Menstrual Equity Center opens to offer supplies and education

The Downtown Ithaca Alliance opened the city’s first Menstrual Equity Center and Period Pantry Aug. 10. The center, which was funded by a grant from the Community Foundation of Tompkins County, is located outside of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance’s office in Center Ithaca. The center hopes to reduce systemic injustices and make sustainable, affordable menstrual supplies accessible for all. The center is open on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays. 

Schwartz appointed acting police chief of Ithaca Police Department

Ithaca mayor Laura Lewis appointed Ted Schwartz the acting police chief of the Ithaca Police Department May 9. The Ithaca Voice reports that Schwartz, a Lieutenant, is an Ithaca native who has worked for the force since 2011. IPD has not had a permanent police chief since spring 2021, when former chief Dennis Nayor resigned. Lewis nominated former acting chief John Joly for the permanent police chief position in December 2022, but withdrew her nomination following criticism from members of the Common Council. The city is working with search firm Public Sector Search and Consulting to find a permanent chief. 

IPD holds town hall for public to share concerns about policiing

IPD acknowledged the need to improve its relationship with the Ithaca community at a June 21 town hall held at the Southside Community Center. The Ithaca Police Benevolent Association and the New York State American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations’s Task Force on Racial Justice invited citizens to question officers and community leaders of color about policing and the Reimagining Public Safety initiative. This was the first forum organized by the AFL-CIA.

Local landmark Stewart Park receives historical recognition

Stewart Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in May. According to The Ithaca Voice, the designation grants the park eligibility for state historic preservation matching grants and gives additional protection for the park’s buildings. Historic Ithaca, Friends of Stewart Park, Wharton Studio Museum and the City of Ithaca worked together to restore the park and secure its spot on the register. 

Tompkins County adds signage to recognize indigenous people

The Tompkins County Historical Commission added signage in the Gayogo̱hó:nǫɁ (Cayuga Nation) language and tribal colors beneath the existing street signs on Cayuga Street in the City of Ithaca and the villages of Trumansburg and Groton. The Historical Commission added the signs to acknowledge that the county is situated on the traditional homeland of the Gayogo̱hó:nǫɁ indigenous people. The commission previously published a book written by Kurt Jordan, Associate Professor of Anthropology and Director of Indigenous Studies Program at Cornell University, that explores the archeology and history of the Gayogo̱hó:nǫɁ. These efforts reflect the Historical Commission’s goal to highlight frequently overlooked aspects of local history.