Old School Square Campus Operations and Future Planning
Summary
The consultant recommended making Old School Square the city's town square, expanding arts education, and becoming the region's best event venue — but commissioners were frustrated the findings repeat what they already know, and Phase 2 (a business plan with management options) costs another $50,000. The DDA reported 500,000 campus visitors and $25,000-$30,000 per amphitheater event in infrastructure costs.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 6, 2026.
Impact analysis
Phase 2 of the study would cost about $50,000; each amphitheater event costs $25,000-$30,000 in infrastructure.
Arts patrons, the Cornell Museum, theater-goers and downtown businesses benefit from a revived campus.
Taxpayers fund repeated studies; nearby neighborhoods worry about event noise and traffic.
Mentions & discussions (4)
City Commission — October 6, 2026
The commission scrapped the $50,000 Phase Two of the needs assessment after a disappointing presentation, and will instead form a resident task force once the Phase One report lands — expected at the November 2 meeting.
City Commission — September 22, 2026
The consultant recommended making Old School Square the city's town square, expanding arts education, and becoming the region's best event venue — but commissioners were frustrated the findings repeat what they already know, and Phase 2 (a business plan with management options) costs another $50,000. The DDA reported 500,000 campus visitors and $25,000-$30,000 per amphitheater event in infrastructure costs.
City Commission — February 3, 2026
The city is moving ahead with multi-million dollar renovation plans for the Crest Theatre auditorium to restore essential safety, accessibility, and performance capabilities.
City Commission — January 22, 2026
Commissioners and DDA leadership debated the long-term future of Old School Square, weighing the success of recent DDA arts programming against funding sustainability and alternative management models.
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