<p>I would agree that, on the whole, the architectural appearance of much of Ithaca’s downtown housing stock does not identically match the natural beauty of its physical setting. To me, downtown Ithaca, building-wise is pretty much typical of a lot of upstate New York towns & small cities. And most of these are not spectacular looking places. A good chunk of the housing is of a certain age, and lots have not been extensively renovated, as they should be.</p>
<p>“Dump” is a bit strong, and is not a precise term in any event. But IMO Ithaca deviates from “dump” most prominently by virtue of what’s there, and less prominently by the physical appearance of much of its housing stock. Particularly around the downtown, which is the part that some cursory passers-through may have experienced, and hence is their sole frame of reference. Probably fewer drive-throughers experience Cayuga Heights, frat row, etc.</p>