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Home My WebLink AboutMay 2026 Newsletter The Town of Ithaca joins communities across the country in recognizing May as the 46 Annual Building Safety Month.th Building Safety Month is an international public awareness campaign led by the International Code Council (ICC) celebrated through proclamations, educational events, and community outreach. This year ’s theme is “Built to Last” emphasizing how modern building codes, trained safety professionals, and resilient construction practices protect people, property and the environment. Educational events and community outreach highlight how strong codes, careful inspections, and informed residents keep our homes and neighborhoods “Built to Last” with a different focus each week: The 2026 Building Safety Month Weeks: Week 1: Safe Homes, Strong Communities (May 1–10) focuses on simple steps—like working smoke alarms, clear exits, and safe decks—that align with the Town’s residential permit reviews and inspections. Week 2: Voices of the Built Environment (May 11–17) shines a light on building safety professionals, including Town inspectors and code officials who verify compliance and help guide projects from application to occupancy. Week 3: Prepared to Protect (May 18–24) underscores the importance of disaster‑resistant building codes, which help reduce risks from fire, severe weather, and other emergencies through proper design, construction, and maintenance. Week 4: Communities Without Limits (May 25–31) highlights accessibility, reflecting the Town’s commitment to inclusive, barrier‑free design in new and renovated buildings. Community members are encouraged to contact the Town’s Code Enforcement & Zoning Department with questions about when permits are required, how inspections work, and what steps they can take to support safe construction and maintenance of buildings and structures. By working together – Town Staff, residents, contractors, design professionals and – can ensure Town of Ithaca buildings are truly “Built to Last.” Learn more, find additional resources, and join the conversation on social media using #BuildingSafetyMonth2026. May is Building Safety MonthMay is Building Safety MonthMay is Building Safety Month May 2026 Newsletter Town of IthacaTown of IthacaTown of Ithaca All Town Hall offices will be closed Monday, May 25 in Observance of Memorial Day Town TriviaTown TriviaTown Trivia Photo Credit: Doug Robinson Did you know that one of our very own Town Board members is a talented professional musician. Here is a circa 1992 photo. Can you guess who it is? The Answer will be in our June Newsletter. Codes Department at theCodes Department at the 2026 High School Opportunity Fair2026 High School Opportunity Fair Codes Department at the 2026 High School Opportunity Fair The Town Code Enforcement Department recently participated in the 2026 High School Opportunity Fair at SUNY Cortland, engaging students and highlighting career opportunities in municipal service. The event provided a valuable platform to introduce high school students to the important role code enforcement professionals play in ensuring safe, compliant , and well-maintained communities. A standout feature of the Town’s booth was an interactive “Truth or Myth” game, where students identified potential code violations based on real- world scenarios. This hands-on activity sparked interest while helping students better understand how codes affect everyday life. Code Officer Christopher Torres (right)Interacting with high school students atthe fair. By participating in events like this, the Town of Ithaca is raising awareness of meaningful and rewarding careers in local government, encouraging the next generation to consider paths in public service. Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 Time: 6–8 p.m. Where: Danby Fire Hall, 1780 Danby Road, Ithaca Register online for appointment Free RabiesFree Rabies Vaccination ClinicVaccination Clinic Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic Town of Ithaca Farms will be at theTown of Ithaca Farms will be at the 2026 Garden Fair and Plant Sale2026 Garden Fair and Plant Sale Town of Ithaca Farms will be at the 2026 Garden Fair and Plant Sale One of the Finger Lakes' most highly anticipated gardening events, the Garden Fair & Plant Sale features a wide variety of vendors who offer plants, garden accessories, and gardening advice. Plants for sale include heirloom vegetables, colorful annuals, fragrant herbs, hanging baskets, flowering shrubs, hardy roses, fruit trees, evergreens, and specialty perennials. Visitors are encouraged to bring carts or wagons to aid in transporting their plant purchases to their cars. Please look for several of the participating vendors/farms that are located in the Town of Ithaca , including A .J. Teeter Farm (vegetable and herb transplants), Cayuga Landscape (garden plants), Der Rosenmeister (specialty roses), Shalebrook Landscaping (houseplants), and West Haven Farm (certified organic vegetable, herb and flower starts). For more information can be found at the Cornell Cooperative Extension site. Friday May 15 1pm to 7pm Ithaca Farmer ’s Market 545 Third Street NYS burn banNYS burn ban still in effectstill in effect until May 14until May 14 NYS burn ban still in effect until May 14 In Case You Hadn’t Heard…. The City closed the Seneca Street Parking Garage, next to Ithaca Town Hall , on April 10 due to safety concerns. Below is a summary of the City’s press release with options for patrons/commuters. th The sidewalks around the garage, including the TCAT bus stop, will remain closed until a scaffolding solution can be put into place to protect pedestrians from any debris from the building’s facade cracking. Downtown residents and employees are encouraged to take advantage of GO ITHACA, a free transportation benefits program supported by the Downtown Ithaca Alliance and the City of Ithaca. Participants in GO ITHACA receive: A 40 ride TCAT transit pass, with discounts on monthly passes thereafter A $50 Ithaca Carshare credit A $50 gift card for biking and walking gear Parking discounts for carpoolers Access to Park and Carpool or Park and Ride programs Discounts on OurBus For more information/to register for GO ITHACA, visit goithaca.org or call (607) 391-1389. To learn more about the Seneca Street Garage Redevelopment Project , visit downtownithaca.com and cityofithacany.gov. For media inquiries, contact Alan Karasin, Public Information Officer and City Clerk, akarasin@cityofithaca .org or 607-274-6437. City of Ithaca Seneca’s Street Garage ClosedCity of Ithaca Seneca’s Street Garage ClosedCity of Ithaca Seneca’s Street Garage Closed Did you know?...Did you know?...Did you know?... All town residents are eligible for discounts on recreation programs through the recreation partnership. Fee discounts include: Daily Admission (rink and pool) Cass Park Season Passes Cass Park's Learn to Skate & Swim classes Pavilion and Boat Rack Rentals @ Cass & Stewart Parks Learn more about the partnership here. You can check out all the Ithaca Youth Bureau recreation programs here. You can now donate to the SPCA when you license or renew your dog. Around TownAround TownAround Town Lifelong WalksLifelong WalksLifelong Walks Step into the fresh air and join us for Lifelong Walks—happening every other Wednesday from April 22 through October 21! Whether you’re looking to stay active, connect with others, or explore beautiful local spots, these walks are a great way to do it all. Meet at Lifelong at 9:00 AM Depart promptly at 9:30 AM Walks are free, but Lifelong membership is required. Participants should be able to walk 1–2 miles independently or with an assistant . To register for this program, reach out to coordinator Carol Beeman at (607) 875-8822 or 333cjbeeman@gmail .com Events start at 11am with Civil War era music, food, and exhibits. Followed by a memorial ceremony performed by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil Wars. There will also be the dedication of the Danby Memorial Day Gathering,Memorial Day Gathering, Ceremony and DedicationCeremony and Dedication Memorial Day Gathering, Ceremony and Dedication Danby Town Hall 1830 Danby Road Monday, May 25 11am to 4pm 2026 Commencements2026 Commencements2026 Commencements Ithaca College: May 17 TC3: May 19 Cornell University: May 22-24 Ithaca High School: June 24 CongratulationsCongratulations Graduates!Graduates! Congratulations Graduates! Soldiers monument , with the ceremonial TAPS Across America at 3pm. 2026 Budget Vote and2026 Budget Vote and School Board ElectionSchool Board Election 2026 Budget Vote and School Board Election Tuesday, May 19 Polls Open 12-9 pm Poll Site Lookup: By Address By Name, Zip Code and Date of Birth