After Three Years of Planning, the Asteri Ithaca Aims to Expand Affordable Housing Options
“‘For hourly wage workers downtown in the gig economy, if there is more consistency in patronage, then there’s more consistency in their jobs,’ Kelles said. ‘They’ll have more hours for work, better pay and more benefits because the businesses will be able to afford benefits.’
The development of the project has even considered the effect on neighboring businesses. Its budget, for example, accounts for compensation for any interruption of business that may occur.
Throughout the approval process, the developers formed written agreements with each of the neighboring property and business owners to accommodate their needs. Brett Bossard, executive director of the neighboring theater Cinemapolis, expressed gratitude for the attention the city and the developers have paid to their interests, especially after COVID shutdowns.”