Archive: Around Town

The Legislature convened its first meeting in its new Legislative Chambers Tuesday, marking the historic occasion with a brief ceremony and open house for the public.  The Legislature has moved its Chambers and offices to renovated quarters on the second floor of the Governor Daniel D. Tompkins Building (formerly known as the Old Courthouse) next to DeWitt Park, after leaving the space it had occupied for 80 years at the Tompkins County Courthouse to meet the needs of the New York State court system.

"Tompkins County was formed in 1817.  One of the first acts we passed as a county was to build a courthouse so we could avoid being annexed to Seneca County," said Legislature Chair Martha Robertson.  "In April 1917 they erected a little building on the corner of this parcel, a wooden structure that lasted for 37 years.  This building was built in 1853 and '54.  The Tompkins COunty Board of Supervisors entered this room and stayed for 80 years.  In 1933 what was then called 'the new courthouse' was built, and the Board of Supervisors moved into that building.  80 years since then, here we are again."



With Vice Chair Mike Lane and the rest of the Capital Plan Review Committee looking on, Legislature Chair Martha Robertson and Clerk of the Legislature Cathy Covert cut the ceremonial ribbon to formally open the space.  (Clerk Covert is a direct relative of Governor Tompkins, for whom the building is named.)


The Legislature heard from County Historian Carol Kammen, who talked about the history of the building and what life was like in Tompkins County around 1854, when the historic building—the oldest Gothic Revival courthouse in New York State—was built.  County Poet Laureate Tish Perlman offered a poem reflecting on life in Ithaca and Tompkins County.  Chair Robertson noted that, in moving to its new Chambers, the Legislature has actually returned to the building that was its initial home—headquarters of the Tompkins County Board of Supervisors before moving to the County Courthouse in 1933.

Legislators reflected on the long path and many decisions that led to developing the new Chambers, voicing special thanks to Facilities Director Arel LeMaro and HOLT Architects for forging many views and perspectives into a functional and attractive space, one that dignifies the discussion, improves interaction among legislators, and provides space and technological advancements to improve access for the public the Legislature serves.


Legislator Lane remarked, “For the first time we have treated the people who come down and sit with us at our meetings with respect…We have created a space that is for the public, and invite all to enjoy it.”

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