Ithaca orders immediate vacate for 181 units at Asteri tower after fire-safety review

The mayor opened the March 4 Ithaca City Common Council meeting by announcing an immediate notice to vacate the Asteri residential tower after city staff and public-safety officials carried out an emergency building-safety review.

"Out of concern for the residents, we have determined that the city has no choice but to post a notice to vacate for all 181 residential units in the building," the mayor said, adding that the city will work with state, county and regional partners to support residents and to hold property management accountable.

City staff said the notice took effect immediately and does not apply to the building's conference center, which reportedly has separate egress. The mayor said the public information officer would distribute further details and thanked the city's emergency-response partners.

City officials did not provide a full itemized list of the specific code violations at the meeting; council members and staff told the chamber they were acting on an urgent safety determination made by the acting city manager, the Ithaca Fire Department, the city attorney’s office and the building division. The mayor said the decision followed an "emergency review of building safety" and emphasized the priority of resident health and safety.

Several public speakers and council members asked for clarity about relocation timelines and support services. The mayor and staff urged residents to follow public-information updates and noted the city was coordinating short-term shelter and support while longer-term options are worked out.

The council took no formal vote at the start of the meeting on the vacate notice; acting city staff described it as an emergency administrative action and directed residents to the city’s public information office for additional details. The city later moved on to other agenda business, including public comment and agenda items.

Next steps: city staff will continue to post updates through the public information office and coordinate with county and state partners on housing and assistance for displaced residents.