Committee authorizes offer of tenancy at Tompkins Center for Friends of Stuart Park

The Tompkins County Government Operations Committee on Jan. 6 approved a resolution from county administration authorizing an offer of tenancy at the Tompkins Center for History and Culture to the nonprofit Friends of Stuart Park.

The resolution, moved by Legislator Rich and seconded by Legislator Susan, passed unanimously. County administration staff described the move as consistent with a county administrative policy adopted the prior year that requires legislative review and approval for interested tenants at the history center.

Bridal, a county administration representative, said Friends of Stuart Park "is actually looking to split space with the Wharton Studio Museum," and clarified that the group will not be taking on a separate, new build-out at the history center. When asked whether the arrangement would be a sublease, Bridal said her understanding was that each organization "would have their own lease with the county" and that the usual insurance and lease requirements would apply.

Committee members noted the close relationship between the two organizations, because the Wharton Studio historically links to Stewart Park. The committee recorded the action as unanimous.

Next steps: staff will complete the tenancy paperwork consistent with county lease requirements and the administration's policy that governs tenancy review and legislative approval.

Votes at a glance: authorization to extend an offer of tenancy to Friends of Stuart Park was moved by Legislator Rich, seconded by Legislator Susan, and recorded as unanimous.