 Land to the west and northwest of the swamp was subdivided into residential allotments in 1879; to the north in 1886-7; and to the southeast in the early 20th century.However, in the 1880s Red Jacket Swamp remained undeveloped, and was a source of contention between the two local governments about who was responsible for draining and filling it.Waste-water runoff from the houses on the higher ground (in Ithaca) around the swamp had created an odorous health hazard.