The operator of the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center is suing developer Vecino Group for $5 million, claiming unsafe conditions in the Asteri building have driven away business, according to Tompkins Weekly.
The lawsuit alleges rampant security issues, infestations, flooding, and criminal activity tied to mismanagement of Asteri’s housing units, including those reserved for formerly homeless residents. Former security staff say they lacked tools to keep the building safe, and police report frequent calls to the property.
Despite the turmoil, conference center leaders insist the facility remains open and committed to serving future events.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].