Tompkins County legislators received an update this week on ongoing health, safety, and management concerns at the Asteri apartment building in Ithaca, with local officials saying conditions at the facility remain problematic despite recent enforcement efforts.
Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo, Tompkins County Whole Health Commissioner Jennie Sutcliffe, and Environmental Health Director Skip Parr addressed lawmakers during a legislative meeting, outlining continued issues at the privately owned apartment complex and discussing the limitations local governments face in addressing the situation.
Cantelmo said conditions inside the building have not “materially improved” despite assurances from property management. Following a recent walkthrough, the mayor reported seeing elevators without working lights, damaged apartment units, broken doors, overflowing garbage, and unsanitary stairwells.
He also criticized building management for failing to cooperate with city inspection requests and said the city plans to pursue code enforcement actions as aggressively as possible.
Cantelmo added that long-term improvements will likely require action from the property’s investors as well as additional state support for supportive housing services.
Sutcliffe told legislators that Whole Health has been working with Asteri management for nearly two years regarding sanitary code violations involving garbage accumulation, biohazards, and unsafe common areas.
She said the county issued a $40,000 penalty after violations of Commissioner’s Orders and has continued conducting inspections throughout May.
While concerns remain, Sutcliffe noted inspectors have observed positive interactions between building security staff and residents, which she said has helped create some stability inside the facility.
Parr said inspectors have seen some improvement compared to earlier visits, though several violations remain unresolved. He also noted that Whole Health’s authority is limited to public health matters and does not extend to broader building code enforcement issues.
County legislators raised questions about enforcement options, supportive services for residents, and the impact conditions at the building are having on public safety.
Legislator Randy Brown said the county should pursue every legal remedy available while also expanding case management support for residents. Legislator Anne Koreman Hubbard questioned whether stronger financial penalties may be needed if conditions do not improve.
Other discussion focused on the balance between tenant responsibility and property management accountability.
Legislator Veronica Pillar Mezey asked how responsibility should be shared when residents contribute to hazardous conditions, while Sutcliffe emphasized the importance of stable housing, mental health care, and supportive services in helping residents maintain safe living environments.
Legislator Shawna Black Brooks also raised concerns about lease oversight and management practices, arguing they have contributed to instability within the building.
