Dogs on the Commons: Should the Ban Be Lifted?

When the Ithaca Commons was built in 1975, a general ban on dogs was put in place. Some exceptions have been made -- dogs are allowed to accompany their owners to work or to their domicile with a City-issued permit, and at one time dogs were allowed to be walked to a grooming salon in the 200 block.

The Ithaca/Tompkins County Convention and Visitors Bureau reports that it has received complaints from tourists because the Ithaca Commons is not "dog-friendly". The Downtown Ithaca Alliance has received similar complaints from tourists and local residents alike.

Many other cities, such as Santa Cruz, CA, have recently become "dog-friendly" in an effort to encourage tourism. The Downtown Ithaca Alliance is considering asking the City of Ithaca to adopt a trial period to permit dogs on the Commons. We'd like your input -- we want to know whether you would support such a change in the City ordinance, and if so, what specific language you'd want to have added.

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* 1. Select all that apply:

I own one or more buildings on the Ithaca Commons.

I own a ground-floor business on the Ithaca Commons.

I am employed at a ground-floor business on the Ithaca Commons.

I live on the Ithaca Commons.

I'm not an owner, employee, or resident, but I live in Tompkins County and visit the Ithaca Commons frequently.

I'm from out of town but I've visited the Ithaca Commons as a tourist recently.

I've never been to the Ithaca Commons, or I haven't been in a very long time.

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* 2. Would you support removing the ban on dogs on the Ithaca Commons?

Yes

Why or why not?

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* 3. If yes, which of the following clauses would you support?

Dogs shall be limited to no more than two per person.

Hand-held leashes shall be no longer than six feet in length.

Tethering a dog to a stationary object (e.g. a lamp pole) shall not be permitted.

No person shall allow a dog in his/her custody to defecate on the Ithaca Commons without immediately removing said waste. Fines for the first offense shall be no less than $100.00 and no more than $250.00; fines for a second violation within a twelve-month period shall be no less than $250.00 and no more than $500.00; fines for a third violation shall be no less than $500.00 and no more than $750.00.

Dogs on the Commons: Should the Ban Be Lifted?

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* 1. Select all that apply:

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* 2. Would you support removing the ban on dogs on the Ithaca Commons?

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* 3. If yes, which of the following clauses would you support?

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* 4. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

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* 5. This survey is anonymous but you are welcome to type your name and contact information here if you so desire.