Resident asks county to prioritize sidewalks, safer pedestrian access on Pine Tree Road corridor

Nicholas (Nick) Fanelli, a Town of Ithaca resident who lives near Route 79 and Pine Tree Road, asked the Tompkins County Facilities and Infrastructure Committee on May 15 to accelerate sidewalk and alternative-transportation improvements along the Pine Tree corridor.

"It's a very dangerous shoulder on that intersection," Fanelli said, describing how drivers often cut a curve and encroach on the shoulder near the bus stop where the shoulder nearly disappears. He said the bus stop lacks a proper waiting area and that pedestrians, students and commuters use that corner frequently. "There's a lot of people walking back and forth with East Hill Plaza in that area," he said.

Committee members and highway staff discussed jurisdiction and funding. Jeff Smith of the Tompkins County Highway Department confirmed sections of Pine Tree Road are county-owned while the state controls the Route 79 intersection; sidewalks are usually built by towns and become town maintenance responsibility. Smith said the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is one funding source for sidewalk projects and that the Town of Ithaca has a master sidewalk plan that already identifies the Pine Tree corridor.

County staff said they had shared Fanelli’s concerns with town and state representatives and that both levels of government were "looking into it." Committee members asked staff to keep the record and follow up; Nick and other speakers were told staff would continue coordination with the Town of Ithaca and state partners.

No formal vote was taken. The committee instructed staff to monitor state intersection safety work, coordinate on potential TAP grant steps for sidewalks, and keep the committee informed about next steps.