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The Commons is the heart of downtown Ithaca. But some say that its heartbeat is a bit irregular. It’s a common complaint from some business owners and visitors, though not everyone agrees.

The Downtown Ithaca Alliance, the organization representing businesses downtown, came out with a multiyear study on the “health” of the Ithaca Commons. There's also crime data to consider. But how does it all line up with the public's perception?

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Original air date: May 26, 2026

Produced and hosted by Megan Zerez.

Reported by Hailea Potter.

Cover photo by Casey Martin.