An area car dealership's hopes for expansion in Ithaca have been put on hold. The Maguire family of dealerships owns a plot of land that has stirred up some controversy. Philip O'Driscoll explains why many residents say it isn't the right location for a dealership.

ITHACA, N.Y. -- Look at license plate frames on any car in the Ithaca area, and chances are you'll see one name over and over. The Maguire family of dealerships has operated in Tompkins County for nearly 40 years.  Many of their dealerships are along Route 13, but they're looking to expand their operations to this plot of land along one of busier stretches through the city. The plans brought a lot of concerned residents to a public comment hearing Wednesday night.

"This proposal is quite literally the worst development proposal I have seen in nine years in Ithaca.  It’s also the worst possible idea for fitting into the desired vision of the neighborhood and the city of Ithaca comprehensive plan," said Seph Murtagh, the Planning and Economic Development Committee chair.

Though Maguire owns the parcel of land in question, the city's  Planning and Economic Development Committee is still considering their plan.  The location along a waterfront trail and a busy road has many worried about one notorious issue.

"Many of the concerns you here from Northside residents have to do with traffic and the worry that if you open up that intersection that you would get increased traffic through the neighborhood,” said Murtagh.

Some residents also say there hasn't been communication between Maguire and northside residents, particularly with those who do not consider English their first language.  But many employees were also in attendance and praised the company, from its community involvement to the work environment.

"Because of the growth that Maguire has allowed me as well as my employees, we are able to stay in the city; we are able to teach our children community involvement.  We are able to be a part of something bigger than just ourselves and our paychecks by helping everyone else in this community grow,” said Murtagh.

Two very different ideas of what development would mean for the city of Ithaca, something the committee will take time to consider further at their meeting next month.

Maguire officials declined to comment on camera. Officials say they are the 11th largest employer in the county.