Further conversion of topsoil into suburbs is an attack on future generations. The City itself should plant fruit trees and berry bushes. Consider the alternatives, with fuel shortage. Even if GM and Chrysler are ready for 2000, many essential component suppliers will not function beyond 2000. The fueling of cars, trucks, and snowplows also becomes problematic.
Transit thus becomes imperative, to move people and goods efficiently.
Railroad grades still exist which connect Stewart Park to Buttermilk Park to South Hill to Brooktondale, and which connect Cass Park to Trumansburg, and Cortland to Brooktondale via Cornell. Light rail can be re-installed to connect the West End to Cornell, and can link Lansing and Ithaca along Route 13. Most crosstown trips, especially within the valley, could be conveniently accomplished with bicycles. To do this we'll need safe and separate bike lanes. The physical and emotional stress of this disruption will challenge public health.