ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) — Tax breaks for the massive SouthWorks project in Ithaca have been greenlit.

The Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) Board of Directors met on Wednesday, October 10, 2024, to discuss potential abatements for the future mixed-use facility at the former Emerson Power site on South Hill.

Tompkins County Legislator Rich John Chairs the IDA. He says the project, which will include hundreds of units of housing, checks off a lot of boxes for the community.

The IDA Board of Directors approved the tax incentive package 6-1, with IBEW Local 241 Business Manager Todd Bruer the lone dissenting vote.

Bruer echoed concerns raised by residents.

Bruer expressed relief that abatements are being handled in 5-year increments.