In the late 19th century, Warren Manning designed the landscape of the Treman family estate (now Von Cramm Hall, 660, and the Kahin Center) so that it would grow into natural woodlands and beautify the campus.
As part of its "West Campus Residential Initiative," Cornell decided to relocate approximately 176 parking spots to the area occupied by the Redbud Woods, about 2 blocks from the new dorms.
The University sued the city, and in 2005, the New York State Supreme Court's Appellate division ruled in Cornell's favor,[1] allowing construction of the parking lot to proceed.
Some, including many Cornell faculty, students and Ithaca community members, argued that paving a historic urban green space for a surface parking lot was unsustainable.
Those in opposition to construction of the lot also argued that paving the woods might increase localized flooding and allow for the leakage of toxic materials, for example motor oil, into the storm sewer system and ultimately into Cayuga Lake, which supplies drinking water for many living in Tompkins County.
By August 2005 several thousand new students had taken advantage of the free travel passes, which helped to raise demand on the Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit bus system that services Ithaca and the rest of the county[4] The New York Times published three articles about the Redbud Woods controversy in June and July 2005.
The plaque reads: Redbud Woods The land before you was once home to the extended family of Robert H. Treman, creator of parks and protector of green spaces throughout Tompkins County.