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Asteri Ithaca vacate order still in effect, city says

Asteri Ithaca vacate order still in effect, city says

The city of Ithaca issued a vacate order March 4 at the Asteri Ithaca building. Photo: Saga Communications/Joe Salzone/607 News Now


ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Days after the city of Ithaca issued an order to vacate, some residents of Asteri Ithaca haven’t left, according to city officials.

“City leadership has also learned that property management has not yet achieved full compliance, and a number of tenants are still residing within unsafe building conditions. The Order to Vacate is a mandatory order to avoid loss of life. To comply with this legal order, property management must vacate the building,” officials said.

“Property management has informed the City that on-site security is monitoring the residential tower door to prevent returns. If a resident needs essential belongings such as identification or medication, they are to be documented and escorted by security to obtain them but not remain in the building. Security has been instructed to lock the apartment units after residents vacate,” a statement continued.

The order to vacate was issued Wednesday, March 4 after the discovery of several fire code violations. According to an updated statement issued Saturday, March 7, “Several efforts are underway to provide supportive services to vacating residents. The landlord is providing hotel accommodations to displaced residents. Tompkins County departments, community, and local partners are working to assist residents in securing temporary housing, mental health support, food and other necessities. The City is grateful to Tompkins County and local not-for-profit agencies for their extraordinary efforts to assist residents and provide emergency services.”

Wednesday’s order to vacate does not include the downtown conference center, officials stated. Asteri Ithaca is operated by the Vecino Group, which also manages the Ithaca Arthaus on Cherry St.

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