quarry Road Questions? Please contact Public Works publicworks@townithacany.gov or (607) 273-1656 Ext 220. Transportation Council LaunchesTransportation Council Launches Local Transportation MapLocal Transportation Map Transportation Council Launches Local Transportation Map Have you ever wondered what roads, trails, bridges or sidewalks are scheduled for construction this year? There’s a new resource to help! The Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council has released the 2026 Interactive Transportation Map | Tompkins County. This interactive map allows you to see local projects that may affect your travel plans. Zoom in to see the details and contact info for projects in 2026. Personal Wipes WHAT NOT TO FLUSH Q-tips Cooking Grease Prophylactic andFeminineProducts Cat Litter Medications ONLY FLUSH TOILET PAPER! Hair & Shaving Residue Dirt & Dust Paper Towels A CLOGGED DRAIN COULD COST YOU Did you miss Spring Brush Pickup?Did you miss Spring Brush Pickup?Did you miss Spring Brush Pickup? Town of Ithaca residents may drop their yard waste (garden/yard debris, brush and leaves) at the Public Works Facility, 114 Seven Mile Drive, year round, Monday - Friday, 7 am to 2:30 pm. Please sign in at the Office prior to unloading. The Town budgets thousands of dollars each year for repairs and maintenance of existing sewer infrastructure. A majority of that is spent clearing blockages in sewer mains. That’s not where that belongs! Grass Clippings - can create a slippery surface, especially when wet, increasing chances of vehicles/cycles losing control and they end up in the stormwater drainage system causing blockages. Objects in the ROWs - freestanding basketball hoops, goalie nets obstruct maintenance and encourage unsafe play areas; trash cans can cause sight issues and road hazards, especially with high winds. (permitted on pick-up day only) For more information on NYS Highway Law Section 319 regulations - Link. Reminders fromReminders from our Highwayour Highway SuperintendentSuperintendent Reminders from our Highway Superintendent Right-of-WayRight-of-Way MaintenanceMaintenance Right-of-Way Maintenance Independence DayIndependence Day Celebrations!Celebrations! Independence Day Celebrations! The Inn at Taughannock Falls continues their Annual 4th of July Fireworks Free to see from the State Park! July 3 , 10pm rd In addition to general recruiting of volunteers for dog walking, canine companionship, feline care, and dog and cat foster families, the SPCA also has a variety of more specific volunteer opportunities available. If you, or someone you know, may be interested in any of these roles, please email us at info@spcaonline.com We provide training for all volunteer positions and are happy to work with your schedule to find a time that fits for you. Current Opening in Surgery Recovery. We're looking for surgery recovery volunteers on multiple days of the week from 9-2ish. This role involves handling cats and dogs of all sizes, including lifting and basic exams, with full training provided by an experienced medical staff member. Volunteer at the SPCAVolunteer at the SPCAVolunteer at the SPCA You'll be helping both shelter and community pets and animals get prepped pre-surgery and/or during recovery from anesthesia after surgery. LifeLong - Harlin McEwen, a longtime Town of Ithaca resident was presented with the “Outstanding Volunteer Award” for his significant contributions in civic engagement and community service over decades in Tompkins County. Check out Lifelong’s events page; many trips are open to the general public. Joint Youth Commission links to various summer camps and events. TC Library Summer Series Gadabout - Don’t forget about this service TCAT Summer Routes to State Parks for swimming. 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