News

Ex-Asteri Ithaca security chief blasts building’s safety

Aster Ithaca on E. Green St. (file) Photo: Saga Communications

ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — The former head of security at Asteri Ithaca is speaking out.

Wednesday, Sept. 24 on Ithaca’s Morning News, Jared Bentley told 607 News Now his experience as an employee in the building was poor.

Bentley, who served as security chief for nearly three months, adds safety was not a prime concern for the Vecino Group, which operates the building in downtown Ithaca.

Asteri Ithaca opened in the summer of 2024, featuring 181 apartments and an all-electric conference center. Since then, the Ithaca Police Department and Ithaca Fire Department have responded to dozens of calls. In August, Ithaca Police Chief Tom Kelly told 607 News Now security at the E. Green St. building had improved.

FULL INTERVIEW: Jared Bentley on Ithaca’s Morning News

Recent Headlines

40 minutes ago in Community, Local, Regional

DEC releases more details about deceased man found in Connecticut Hill State Forest

Fresh

On October 17, a 36-year-old man's body was discovered in the woods around 1:10 p.m. in the Town of Newfield.

4 hours ago in Community, Local

13-month water/sewer project in Varna begins, Dryden town officials say

Updated

A water/sewer project is being done weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until November 2026 in Varna.

4 hours ago in Business, Community, Government, Local, Politics

Riley wants NYSEG, National Grid to do ‘right thing’

Updated

Rep. Josh Riley wants NYSEG and National Grid to publicly guarantee they won’t shut off service, charge late fees or interest, or send accounts to collections for those struggling because of the government shutdown.