Highlights of the 4/15/25 Meeting of the Tompkins County Legislature

Representatives from the NYS OTDA Bureau of Housing and Support Services spoke to the Legislature about housing development in Tompkins County relative to addressing homelessness. They provided an overview of County data, sharing an estimate of 180 homeless individuals reported in the January 2025 “Point in Time” (PIT) annual homelessness count, a decrease of 30 individuals compared with the PIT count in 2024. An overview of the various types of housing programs was provided, including emergency housing, transitional housing, supportive housing and permanent supportive housing.  

Funding for housing development was discussed, highlighting the programs that will support the County’s Cherry St. development project. The construction of the purpose-built emergency shelter is competitively funded through the State Homeless Housing Assistance Program.

NYS OTDA Assistant Director Sarah Watson (pictured above) stated, “Permanent housing is a permanent solution.” In an emergency shelter placement, NYS reimburses counties at only 30%, with the individual needing to find the resources to be able to move out of emergency shelter. With permanent supported housing, NYS reimburses at 100%, in a permanent placement for as long as the individual desires to live there.

As Tompkins County moves forward with the Cherry St. project, NYS OTDA will work alongside the Legislators and County Administration to broker decisions with the site developer, to support the project’s feasibility, sustainability and success. A Request for Qualifications was released last week by the County to solicit a shelter operator to partner for the development and management of the site.  

Code Blue Emergency Shelter ended April 15, 2025. Emergency Shelter services remain available; individuals in need may come to the Department of Social Services at 320 West Martin Luther King/State Street or call the department’s emergency housing services at (607) 274-5030. 

Among other business 

During public comment, Volunteers from the Tompkins County Human Rights Commission (HRC) raised concern for the community while the Office of Human Rights is in the process of restructuring. HRC volunteers spoke to an increase in calls from people facing workplace discrimination, and a need for access and connection to resources, especially legal aid. The HRC representatives implored the Legislature to continue working on the OHR restructure as this service is vitally needed. 

Chair Dan Klein (D-Caroline/Danby) announced the launch of the Tompkins Transportation Scout, a groundbreaking mobility initiative designed to simplify, enhance, and sustain transportation options for all residents. The Tompkins Transportation Scout project represents a dedicated collaboration between Tompkins County, GO ITHACA, TCAT, Gadabout Transportation, Human Services Coalition (2-1-1 Information & Referral), Center for Community Transportation, and numerous local transit partners. This project is funded through a Federal Transit Administration Integrated Mobility Innovation Demonstration Program grant. The project streamlines access to local transportation options, including a mobile app and a call center, and additional assistance through an “Emergency Ride Home” program.  

County Finance Director Lorrie Scarrott announced that the County Foreclosure Auction (to be held on June 12th-23rd) will be using an online auction service. Staff from the Finance Department gave a brief presentation explaining how the online auction will be conducted. This year’s auction will include up to 18 properties. Surplus funds obtained of each parcel during the annual auction are turned over to the Tompkins County Court for any claims. 

A resolution was brought forward by the Chair of the Government Operation Committee, Amanda Champion (D-Ithaca), to support an amendment to the Tompkins County Public Library Board of Trustees bylaws, to increase the number of members serving on the Board of Trustees to either 12, 13, or 14 members if the Board so chooses. Earlier in the year, a call for applicants to join the Board brought in over 25 applicants, providing opportunity to build out the board. The resolution carried unanimously.  

Chair of the Housing and Economic Development Committee, Greg Mezey (D-Dryden), brought forward three resolutions awarding the Tompkins County Outdoor, Community Celebration, & Tourism Advancement Grants. All three resolutions carried 11-0-1, with Mike Sigler (R-Lansing) recused.  

Resolution brought forward by the Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Rich John (D-Ithaca), to appropriate contingent funds for a Law Enforcement Recruitment campaign for the Community Justice Center. The resolution carried unanimously.