ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – Tompkins County will conduct outreach about its Center of Government building project.

Although it’s been in the works for several years, lawmakers approved a $50 million commitment earlier this week.

To inform residents about the project and collect input, a series of rural town hall-style meetings kicks off next Wednesday in Groton and Thursday in Enfield.

“We listened to department needs, evaluated different locations, acquired property, hired architects, and now we are ready to invite public input to inform the architectural design,” said Tompkins County Legislative Chair Dan Klein.

The tour continues the following week in Dryden, and the week after in Caroline and Ithaca. The meeting in Ithaca will be livestreamed, but the others are in-person only.

The county has launched a page on its website for citizens to stay informed and track the design and construction process. Additionally, you can sign up for email updates here.

A survey is available for those who cannot attend any meetings and want to submit feedback. Residents are encouraged to share how they currently access county services, how access can be improved, and what design features and amenities they’d like to see in a new building.

The project will include renovations at current county buildings and the deconstruction of several vacant buildings in a historic district on North Tioga and East Buffalo Streets to clear room for the COG building.

OUTREACH DATES AND LOCATIONS

-Groton Town Court, 101 Conger Blvd. – June 11, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

-Enfield Community Center, 162 Enfield Main Rd. – June 12, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

-Dryden Village Hall, 16 South Street – June 16, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

-Caroline Town Hall, 2670 Slaterville Road – June 23, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

-Legislature Chamber, 121 E Court St. Ithaca – June 24, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.