FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2025
Tompkins County to temporarily relocate the Office for the Aging and Department of Assessment during the Center of Government project
ITHACA, N.Y. — The Tompkins County Office for the Aging (COFA) and Department of Assessment will temporarily relocate to 31 Dutch Mill Road in the Town of Lansing as part of the county’s ongoing Center of Government project. The legislature approved the move, and the county is in the process of acquiring the property.
The relocation allows the construction of the Center of Government to move forward while also providing space for the Board of Elections, which will occupy COFA’s current office at 214 W. State Street in Ithaca. Both the Dutch Mill Road and West State Street locations will be prepared for occupancy, with a move-in timeline to be announced once the work is complete. Services will continue without interruption.
The Lansing location offers ample and free on-site parking, proximity to major roadways, and is convenient for rural clients who might be hesitant to drive into Ithaca. The building is easy to navigate and features single-story accessibility with flat surfaces, ADA-compliant entrances and restrooms, as well as accessible parking spaces. The offices offer a generous and flexible layout with space for confidential client consulting. The co-location provides efficiencies for residents who utilize services from both departments. Financial stewardship was also a factor in choosing this location, as purchasing office space affords the county cost savings compared to leasing space.
The county acknowledges that the relocation will require an adjustment period for both clients and staff and asks for patience and understanding as the departments transition. To mitigate transportation concerns, as part of their person-centered interaction and counseling, department staff will discuss and coordinate client transportation needs to the best of their abilities, emphasize door-to-door options (Gadabout/ADA Paratransit) for eligible clients with disability or mobility limitations, continue to offer phone and virtual appointments to reduce travel needs, and assess client need for satellite office hours for in-person assistance and form drop-off.
“This relocation is a necessary step in moving the Center of Government project forward, while also making thoughtful use of county resources,” said Tompkins County Administrator Korsah Akumfi. “We are committed to making the transition as smooth as possible for staff and clients by providing clear information and maintaining access to high-quality services for aging adults and their caregivers.”
“This decision balances long-term cost savings with the space needs of our departments,” said Legislator Lee Shurtleff (R-Groton, Dryden, Lansing), Chair of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee. “Purchasing the Dutch Mill property rather than leasing comparable space is estimated to save the county about $250,000 per year.”
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Monika (she/her)
Monika Salvage, PMP, CPP
Communications Director
Tompkins County Administration
New Office Address:
201 East Green Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
(607) 274-5555