Tompkins committee advances $50 million Center of Government plan, schedules county engagement meetings

Tompkins County’s Downtown Facility Special Committee voted June 3 to advance a resolution recommending that the full legislature approve up to $50 million in funding for a proposed Center of Government on the 300 block of North Tioga Street, and outlined a series of community engagement meetings and temporary relocation plans while historic‑preservation approvals and funding details are finalized.

The committee action — moved by Legislator Ann Korman and seconded by Legislator Mike Lane and approved by the committee — also directs the county administrator or designee to establish an internal relocation team to identify temporary “swing” space for departments now in the buildings slated for deconstruction at 303–308 North Tioga Street and 128 East Buffalo Street. County staff member Corso told the committee, “we have put together a committee internally to work on the relocation,” listing assessment, facilities, information technology, human resources, the county attorney’s office and the Board of Elections as participants.

Project consultants presented the project goals and timeline. Staff member Quay summarized the intent: “This project is about consolidating government services into a single campus,” and described a three‑phase approach that includes deconstruction of the old structures,…