Statement from Downtown Ithaca Local Development Corporation Regarding the Displacement of Residents from Asteri Ithaca
The Downtown Ithaca Local Development Corporation (LDC) wishes to assure the clients and partners of the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center—as well as the broader Ithaca community—that the fire safety issues reported this week at the adjoining Asteri Ithaca residential complex have not impacted the operations or safety of the Conference Center.
We strongly urge the property manager—Vecino Group—not to delay in addressing the deficiencies that caused the unfortunate displacement of residents, who have again been victimized by persistent mismanagement of the residential complex. This latest incident further confirms the basis for the lawsuit brought against Vecino Group last October by the LDC and the Ithaca Asteri Condominium Association.
In the meantime, the Conference Center remains fully open and is operating as scheduled for meetings, conferences, and special events. .
Officials from the Ithaca Fire Department have confirmed that the Conference Center’s fire safety and life-safety systems are fully operational and in compliance with all applicable fire codes and safety protocols. The facility continues to meet the rigorous standards required for public assembly venues.
The safety and well-being of our guests, clients, and staff is our highest priority. Conference Center management works closely with local public safety officials to maintain strict adherence to all safety standards and operational protocols.
We remain fully committed to providing a safe, professional, and welcoming environment for the conferences, meetings, and community gatherings, and to exceeding the expectations of all who choose to do business with the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center.
Contributing to the economic vitality of Tompkins County by providing a modern, premier event and meeting destination.
Mission
The Downtown Ithaca Local Development Corporation (LDC) creates economic impact through the ownership of the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center, a professionally operated, state-of-the-art facility designed to attract visitors by accommodating trade shows, conferences, meetings, public expositions, business activities, and social, sporting & community events. The Ithaca Downtown Conference Center enhances the economy of Tompkins County by the attraction of events, the visibility and awareness they create, the visitors that accompany them, and the generation of new economic benefits throughout the area by that visitor spending.
The LDC was originally formed on April 4, 2003 by the Downtown Ithaca Alliance and was formally reestablished in early 2020 for the purpose of constructing and operating the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center. The LDC was awarded NYS tax exempt status on April 16, 2021.
