On the evening of March 4, the Common Council room was filled with eager citizens, ranging from downtown residents to local restaurant owners and each had something to say about a very specific and long over-looked issue: The Commons Dog Ban.
Chapter 157 of the Ithaca City Code applies solely to the Commons area, and has been largely left unaltered since 1975. The council reviewed a multitude of these issues, but the community only had a strong presence on sub-code 12, which bans all animals from the Commons, with the exceptions of residents and business owners with the proper permits.
Prior to the council meeting, the issue was deliberated in the Commons Advisory Board, who thought it best to present the issue to the Community Council. The initial reaction by shop owners to repeal the dog ban was overwhelming.
“We actually invite well-behaved dogs in,” said Jo Ann Gaylord, manager of American Crafts by Robbie Dein. “We’re all for letting dogs in the Commons because they’re here every day as it is. The law hasn’t been enforced. So many people travel with their pets and they want to take their dogs with them. Wouldn’t it be nice if [tourists] were walking down our Commons and coming into our stores and shopping?”
David Wrisley of Schooley’s Jewelry Store, who has a permit to keep his German Shepard, Achilles, in the store shared this sentiment, but on one condition.
“In terms of dogs being allowed in the Commons, the big issue is dogs getting into fights,” he said. “But as a responsible owner, if you know your dog is aggressive you shouldn’t have them in public with everyone. As long as people are responsible, we will be happy with more dogs here.”
The citizens who arrived at the council meeting had a very different take on four-legged friends being allowed into the Commons, citing a plethora of concerns.
“I like dogs, and when I see them I pet the dog and remind the owner that dogs aren't allowed on the Commons,” voiced Neil Hooley. “I think it is inappropriate to allow dogs, based on the nature of the Commons. If tourists can bring dogs, will that really make a difference to any businesses? You guys work for us the residents, not the tourists.”
Another strong voice of opposition came from Commons resident Fay Gougakis, who passed out a letter outlining her concerns about allowing dogs in the Commons before the meeting began.
“The Commons is a concrete canyon, which accentuates any noises. I am opposed to dogs on the Commons because of this reason, and the cumulative effects that barking and howling can have,” she articulated.
One lone voice for allowing dogs in the Commons came from the owner of two Irish Wolfhounds who lives in the area. He argued that there are many things that not everyone likes, but that doesn’t mean the council should clean the ecosystem of these bothers.
“We are facing an issue that should be a no-brainer,” he expressed. “It is a question of equity. Forty percent of Ithacans live in households with dogs. When we go on walks, we want our dogs to come. It infuriates me that my dogs aren’t welcome in the Commons!”
After an hour and a half of discussion, and many council members admitting that they were on the fence about this topic, the representatives voted unanimously to keep the ban in place. This keeps Stewart Park and the Commons as the only two areas in Ithaca that do not permit dogs.
This is not the end of the road for this passion inspiring issue, however. Alderwoman Josephine Martell stated that she would like to see the issue revisited in a few years after the Commons is established. Many on the council agreed, citing that there are numerous other issues to discuss, such as the allowable length of leashes and how to effectively patrol the area before dogs will be completely welcomed into the Commons.
