On Feb. 16, President David J. Skorton and other community and government leaders met to reaffirm their commitment to safe, affordable housing in Tompkins County and to announce recent progress made in addressing this pressing need.

The event, "Affordable Housing: A Tompkins County Challenge," was sponsored by Better Housing for Tompkins County (BHTC).

Speaking of the university's financial challenges and its responsibilities as the largest employer in the county, Skorton said the university is working to balance the needs of Cornell's workforce with the university's current financial challenges. However, he said, "one of the areas we are not going to step back from is our partnership," noting that Cornell has fulfilled its first commitment to the community affordable housing program announced in 2007. "It's more important than ever during a time like this that we think about the basics, one of which is shelter," he said.

Credit: Jason Koski/University Photography

Skorton also noted that a major component of Cornell's strategic planning is civil engagement and that the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County provides regular workshops on budgeting and home energy.

Both Skorton and Thomas R. Rochon, president of Ithaca College, highlighted the work that college and university students do through Habitat for Humanity and other organizations dedicated to community outreach.

Other speakers included Julee Johnson, chair of the board of directors for BHTC; Martha Robertson, chair of the Tompkins County Legislature; and Martha Armstrong, vice president, Tompkins County Area Development.

John Spence, executive director of BHTC, closed the meeting by announcing that BHTC has partnered with the NRP Group to submit a funding application for a $9 million development of 80 affordable family apartments in the Village of Lansing. This project would provide affordable housing that is within walking distance of shopping and services, and incorporate open green space and energy efficiencies in its design.