Summary
Mayor Cantelmo described a walkthrough finding broken elevators, damaged units, and unsanitary common areas at the Asteri, and said the Vecino Group hasn't been responsive to city inspectors. County environmental health has done five inspections since May 1 under a $40,000 penalty, with more enforcement recommendations coming to the Board of Health. Legislators urged maximum legal enforcement and better case management for residents.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed May 19, 2026.
Impact analysis
The county has already levied a $40,000 fine, and public service costs to the building are significant though not quantified in open session.
Residents of the Asteri and neighboring businesses (like the conference center) benefit if conditions and management improve.
Tenants currently live with sanitation, safety, and dignity issues, and nearby businesses bear collateral impacts.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Tompkins County Legislature - Regular Meeting — May 19, 2026
Mayor Cantelmo described a walkthrough finding broken elevators, damaged units, and unsanitary common areas at the Asteri, and said the Vecino Group hasn't been responsive to city inspectors. County environmental health has done five inspections since May 1 under a $40,000 penalty, with more enforcement recommendations coming to the Board of Health. Legislators urged maximum legal enforcement and better case management for residents.
Tompkins County Legislature - Regular Meeting — May 5, 2026
Legislators pressed staff on whether Asteri Ithaca has fixed its health-code violations and whether the $2,000-per-violation-per-day fines are accruing. Payment hasn't been made; the county may pursue court action, and health staff will brief legislators on the inspection process.
Tompkins County Legislature - Regular Meeting — April 7, 2026
The county and city are pressing the Asteri building's owner over sanitary violations; a hearing officer upheld $40,000 of $49,000 in fines, and the IDA issued a notice of default with all options on the table.
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