Cantelmo: Asteri is still a mess

Summary: Tompkins County Legislature meeting; May 19

Reporting courtesy, Tompkins County Department of Communications; Monika Salvage, Communications Director (reporting edited for brevity); May 22, 2026

“I really wish that I could be here before all of you tonight telling you that I think conditions have materially improved.  I do not think that is the case.”

Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo, to the Tompkins County Legislature, May 19th

Tompkins County legislators received an update on ongoing concerns at the Asteri apartment building from City of Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo, Whole Health Commissioner Jennie Sutcliffe, and Whole Health Environmental Health Director Skip Parr. Officials described continued health, safety, and management issues at the facility, while outlining enforcement efforts and the limitations local governments face in addressing conditions at the privately owned property.

Mayor Cantelmo. He did a walk-through of Asteri: The elevator had no lights; the stairwell “reeked of urine.”

Mayor Cantelmo said conditions inside the building had not “materially improved” despite assurances from property management. During a recent walkthrough, he observed elevators without working lights, damaged apartment units, broken doors, overflowing waste, and unsanitary stairwells. He also criticized management for failing to respond to city inspection requests and said the city intends to enforce code violations as aggressively as possible.

Cantelmo noted that meaningful long-term change will likely require action from the building’s investor group and additional state support for supportive housing services.

Commissioner Sutcliffe explained that Whole Health has been working with Asteri for nearly two years on sanitary code compliance, primarily related to garbage, biohazards, and unsafe common areas. She said the county issued a $40,000 penalty after violations of Commissioner’s Orders and has conducted repeated inspections in May.

While concerns remain, Sutcliffe noted that inspectors have observed positive relationships between security staff and residents, helping create some stability within the building. Parr added that inspectors have seen some improvement in conditions compared to earlier visits, though several violations remain unresolved. He clarified that Whole Health’s authority is limited to public health concerns rather than broader building code issues.

Legislators raised concerns about enforcement, supportive services, and public safety impacts. Legislator Hubbard (D-Ithaca City, Town) questioned whether stronger financial penalties may be necessary if conditions do not improve, while Legislator Brown (R-Newfield, Enfield) argued the county should pursue every legal remedy available and expand case management support for residents.

Discussion also focused on the balance between tenant responsibility and property management accountability. Legislator Mezey (D-Dryden) asked how responsibility should be shared when residents create hazardous conditions, while Sutcliffe emphasized the importance of stable housing, mental health support, and supportive services in helping residents maintain safe living environments. Legislator Brooks (D-Ithaca City, Town) raised concerns about inadequate lease oversight and management practices that he said contributed to ongoing instability within the building.

Other Legislative Business:

Sustainability Update:  Tompkins County Chief Sustainability Officer Terry Carroll provided legislators with an overview of the county’s energy usage, sustainability initiatives, and renewable energy projects, highlighting both rising utility costs and ongoing efforts to reduce emissions and improve efficiency. Carroll reported that county electricity and natural gas spending increased by 8.3% from 2024 to 2025, driven largely by higher utility rates and weather-related demand. Overall energy costs reached their highest level since the county began tracking them in 2019.

On hydropower, green fleets and more; Tompkins County Chief Sustainability Officer Terry Carroll

A major focus of the presentation was the county’s hydroelectric partnership at the Waterloo facility, which Carroll described as one of the county’s most successful long-term sustainability investments.

Although hydroelectric production was lower in 2025 due to drought conditions and fluctuating water levels, the county realized approximately $242,000 in savings, nearly double the savings from 2024, because of higher wholesale electricity market prices. Carroll estimated that the facility now offsets roughly 40% of the county’s electricity use and may have saved taxpayers nearly $1 million since the partnership began.

Carroll also reviewed progress on the county’s green fleet and facilities projects. About 27% of the county fleet is currently electrified. He highlighted completed high-efficiency boiler upgrades at the Human Services Building, ongoing solar development at the Health Department, and continued planning for a district geothermal energy system that could eventually serve multiple county buildings.

Actions taken; Endorsements Made:

  • The Legislature proclaimed May 25, 2026 as Memorial Day and encouraged all residents to pause or join in local ceremonies at 11:00 a.m. on May 25 and carry forward the legacy of courage, service, and sacrifice that defines the nation.

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