The Ithaca Police Department has announced that it will practice “increased enforcement” of the Downtown Ithaca Commons Ordinances and Community Expectations, according to the City of Ithaca website. The new effort went into effect earlier this month.
According to Ithaca Police Chief Thomas Kelly, the goal of increasing the enforcement of the ordinances is to maintain the safety of visitors and residents.
“Our goal is to support a safe, welcoming environment on the Commons and surrounding community” Kelly said, thanking both the Community Outreach Worker Program and local businesses for their ongoing support.
IPD will step up enforcement of pre-existing laws such as the Commons smoking ban, which includes vaping. Violators could face a fine if caught — $75 for their first offense, $150 for a second and $250 for the third offense and beyond.
In addition, biking, skateboarding and scooter riding is not allowed on the Commons with the first violation punishable by a fine of at most $50. A second offense within three years may lead to a fine up to $150 or a conditional discharge with 15 to 40 hours of community service. A third offense within three years may result in a fine up to $250 or a conditional discharge requiring 25–60 hours of community service, according to the City of Ithaca code.
Drinking or selling alcohol and playing amplified music is also not allowed on the Commons “except by special permit,” according to the code.
Pets are only permitted in the Commons if kept on a leash. There is a limit of two dogs per person and handheld or retractable leashes “will be no longer than six feet” per the City of Ithaca code. It is not permissible to tether a dog to “a stationary object” and dog owners “promptly clean up their dogs' waste.”
City Manager Deb Mohlenhoff stated that Ithaca officials want to "ensure that everyone can enjoy our Commons” through the ordinances.
“We will keep communicating with our downtown business owners and visitors and look forward to finding creative and practical ways to make our shared urban spaces shine,” Mohlenhoff said. “We thank IPD for all of their efforts to bring more awareness to our Commons ordinances and focusing on community well-being.”
Zeinab Faraj is a reporter from The Cornell Daily Sun working on The Sun's summer fellowship at The Ithaca Voice. This piece was originally published in the Ithaca Voice.
Zeinab Faraj is a member of the class of 2028 in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is the features editor on the 143rd Editorial Board and was the assistant sports editor of the 143rd Editorial Board. You can reach her at zfaraj@cornellsun.com.
