EA R7 (2017-2018): Advancing a Comprehensive Transportation Plan for the Ithaca Campus

Acknowledged by the President

• Resolution:
  EA R7 (2017-2018): Advancing a Comprehensive Transportation Plan for the Ithaca Campus
• Day:
  January 2, 2018
• Action:
  Acknowledged by the President
• Summary / Notes:

  Dear Ulysses,

  Thank you for transmitting Employee Assembly Resolution 7:  Advancing a Comprehensive Transportation Plan for the Ithaca Campus.  I am pleased to note that the Transportation Task Force has broad campus representation beyond the EA members, and includes Bridgette Brady, Reed Heugerich and Gary Cremeens from the Transportation Services, all of whom are listed as co-sponsors of this resolution. This was a great example of the Employee Assembly identifying an issue of concern to employees and working constructively with colleagues in the responsible department to understand and consider the issue. 

  The new projects for the North Campus Residential Expansion (NCRE) and the Tang Welcome Center present opportunities for us to improve the campus experience for residents and visitors.  It is important for us to consider traffic and parking and the impact of changes on staff. We will evaluate changes to campus parking inventory before we take action.  

  Given the many competing priorities for Cornell’s resources, we intend to pursue a focused transportation assessment that will support the work on North Campus, inform our capital planning process, and optimize use of regional mass transit.   I have requested that IPP Transportation Services start by conducting a critical review of past transportation plans as a benchmark for evaluating the need for further planning efforts.  I have also asked that they continue to work closely with the EA to address emerging issues and incorporate these concerns in the upcoming studies. 

  Let me address the final point in the resolution: “the Employee Assembly requests a moratorium on the reduction of the total number of parking spaces, including the number of free spaces, until the study is completed and a campus circulator shuttle is in operation.”  While I cannot support a blanket moratorium that would keep us from moving forward with important improvements to our student housing, I am committed to mitigating any adverse impact on our Cornell workforce.  I appreciate your dedication to the welfare of our Cornell community and your participation in developing solid solutions to our challenges.

  Sincerely,

   

  Martha E. Pollack

  President, Cornell University

  300 Day Hall

  Ithaca, NY 14853

  Tel: 607-255-5201

  www.cornell.edu

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