ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) – Leaders in Tompkins County await the potential price tag of a temporary emergency shelter in Downtown Ithaca.

Last week, it was announced the vacant Key Bank building on North Tioga Street would be repurposed as a Code Blue shelter this winter. The New York State mandated program provides respite when temperatures reach freezing levels.

With the county’s budget season in full swing, Deputy Administrator Norma Jayne says the cost will likely be determined soon.

 

County staff are looking at what the state will cover.

 

In developing the site, the county will utilize as much of the existing building as possible. It could potentially be demolished or deconstructed as part of the future Center of Government building project.