HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-IURA-2018-06-29Approved: 9/7/18
108 E. Green St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-6565
MINUTES
ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
Common Council Chambers, City Hall
8:30 A.M., Friday, June 29, 2018
Members: Tracy Farrell, Vice‐Chair; Chris Proulx; Karl Graham
Excused: Svante Myrick, Chair; Eric Rosario; Laura Lewis (Common Council Liaison)
Staff: Anisa Mendizabal; JoAnn Cornish; Tom Knipe; Charles Pyott
Guests: Bill Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, Emmy’s Organics, Inc.
Samantha Abrams, President, Emmy’s Organics, Inc.
John Guttridge, Urban Core, LLC
I. Call to Order
Vice‐Chair Farrell called the meeting to order at 8:30 A.M.
II. Agenda Additions/Deletions
No changes were made to the agenda.
III. Public Comment (3‐min. maximum per person)
None.
IV. Review of Meeting Minutes: May 24, 2018
Proulx moved, seconded by Graham, to approve the May 24, 2018 minutes, with no modifications.
Carried Unanimously 3‐0
V. Neighborhood Investment Committee (NIC)
A. Designation of Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (INHS) as Qualified & Eligible Sponsor
for Urban Renewal Project at 402 S. Cayuga St. & Approval of Disposition/Development Agreement
Graham reported that the Committee discussed designating INHS, and enthusiastically supported both
the designation and the proposed project. INHS possesses the experience, expertise, and financial
capacity/stability to implement the project, which will provide 4 new units of for‐purchase housing, 2
of which will be affordable to households earning 80% or less of Area Median Income (AMI).
Ithaca
Urban
Renewal
Agency
IURA Minutes
June 29, 2018
Page 2 of 14
Moved by Graham, seconded by Proulx:
Designation of INHS as Sponsor to Undertake an Urban Renewal Project
at 402 S. Cayuga St. ― Property DisposiƟon
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) is the owner of vacant real property located
at 402 South Cayuga Street (tax parcel # 93.‐6‐7), and
WHEREAS, a prior conceptual agreement with Habitat for Humanity of Tompkins/Cortland
Counties, Inc. (Habitat) expired because the project to construct four units of for‐sale, affordable
housing was deemed financially infeasible by Habitat, and
WHEREAS, the IURA continues to seek redevelopment of the vacant property for owner‐occupied,
affordable housing in a manner supportive of surrounding neighborhood, and
WHEREAS, Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (INHS) has indicated interest to develop a
project to develop new owner‐occupied town homes at 402 South Cayuga Street which will be
affordable to low‐income homebuyers, and
WHEREAS, on February 9, 2018, the IURA’s Neighborhood Investment Committee reviewed a
preliminary concept plan by INHS to develop up to four townhouses at the project site and invited
INHS to submit an IURA Sponsor Application for such a project, and
WHEREAS, on April 26, 2018, the IURA recommended funding INHS’s proposal to develop 402
South Cayuga as part of its 2018 Action Plan,
WHEREAS, on May 16, 2018, INHS submitted an IURA Sponsor Application to acquire 402 S.
Cayuga Street, and
WHEREAS, the project site is located within the Urban Renewal Project Boundary area, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) is only authorized to dispose of property to a
specific buyer at a negotiated price if such buyer is designated as an eligible and qualified sponsor
(Sponsor) to carry out an urban renewal project per section 508 of General Municipal Law and the
sale is approved by Common Council, and
WHEREAS, a proposed Sponsor is evaluated in accordance with adopted IURA land disposition
procedures that seek to determine if the proposed Sponsor is qualified and capable of fulfilling the
objectives of the project for property disposition, and
WHEREAS, IURA evaluation criteria for Sponsors include:
1. Financial status and stability
2. Legal qualification to operate in the State of New York and to enter into contracts with regard
to the disposition, use, and development of land in questions
IURA Minutes
June 29, 2018
Page 3 of 14
3. Previous experience in the financing, use, development and operation of projects of a similar
nature
4. Reputation and proof of fair, reputable and ethical business practices and a record devoid of
convictions
WHEREAS, the primary objective of the Urban Renewal Plan is to provide a mechanism for
improving the social and physical characteristics of the project neighborhood, and
WHEREAS, one objective of the Urban Renewal Plan (Plan) is improvement of the residential
environment through redevelopment, rehabilitation, conservation, and new construction to assure
every family in Ithaca a decent home within its economic means, and
WHEREAS, the INHS development model incorporates modular construction to reduce the
construction cost per unit, thereby increasing financial feasibility, and
WHEREAS, INHS has successfully completed construction of over 50 affordable for‐sale homes in
Tompkins County, and
WHEREAS, INHS employs a full‐time Executive Director, Deputy Director, Finance Director, and
Director of Real Estate Development, and has been designated a Community Housing
Development Organization (CHDO), and
WHEREAS, the IURA Neighborhood Investment Committee considered this matter at its June 8,
2018 meeting and recommended the following; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby determines that Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. has
satisfactorily demonstrated its qualifications and capacity to successfully undertake a project to
develop owner‐occupied, affordable housing at 402 South Cayuga Street, and therefore designates
INHS as the “qualified and eligible sponsor” eligible to acquire tax parcels # 93.‐6‐7 (402 S. Cayuga
St.) for the purpose of undertaking an urban renewal project, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA further determines that redevelopment of the vacant parcel at 402 S.
Cayuga Street for construction of 2‐4 owner‐occupied, affordable homes will advance the
objectives of the Urban Renewal Plan, and
RESOLVED, the IURA hereby approves entering into a sales agreement for 402 S. Cayuga Street
property subject Common Council approval and the following terms and conditions:
Seller: Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
Purchaser: Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc.
Sales price: $30,000.00
Outcome: Development of at least 2 new owner‐occupied residences to be
sold to households earning no more than 80% of area median
income
IURA Minutes
June 29, 2018
Page 4 of 14
Contingencies: (1) Approval of floor plans and exterior design plans to ensure
compatibility with the neighborhood and reasonably maximize
accessible design, and
(2) Documentation of project feasibility, including financing, site plan
approval, and issuance of a building permit, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA Chairperson, subject to advice of IURA legal counsel, is authorized to
execute agreements to implement this resolution, including but not limited to purchase and sales
agreements.
Carried Unanimously 3‐0
B. Committee Chairperson Report
Graham reported the Committee also discussed potential options for allocating the unanticipated
additional HUD 2018 CDBG and HOME funds. It will continue to discuss other options at future
meetings. There is no immediate urgency to make a decision on the additional funds, since Federal
funds would not be received by the IURA before September/October 2018.
VI. Economic Development Committee (EDC)
A. Green Street Garage Redevelopment Urban Renewal Project ― Sponsor Designations Report
• Newman Development Group, LLC & Visum Development Group, LLC
• Vecino Group New York, LLC
• L Enterprises, LLC & McGuire Development Company, LLC
Proulx explained that, at its April 26, 2018 meeting, the IURA voted to re‐open the original RFP process
with a June 1, 2018 deadline for submission of applicant qualifications, which were then reviewed by
the Committee. All three applicants were deemed highly qualified in terms of their skill‐sets,
development teams, experience, and past projects. Two of the applicants (Newman/Visum and
Vecino) needed to provide further details about their financials (mostly regarding their principals). In
addition, if Vecino Group submits a complete application and happens to be selected, it would need to
submit additional validation that its two key principals’ net worth is sufficient and available to the
project. The application deadline is: July 31, 2018 (3:00 PM, EST). The Committee plans to review the
applications at its August 21st, 2018 meeting; and the IURA would then be expected to select the
designated sponsor at its September 27th, 2018 meeting.
B. Expansion of Cherry Street Industrial Park
1. Emmy’s Organics, Inc. ― RelocaƟon & Expansion: Designation of Qualified/Eligible Sponsor &
Authorize Disposition/Development Agreement
Proulx explained the IURA acquired the 6‐acre parcel at the end of the Cherry Street Industrial Park
from the City of Ithaca in order to identify a buyer. Over the years, the IURA explored several options
for developing it, but some issues arose regarding the City’s Comprehensive Plan and whether a
residential use on the site would be permitted. The project would require Subdivision approval to
enable construction of the public road. Financing the road construction and utilities will be expensive.
IURA Minutes
June 29, 2018
Page 5 of 14
Proulx remarked the project is a good opportunity to keep a growing employer in the city. It will result
in at least 5 new full‐time equivalent (FTE) jobs within 2 years of project completion, the majority of
which would be filled by low‐to‐moderate income individuals, at least 3 of whom would be paid the
2018 living wage. The proposed resolution affirms Emmy’s Organics has the qualifications and capacity
to implement the project.
Graham asked how the Committee evaluated the company’s qualifications. Proulx replied, it based its
decision on the company’s financial health as an operating business, its profit and loss statements, its
future financial outlook, and its recent hiring of a full‐time CEO.
Kelly remarked he was originally a part‐time, contracted CFO for the company. He has 30 years of real
estate development experience, so he understands the process and is accustomed to developing
projects. Emmy’s Organics has continued to grow and become more profitable. It has more than
outgrown its current space and the Cherry Street location seems like a natural choice. The project
makes considerable financial sense, enabling the company to be a lot more efficient.
Knipe added that, in addition to being a great opportunity for the company, installing a road will allow
the site to be more accessible and valuable to other potentially interested companies for future
economic development.
Abrams remarked that Emmy’s Organics remains very much interested in purchasing 3 acres, so it has
as much space as possible.
Moved by Proulx, seconded by Graham:
Designate Emmy’s Organics, Inc. as a Sponsor & Approve Disposition & Development Agreement
to Acquire IURA Land at Cherry Street Industrial Park
WHEREAS, on May 11, 2018, Emmy’s Organics, Inc. (Emmy’s) submitted an application to be
designated as a “qualified and eligible sponsor” (Sponsor) to acquire land located at the end of
Cherry Street, part of an undeveloped six acre parcel of land owned by the IURA (tax map #100.‐2‐
1.21), and
WHEREAS, Emmy’s proposes a $1.4 million project to construct a 10,000 square foot food
manufacturing facility to produce organic/natural cookies and snacks and add an additional 5 full‐
time equivalent employees, of which at least 51% will be low‐ and moderate‐income at the time of
hire, and
WHEREAS, Emmy’s started in Ithaca by selling their product at the Ithaca Farmer’s Market and
have grown to employ 19 workers at their current leased operations located at 629 W. Buffalo
Street, Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, Emmy’s seeks to begin operations at an expanded manufacturing facility in December
2018, and
IURA Minutes
June 29, 2018
Page 6 of 14
WHEREAS, Emmy’s is a woman‐owned business, who’s officers are: Samantha Abrams, President;
Ian Gaffney, Vice‐President, and Bill Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, and
WHEREAS, the IURA owns an undeveloped 6‐acre parcel at the end of Cherry Street appropriate
for development for businesses that create job opportunities, and
WHEREAS, extension of the public road into the site is necessary to make efficient use of the IURA
parcel for multiple employment‐based uses, and
WHEREAS, Emmy’s has indicated willingness to acquire 1‐3 acres of land from the IURA at
appraised value, and
WHEREAS, a 2018 appraisal of the Cherry Street Industrial Park expansion area conducted by
Landmark Appraisal Co., estimated the following fair market values at the project site:
One‐acre parcel: $110,000;
Two‐acre parcel: $200,000; and
WHEREAS, both the IURA and Emmy’s have independently contracted with T.G. Miller P.C., Civil
Engineering & Surveying, to develop a coordinated plan to extend the public road, lay out a
subdivision, and design a 10,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility with room for expansion, and
WHEREAS, expansion of the Cherry St. Industrial park was considered in the Generic
Environmental Impact Statement for the Southwest Master Plan for which a negative declaration
was issued on August 24, 2000 by the lead agency that such expansion would not result in a
significant adverse environmental impact, and
WHEREAS, subsequent environmental review of the subdivision and transfer of surplus land at
Cherry Street to the IURA for industrial park expansion resulted in issuance of a negative
declaration on June 6, 2012 whereby 2.25 acres of property including wetlands and
environmentally sensitive open space was retained by the City and 6.0 acres was transferred to
the IURA, and
WHEREAS, the project site is located within the Urban Renewal Project Boundary Area, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to section 508 of General Municipal Law, the IURA is authorized to dispose of
property to a specific buyer at a negotiated price if such buyer is designated as an eligible and
qualified sponsor (Sponsor), and the sale is approved by Common Council following a public
hearing, and
WHEREAS, a proposed Sponsor is evaluated in accordance with adopted IURA land disposition
procedures that seek to determine if the proposed Sponsor is qualified and capable of fulfilling the
objectives of the property for property disposition, and
WHEREAS, IURA evaluation criteria for Sponsors include:
IURA Minutes
June 29, 2018
Page 7 of 14
Financial status and stability
Legal qualification to operate in the State of New York and to enter into contracts with regard
to disposition, use, and development of land in question
Previous experience in the financing, use development and operation of projects of a similar
nature
Reputation and proof of fair, reputable and ethical business practices and a record devoid of
convictions, and
WHEREAS the primary objective of the Urban Renewal Plan (Plan) is to improve the economic,
social and physical characteristics of the project neighborhood, and
WHEREAS, an objective of the Plan is “expansion and diversification of the economic base of the
community to provide the employment opportunities needed by its residents and to strengthen
the tax base,” and
WHEREAS, Emmy’s Organics has submitted confidential financial statements demonstrating their
financial capacity to complete the project and verifying their current employment level, and
WHEREAS, Emmy’s is a certified B Corp. indicating they meet rigorous standards for social and
environmental performance, accountability and transparency, and
WHEREAS, the IURA Economic Development Committee considered this matter at their June 14,
2018 meeting and recommended the following; now, therefore, be it
1. RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby determines that Emmy’s has satisfactorily demonstrated its
qualifications and capacity to successfully undertake an urban renewal project to acquire land
from the IURA to construct and operate a 10,000 sq. ft. food manufacturing facility, and
therefore designates Emmy’s Organics, Inc. as a “qualified and eligible sponsor” to acquire a
parcel or parcels to be created at the end of Cherry Street (tax map #100.‐2‐1.21), and be it
further
2. RESOLVED, that IURA hereby finds that the submitted project proposal from Emmy’s Organics,
Inc. to construct a 10,000 sq. ft. food manufacturing facility at the Cherry Street Industrial Park
resulting in creation of at least 5 full‐time equivalent jobs will expand and diversify the
economic base of the community and provide employment opportunities, thereby furthering
the goals and objectives of the Urban Renewal Plan, and be it further
3. RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby authorizes the IURA Chairperson to approve a Disposition and
Development Agreement to sell property to the Sponsor to undertake an urban renewal
project, that contains the following essential terms:
Seller: Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
Purchaser: Emmy’s Organics, Inc. (or a legal entity to be formed that is
IURA Minutes
June 29, 2018
Page 8 of 14
majority owned by the Samantha Abrams and Ian Gaffney)
Urban Renewal Project: Investment of approximately $1.4 million to construct and
operate an approximately 10,000 square foot food
manufacturing facility for producing organic/natural cookies
and snacks, resulting in job creation.
Project Site: Portion of tax parcel #100.‐2‐1.21 located at the end of
Cherry Street, Ithaca, NY. Exact location, dimensions and size
of the parcel (s) shall be determined by mutual agreement
based on site engineering, subdivision and site plan approval.
Purchase Price: Fair market value as determined by appraisal.
Job Creation: Creation of at least five (5) full‐time equivalent jobs within
two years of project completion. At least 51% of five jobs
must be filled by low‐ and moderate‐income persons earning
no more than 80% of the Area Median Income as determined
by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development.
Living Wages: At least three (3) of the new job positions created shall be
paid a 2018 living wage of $15.11/hour (or $13.90/hour with
$2,500/year employer health care contribution) within 12
months of their hire date.
Employment & Wage
Reporting:
Quarterly employment and wage reporting shall be
submitted to Seller until job creation goal is satisfied for
two consecutive quarters.
Conditions for Sale: A. Approval of a Cherry Street Expansion subdivision of
tax parcel #100.‐2‐1.21.
B. Authorization by IURA to enter into a contract to
construct the public road extension contained in the
approved subdivision plan
C. Site Plan approval – within 180 days of the date of the
purchase agreement, purchaser submission of proof
of final site plan approval.
D. Project financing – within 270 days of the date of the
purchase agreement, purchaser submission of proof
of financing and equity sufficient to construct the
project.
E. Building Permit issuance – within 365 days of date of
the purchase agreement, purchaser submission of
proof of a building permit at least authorizing
construction of the full foundation for the project.
IURA Minutes
June 29, 2018
Page 9 of 14
4. RESOLVED, that pursuant to §507 of General Municipal Law, the proposed Disposition and
Development agreement is subject to approval by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca
following a public hearing, and be it further
5. RESOLVED, that IURA Chairperson, subject to advice from IURA legal counsel, is hereby
authorized to execute any and all agreements and documents necessary to implement this
resolution pending endorsement by the Common Council.
Carried Unanimously 3‐0
2. Authorize Cherry St. Road Extension & Subdivision of Land
Proulx explained that the IURA also needs to authorize the Subdivision process and road extension.
Constructing the road will be expensive. Community Development Director Bohn has been working
with the City’s Department of Public Works and Fire Department on initial discussions about the
process and determining how to minimize the cost as much as possible. The IURA still needs to
determine how it will pay for it; and the proposed resolution lists a variety of potential sources. Once
the IURA approves the resolution, the project would go to the Planning and Development Board for
Site Plan and Subdivision approval. Given the project’s narrow timeline, the IURA will need to put the
road construction out to bid and hire a private contractor, rather than relying on the Department of
Public Works.
Graham asked if the estimated cost of the road from the appraisal represents the maximum amount of
road, and not what will be needed for the project. Proulx replied, yes, that is his understanding.
Moved by Proulx, seconded by Graham:
Authorize Subdivision & Road Extension to Expand Cherry Street Industrial Park
WHEREAS, Emmy’s Organics, Inc. seeks to acquire a building site in the Cherry Street Industrial
Park to construct a food manufacturing facility projected to result in the creation of at least five (5)
full‐time jobs, and
WHEREAS, in 2012, the City of Ithaca transferred a 6‐acre parcel of land to the IURA for expansion
of the industrial park, and
WHEREAS, efficient utilization of this land for industrial park for multiple employers will require
subdivision of the land and extension of the public road to create street frontage for new lots, and
WHEREAS, T.G. Miller, P.C. has been hired to provide surveying and engineering services to
prepare a subdivision plan, schematic design for extension of the road and utilities and
preparation of an opinion of probable construction costs, and further provided an option for
preparation of construction documents, bidding and construction administration to construct the
road extension, and
IURA Minutes
June 29, 2018
Page 10 of 14
WHEREAS, a prior engineering report prepared by Novelli Engineering in 2000 estimated a 600‐
linear‐foot public road with a cul‐de‐sac would cost approximately $275,000, and
WHEREAS, T.G. Miller has been instructed to investigate approaches to minimize project costs,
including reducing the length of the public roadway and investigating alternative turnaround
designs, and
WHEREAS, all existing lots in the Cherry Street Industrial Park are occupied, and
WHEREAS, the project site is located within the Urban Renewal Project Boundary Area, and
WHEREAS, the primary objective of the Urban Renewal Plan is to improve the economic, social and
physical characteristics of the project neighborhood, and
WHEREAS, an objective of the Urban Renewal Plan is “expansion and diversification of the
economic base of the community to provide the employment opportunities needed by its
residents and to strengthen the tax base,” and
WHEREAS, expansion of the Cherry Street Industrial Park is also supported by Plan Ithaca, the
City’s Comprehensive Plan, as a means to diversify the economy and retain and grow locally‐
owned businesses, and
WHEREAS, the recent Common Council adopted Waterfront District Land Use Plan designated the
portion of the Cherry Street District located south of Cecil A. Malone Drive for light industrial and
commercial uses and prohibited residential uses, and
WHEREAS, $527,000 in Small Cities CDBG program income managed by the IURA is administered
by the NYS Office of Community Renewal (OCR) that requires all Small Cities CDBG program
income to be committed by March 31, 2019 to eligible CDBG activities or returned to OCR, and
WHEREAS, up to $35,000 of CDBG funds per job created is eligible for infrastructure
improvements, and
WHEREAS, proceeds from the sale of land at Cherry Street is also eligible to pay for infrastructure
improvement, and
WHEREAS, the approximately $100,000 balance in the Industrial Park account is available to pay
for improvements in the industrial park, and
WHEREAS, the IURA Economic Development Committee considered this matter at their June 14,
2018 meeting and recommended the following; now, therefore, be it
IURA Minutes
June 29, 2018
Page 11 of 14
RESOLVED, the IURA hereby finds that expansion of the Cherry Street Industrial Park to include the
6‐acre undeveloped parcel owned by the IURA (tax map #100.‐2‐1.21) will activate an
underutilized parcel of land to diversify the economy and grow locally‐owned businesses thereby
increasing employment opportunities and furthering the Urban Renewal Plan, and be further
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby authorizes the IURA Chairperson to submit a subdivision and
road extension plan to expand the Cherry Street Industrial Park, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA Chairperson is further authorized, subject to review by IURA legal
counsel, to execute contracts to design, bid and construct a road extension contained in an
approved subdivision plan, subject to execution of a Disposition and Development Agreement with
Emmy’s Organics, Inc. (or a legal entity to be formed that is majority owned by Samantha Abrams
and/or Ian Gaffney), and be it further
RESOLVED, that funding shall derive from the following sources (projected available funding in
parentheses):
Small Cities CDBG Program Income ($175,000)
Proceeds from sale of land at the Cherry St. Industrial Park ($200,000)
The Industrial Park account ($100,000)
Miscellaneous non‐CDBG funds ($50,000), and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA Chairperson is authorized to sign any and all documents to implement
this resolution.
Carried Unanimously 3‐0
C. Urban Core, LLC, 108‐114 W. Green St. ― Request for Loan Subordination (CD‐RLF #42)
Proulx explained the IURA recently received a request to resubordinate the existing $200,000 IURA
loan on the property to a new $450,000 Tompkins Trust Company construction loan, which will convert
to a permanent mortgage upon completion of the Press Bay Court project. Both the company’s debt
coverage ratio and loan‐to‐value debt coverage are good.
Guttridge remarked the scope of the project expanded significantly, when it received additional grant
funding. It is anticipated to house as many as 9 tenants on the top floor, in four apartments, which
should be affordable to individuals at up to 75% AMI.
Moved by Proulx, seconded by Graham:
1st Amendment to Loan Agreement with Urban Core, LLC (CD‐RLF #42)
WHEREAS, on May 30, 2018, Urban Core, LLC (Urban Core) submitted a request to subordinate the
existing IURA 2nd mortgage securing a $200,000 loan for the 108‐114 W. Green Street project to a
new Tompkins Trust Company construction loan in the amount of $450,000, which will convert to
a permanent mortgage loan upon completion of the Press Bay Court project, and
IURA Minutes
June 29, 2018
Page 12 of 14
WHEREAS, on August 30, 2017 the IURA issued a $200,000 loan to Urban Core to acquire, renovate
and lease up a mixed use commercial/residential building for multiple tenants located at 108‐114
W. Green Street (Press Bay Court), and
WHEREAS, subsequently Urban Core LLC has been awarded Main Street and Restore NY grant
funds to expand the project scope for Press Bay Alley and adjacent buildings owned by Urban
Core, and
WHEREAS, such grant funding is provided on a reimbursement basis following project completion,
and
WHEREAS, if the request is granted, the IURA mortgage will be subordinated to mortgages totaling
approximately $1,031,000, and
WHEREAS, standard commercial lending underwriting standards seek a minimum 1.2 Debt
Coverage Ratio (DCR) and a maximum 80% Loan‐to‐Value (LTV) ratio on the collateral, and
WHEREAS, Urban Core has submitted an updated pro forma income statement, including updated
rent rolls, and an appraisal estimating the fair market value of the property following project
completion, and
WHEREAS, these documents indicate that after incorporating the new loan financing the Debt
Coverage Ratio (net operating income/annual debt service) will be 1.34 and the Loan‐to‐Value
ratio will be 74%, thereby satisfying standard commercial loan underwriting standards, and
WHEREAS, Urban Core is current on all IURA loan payments, and
WHEREAS, environmental review for project financing has already been completed, and
WHEREAS, at their June 14, 2018 meeting the IURA Economic Development Committee reviewed
this matter and recommends the following; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby approves the request to subordinate its mortgage lien on 108‐
114 W. Green Street to facilitate new loan financing for the Press Bay Court project from Tompkins
Trust Company not to exceed $450,000, and be it further,
RESOLVED, that the IURA Chairperson is authorized, subject to review by IURA legal counsel, any
documents necessary to implement this resolution, and be it further
RESOLVED, that any legal costs incurred by the IURA shall be reimbursed by Urban Core, LLC.
Carried Unanimously 3‐0
IURA Minutes
June 29, 2018
Page 13 of 14
D. Appointment of Committee Chairperson
Moved by Graham, seconded by Farrell:
2018 Appointment of IURA Economic Development Committee Chairperson
WHEREAS, IURA By‐laws provide that the committee membership shall elect its own committee
Vice‐Chairperson and nominate a candidate for committee Chairperson for consideration by the
Agency, and
WHEREAS, per the Bylaws, an Agency member shall fill either the committee Chairperson or
committee Vice‐Chairperson position, and
WHEREAS, officers of each committee serve a one‐year term, but continue to hold office until their
successor is selected or appointed, and
WHEREAS, the current Committee members are:
Chris Proulx, Chairperson
Doug Dylla, Vice‐Chairperson
Leslie Ackerman
Heather Harrick
Charles Hamilton, and
WHEREAS, at their June 14, 2018 meeting the IURA Economic Development Committee elected
Doug Dylla as Vice‐Chairperson and nominated Chris Proulx as Chairperson for consideration by
the Agency; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby appoints Chris Proulx as Chairperson of the IURA Economic
Development Committee.
Carried Unanimously 3‐0
VIII. Other New/Old Business
A. Review of IURA Financials: June 2018
Mendizabal reported that most grant activities are progressing as planned, except the two City of
Ithaca projects: GIAC Wading Pool Renovations and Spencer Road Sidewalks. She knows the Wading
Pool project was delayed, due to the discovery of something unanticipated underneath the pool.
Mendizabal reported all lease payments are current and all loan repayments are also current, except
the State Theatre.
IURA Minutes
June 29, 2018
Page 14 of 14
Proulx added that the Economic Development Committee reviewed a preliminary State Theatre proposal
to expand the theatre’s concessions sales by connecting the theatre with the ticket office building at
105 W. State Street and converting the ticket office into a concessions/café area. The project would
require a $275,000 bank loan in addition to a $100,000 IURA loan. Since the bank indicated a new loan
would require security of a 1st mortgage position on the combined ticket office/theatre building, the
theatre sought an indication from the Committee that it would consider subordinating the IURA’s
mortgage on the theater. The Committee was skeptical whether there would be enough demand for a
new eatery at that location, so it conveyed a number of questions to the State Theatre, which may
potentially return to the IURA.
B. IURA Chairperson Report
None.
C. Common Council Liaison Report
None.
D. Staff Report
None.
IX. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 9:05 A.M.
— END —
Minutes prepared by C. Pyott, edited by N. Bohn.