Redbud II? Editorial: Cornell Daily Sun
September 18, 2007 Its been two-and-a-half years since Cornell paved paradise and put up a parking lot on University Ave. Flash forward to the present day and we are at a similar crossroads. Only this time, theres a 270-day building moratorium before the fate of Sapsucker Woods is decided. During the Redbud Woods debacle, environmentalists and activists found a clear adversary in Cornell. It was almost too perfect. Big Red Bureaucracy vs. heroic students. This time, Cornell has chosen to remain a silent third party in the ongoing debate between developer Rocco Lucente and Ithaca residents. In a sense, Cornells silence is prudent. After all, inaction prevents students from chaining themselves to President Skortons desk. Lucente has wisely pledged 25 acres of Sapsucker Woods to Cornells Lab of Ornithology to counter the construction of his new housing development project, Briarwood II, thus providing the University with a material incentive to keep her Big Red Lips shut. But on the other hand, by offering Cornell a slice of the pie, Lucente has (somewhat deviously) involved us in Redbud II. With so many studies and reports in dispute, Cornell cannot afford to remain apathetic on this issue. The University now needs to assist with ecological and hydrological research, and if the housing development is eventually built, advocate for a plan that is environmentally friendly. Such measures will benefit both Cornell and the City of Ithaca in the long run an ecologically sound building plan will block Briarwood II stormwater runoff from seeping into the remaining parts of Sapsucker Woods and will ensure the creation of natural buffer zones between the development and the rest of the ecosystem. Despite Cornells alleged commitment to sustainability, the University has recently accumulated a list of environmental issues that it must confront. In addition to Sapsucker Woods, Cornell has been criticized for its lack of concern for the ecological effects of its Lake Source Cooling project. As a land grant institution with a long history of activism, Cornell ought to take a resolute stand on the fate of the Sapsucker Woods, whatever it may be. ### - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Earn your permaculture design certificate. The Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute offers affordable local classes. http://www.fingerlakespermaculture.org - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - _______________________________________________ fingerlakespermaculture@lists.mutualaid.org listserv RSS, archives, subscription & listserv information: http://lists.mutualaid.org/mailman/listinfo/fingerlakespermaculture Support the list host by donating to: http://www.mutualaid.org
