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Council authorizes purchase of Bowladrome parcel for potential public‑safety site; vote 9–0
Summary
The council authorized acquisition of the former Bowladrome property for potential siting of a public‑safety facility; the action authorized use of an existing capital project to purchase the property and passed by roll call 9–0, though council emphasized no construction funds were allocated and final use remains undecided.
The Ithaca Common Council on April 2 authorized acquisition of the former Bowladrome property (referred to in the packet as the 'Bullardrome' parcel) as possible site for a future public‑safety facility. The resolution passed by roll call vote 9–0.
City staff clarified the vote authorizes only property acquisition; no construction funding or final commitment to locate the Ithaca Police Department (IPD) or other specific use on the site was approved. Staff noted the city would use an existing capital project allocation to complete the purchase; the purchase price mentioned during discussion was $1,370,000.
When Alderson Brown asked whether the acquisition specifically committed the city to build an IPD facility there, staff and the city attorney explained the council was being asked only to authorize the purchase. The city manager and staff reiterated the location could be used for several municipal purposes and that future decisions about use, design and funding would return to council.
The council conducted a roll‑call vote with members recorded as voting yes; the mayor cast a yes vote as well.
Ending: Council approved the acquisition authorization and instructed staff to proceed with the purchase process; councilmembers noted that site selection and any subsequent design or construction funding would require separate future votes.
