Tompkins County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tompkins County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Housing Affordability and Target Market Analysis
The county accepted a $50,000 state grant to write a 2026-2035 Housing Strategy — a decade-long roadmap for housing policy. Committee members discussed how the funds can be used and how municipalities will be involved.
Downtown Parking Availability
Grand jurors, jury pools, and court staff are struggling without the Seneca Street garage; jurors get no parking reimbursement. The committee floated ideas like shuttles as the county grapples with downtown parking for years to come.
NYU Furman Center homeless response peer network
Tompkins County/Ithaca was accepted into a national peer network run by NYU's Furman Center to learn better homeless response strategies from cities like Allentown and Jackson.
Housing shortage for single adults
Legislators and DSS dug into why it's so hard to house single adults — no Section 8 vouchers, few private landlords, rent over $1,000 against limited DSS benefits. Brooks floated an ADU-building fund idea to create dedicated units.
Federal HUD homelessness funding in limbo
The county's homelessness services depend heavily on federal HUD money through the Continuum of Care, and changes at HUD could mean cuts. A local housing expert is building a timeline of expected impacts so the county can plan ahead.
Community Housing Development Fund Round 26 Awards
The county put $80,000 of IDA money into one affordable Habitat home, and staff urged municipalities to pursue Pro-Housing Community certification to unlock state funding. Over $2 million is available in the CHDF.
City of Ithaca Zoning Reform Survey
The city is pursuing denser infill housing through zoning changes, including wider use of planned unit developments, so workers can live where they work. County Legislator Packman sits on the city's Zoning Advisory Committee tracking it.
SouthWorks/Gateway Affordable Housing Infrastructure Award
The county's $1 million state infrastructure grant now supports the renamed Gateway project in the City of Ithaca — 100 affordable units in two buildings — after Beacon Communities joined and the project shifted from the town side. Formal acceptance is expected this fall.
Housing Choice Voucher Program Pressures
Tompkins Community Action has lost about 95 vouchers in two years, its waiting list (1,000+ households) is closed, and the state suspended new issuances until possibly early 2027. Losing vouchers means more people falling into homelessness — and costlier emergency shelter.
Federal Cuts Threaten Permanent Supportive Housing
HUD's attempt to slash Continuum of Care funding by 70% and shift away from permanent supportive housing has been blocked by federal courts, but the reprieve may be temporary. Local programs like Chartwell House and Magnolia House are safe for now, with cuts not hitting until 2028 if they come.
Harris B. Dates Drive Parcel — Affordable Housing Potential
The county has owned this 25-acre parcel near major employers and bus lines for years without developing it. Committee members want staff to bring back options — sale, lease, land bank, or affordable for-sale housing — by mid-fall. A failed 2012 development attempt shows both the potential and the political hurdles.
Asteri Ithaca and county homelessness response
A resident proposed the county buy the embattled Asteri Ithaca building and convert it into shelter and transitional housing. Chair Brooks noted the mayor cited a $186 million eminent domain figure and said the purchase isn't feasible now, but a housing presentation is planned for July.
Asteri Ithaca / Vecino Group enforcement
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.
Affordable Housing at 610 W. Court Street
An $80,000 CHDF award will help Habitat for Humanity build one affordable modular home in downtown Ithaca, sold at a steep discount to a buyer earning 60% of median income or less, with permanent affordability restrictions.