HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-IURA-2019-04-18
108 E. Green St. Approved: 5/23/19
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-6565
MINUTES
ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
Common Council Chambers, City Hall
8:30 A.M., Thursday, April 18, 2019
Members: Svante Myrick, Chair; Karl Graham; Chris Proulx; Eric Rosario; Tracy Farrell, Vice‐Chair;
Laura Lewis (Common Council Liaison)
Excused: None.
Staff: Nels Bohn; Anisa Mendizabal; Charles Pyott
Guests: Diane Cohen, Finger Lakes ReUse, Inc. (FLRU)
I. Call to Order
Chair Myrick called the meeting to order at 8:34 A.M.
II. Agenda Additions/Deletions
Bohn recommended addition of a Finger Lakes ReUse, Inc. loan extension request as item VII.C. on
the agenda. No objections were raised.
III. Public Comment (3‐min. maximum per person)
None.
IV. Review of Meeting Minutes: April 4, 2019
Rosario moved, seconded by Proulx, to approve the April 4, 2019 minutes with no modifications.
Carried Unanimously 5‐0
V. Neighborhood Investment Committee (NIC)
A. Requests for Community‐Based Development Organization (CDBO) Designation
1. Historic Ithaca, Inc.
Graham explained the Committee discussed the application with staff and determined the organization
meets all qualifications for being designated a CDBO, including board requirements.
Moved by Graham, seconded by Rosario:
2019 IURA Designation of Historic Ithaca, Inc. (HI) as
Community‐Based Development Organization (CDBO)
WHEREAS, the Board of Historic Ithaca, Inc. (HI) seeks designation by the Ithaca Urban Renewal
Agency (IURA) as a Community‐Based Development Organization (CBDO), and
IURA Minutes
April 18, 2019
Page 2 of 21
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has designated the IURA to administer the City’s HUD Entitlement
Program that oversees Community Development Block Grant funds awarded to the City, and
WHEREAS, an eligible category of CDBG activities is a “Special Activity by CBDO”, that offers certain
advantages, such as exemption from the 15% expenditure cap otherwise applicable to public service
activities, authorization to carry out new housing construction (normally prohibited with CDBG funds),
and discretion to allow income generated by a CDBG‐funded activity to not be considered CDBG
program income, and
WHEREAS, the following four tests established at CFR Title 24 §570.204 must be met to qualify under
a category of “Special Activity by CBDOs:”
1. The entity qualifies as a CBDO, including the 51% board membership test;
2. The CBDO will undertake an eligible project;
3. That the CBDO will carry out the funded activity directly or with an entity other than the grantee;
4. That the CBDO will not carry out a prohibited activity, and
WHEREAS, a CBDO must maintain at least 51% of its governing body’s membership to be made up of
any combination of the following:
Low‐ and moderate income residents of its area of operation
Owners or senior officers of private establishments and other institutions located in its area of
operation
Representatives of low‐ and moderate‐income neighborhood organizations located in its area of
operation, and
WHEREAS, a CBDO must have as its primary purpose the improvement of the physical, economic, or
social environment of its geographic area of operation, with a particular emphasis on the needs of
low‐ and moderate‐income persons, and
WHEREAS, the project undertaken by the CBDO must qualify as one or more of the following project
types:
neighborhood revitalization;
community economic development;
energy conservation project; and
WHEREAS, at its April 12, 2019 meeting, the Neighborhood Investment Committee evaluated HI’s
CBDO application and recommended the following; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA determines that Historic Ithaca meets the requirements for eligibility as a
CBDO, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby designates Historic Ithaca as a Community‐Based Development
Organization (CBDO) and its “Work Preserve: Job Training: Job Placements” as a CDBG‐eligible
community economic development project under the category of “Special Activities by CBDOs.”
Carried Unanimously 5‐0
IURA Minutes
April 18, 2019
Page 3 of 21
2. Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC), Inc.
Graham explained the Committee discussed the application with staff and determined the organization
meets all qualifications for being designated a CDBO, including board requirements.
Moved by Graham, seconded by Farrell:
2019 IURA Designation of Greater Ithaca Activities Center, Inc. (GIAC) as
Community‐Based Development Organization (CBDO)
WHEREAS, the Board of Greater Ithaca Activities Center, Inc. (GIAC) seeks designation by the
Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) as a Community‐Based Development Organization (CBDO),
and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has designated the IURA to administer the City’s HUD Entitlement
Program that oversees Community Development Block Grant funds awarded to the City, and
WHEREAS, an eligible category of CDBG activities is a “Special Activity by CBDO”, that offers
certain advantages, such as exemption from the 15% expenditure cap otherwise applicable to
public service activities, authorization to carry out new housing construction (normally
prohibited with CDBG funds), and discretion to allow income generated by a CDBG‐funded
activity to not be considered CDBG program income, and
WHEREAS, the following four tests established at CFR Title 24 §570.204 must be met to qualify
under a category of “Special Activity by CBDOs”:
1. The entity qualifies as a CBDO, including the 51% board membership test;
2. The CBDO will undertake an eligible project;
3. That the CBDO will carry out the funded activity directly or with an entity other than the
grantee;
4. That the CBDO will not carry out a prohibited activity, and
WHEREAS, a CBDO must maintain at least 51% of its governing body’s membership to be made
up of any combination of the following:
Low‐ and moderate income residents of its area of operation
Owners or senior officers of private establishments and other institutions located in its area
of operation
Representatives of low‐ and moderate‐income neighborhood organizations located in its
area of operation, and
WHEREAS, a CBDO must have as its primary purpose the improvement of the physical,
economic, or social environment of its geographic area of operation, with a particular emphasis
on the needs of low‐ and moderate‐income persons, and
WHEREAS, the project undertaken by the CBDO must qualify as one or more of the following
project types:
IURA Minutes
April 18, 2019
Page 4 of 21
neighborhood revitalization;
community economic development;
energy conservation project; and
WHEREAS, at its April 12, 2019 meeting, the Neighborhood Investment Committee evaluated
GIAC’s CBDO application and recommended the following; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA determines that Greater Ithaca Activities Center meets the
requirements for eligibility as a CBDO, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby designates Greater Ithaca Activities Center as a Community‐
Based Development Organization (CBDO) and its “Hospitality Employment Training Program
(HETP)” as a CDBG‐eligible community economic development project under the category of
“Special Activities by CBDOs.”
Carried Unanimously 5‐0
3. Finger Lakes ReUse, Inc.
Graham explained the Committee discussed the application with staff and determined the organization
meets all qualifications for being designated a CDBO, including board requirements.
Moved by Graham, seconded by Farrell:
2019 IURA Designation of Finger Lakes ReUse, Inc. (FL ReUse) as
Community‐Based Development Organization (CBDO)
WHEREAS, the Board of Finger Lakes ReUse, Inc. (FL ReUse) seeks designation by the Ithaca Urban
Renewal Agency (IURA) as a Community‐Based Development Organization (CBDO), and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has designated the IURA to administer the City’s HUD Entitlement Program
that oversees Community Development Block Grant funds awarded to the City, and
WHEREAS, an eligible category of CDBG activities is a “Special Activity by CBDO”, that offers certain
advantages, such as exemption from the 15% expenditure cap otherwise applicable to public service
activities, authorization to carry out new housing construction (normally prohibited with CDBG funds),
and discretion to allow income generated by a CDBG‐funded activity to not be considered CDBG
program income, and
WHEREAS, the following four tests established at CFR Title 24 §570.204 must be met to qualify under a
category of “Special Activity by CBDOs:”
1. The entity qualifies as a CBDO, including the 51% board membership test;
2. The CBDO will undertake an eligible project;
3. That the CBDO will carry out the funded activity directly or with an entity other than the grantee;
4. That the CBDO will not carry out a prohibited activity, and
IURA Minutes
April 18, 2019
Page 5 of 21
WHEREAS, a CBDO must maintain at least 51% of its governing body’s membership to be made up of
any combination of the following:
• Low‐ and moderate income residents of its area of operation
• Owners or senior officers of private establishments and other institutions located in its area of
operation
• Representatives of low‐ and moderate‐income neighborhood organizations located in its area of
operation, and
WHEREAS, a CBDO must have as its primary purpose the improvement of the physical, economic, or
social environment of its geographic area of operation, with a particular emphasis on the needs of low‐
and moderate‐income persons, and
WHEREAS, the project undertaken by the CBDO must qualify as one or more of the following project
types:
• neighborhood revitalization;
•community economic development;
•energy conservation project; and
WHEREAS, at its April 12, 2019 meeting, the Neighborhood Investment Committee evaluated FL
ReUse’s CBDO application and recommended the following; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA determines that FL ReUse meets the requirements for eligibility as a CBDO,
and that the Finger Lakes ReUse Job Skills Training project qualifies as an eligible CBDO activity, and be
it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby designates FL ReUse as a Community‐Based Development
Organization (CBDO) and “Finger Lakes ReUse Job Skills Training” as eligible for CDBG funding under the
category of “Special Activities by CBDOs.”
Carried Unanimously 5‐0
B. Draft 2019‐2023 City of Ithaca Consolidated Plan
Graham explained that the IURA (City of Ithaca) is periodically required to submit a five‐year Consolidated
Plan, which is intended to serve as the framework for identifying the city’s housing and community‐
development priorities, as implemented through IURA annual Action Plans. In an iterative and
collaborative process, including public comments and input from various local stakeholders, IURA
Community Development Planner Anisa Mendizabal prepared the draft Executive Summary included in the
agenda materials, with an accompanying chart of priority needs. The Committee discussed the document
and reviewed the public comments, many of which addressed issues associated with existing goals. One
public comment expressed concern with the fairness of the process as a whole and the apparent inequity
in the funding decision‐making process, given that such a small proportion of funding recipients are people
of color, other minorities, and low‐to‐moderate income groups.
IURA Minutes
April 18, 2019
Page 6 of 21
Bohn added that the Executive Summary encompasses all IURA/City major policy‐making components
in the Consolidated Plan. The final version of the Consolidated Plan submitted to HUD by June 5th will
simply include more data and detail than what has been presented today. Bohn noted HUD will expect
the IURA to deliver measurable outcomes for the high‐priority needs it identifies in the plan.
Rosario remarked, in order to address the public comment about equity, the IURA will need to re‐
examine both the types of projects and organizations it funds. Since only relatively few potential
applicants have the capacity to successfully implement IURA‐funded projects, the IURA will need to
spend time determining the best strategy for recruiting and funding a more diverse group of
applicants, who have the capacity to implement projects.
Mendizabal noted that ensuring the community knows about the year‐round technical assistance the
IURA provides to potential applicants may also help address that particular concern (e.g., more fully
explaining application process and elements required for successful projects; reviewing HUD
regulations; connecting potential applicants with other stakeholders and partners).
Graham observed a great example of a project that would have addressed the inequity issue is the Black
Girl Alchemists Project. Unfortunately, when the IURA considered the limited funding available, it
determined it could not fund that particular project, when confronted by the high‐priority needs being
met by other projects.
Moved by Graham, seconded by Farrell:
2019‐2023 Consolidated Plan Adoption – HUD Entitlement Program
WHEREAS, in the Fall of 2003, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
notified the City that it qualified as an ‘Entitlement Community’ and it would be receiving an annual
allocation of HUD funds through the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) and
HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program, and
WHEREAS, in order to access these funds, the City is required to undertake a public input process
and prepare a Consolidated Plan which identifies priority community development needs for the
City of Ithaca, every five years, and
WHEREAS, the City’s fourth Consolidated Plan is required to be submitted to HUD by June 16, 2019,
and
WHEREAS, under the terms of the February 14, 2013 agreement between the City of Ithaca and the
Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA), the City has designated the IURA as the Lead Agency to
develop and administer the Consolidated Plan on behalf of the City, and
WHEREAS, the Consolidated Plan may only be adopted by the City of Ithaca Common Council after it
has undergone a 30‐day public comment period and been the subject of two Public Hearings, and
IURA Minutes
April 18, 2019
Page 7 of 21
WHEREAS, the first Public Hearing was held before the IURA on March 28, 2019, and the second
Public Hearing will be held at the Planning and Economic Development Committee of Common
Council on March 28, 2019, and
WHEREAS, following a citizen participation process to gain public input in identifying priority
community development needs, the IURA will issue a draft 2019‐2023 Consolidated Plan for a 30‐
day public comment period that ends on May 27, 2019, and
WHEREAS, at its April 12, 2019 meeting, the Neighborhood Investment Committee reviewed public
input received, and discussed priority needs and goals for the draft Consolidated Plan, now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby adopts the draft 2019‐2023 Consolidated Plan for the HUD
Entitlement Program and further recommends its adoption by the Common Council, subject to the
review and possible incorporation of any comments received.
Carried Unanimously 5‐0
2019‐2023 CONSOLIDATED PLAN
(Draft) Executive Summary
Introduction
The City of Ithaca has a valuable resource that many communities do not. As a HUD entitlement
community, Ithaca receives HUD dollars to dedicate to affordable housing and other community
development projects, with a focus on increasing opportunity for people with low‐to moderate‐
incomes (LMI). In the past five years, this funding has helped Ithaca leverage other resources for
new construction of affordable housing, both rental and homebuyer, like 210 Hancock Street; filled
the gaps on qualified projects, such as the renovation of our local domestic violence shelter, and, in
relatively unusual cases, provided the bulk amount for an entire project.
Ithaca is a busy small city, a strong, regional employment center with two thriving institutions of
higher education. People from across the region and the globe come to Ithaca for work, study, or
both. In turn, Ithaca has become a vital hub with educational and enrichment opportunities for
people of all ages; employment; exquisite natural areas and well‐maintained green spaces are
proximate to City neighborhoods; and robust public facilities and public services strengthen the
quality of life for City residents. These characteristics and economic opportunities also put pressure
on Ithaca’s housing market, creating scarcity and unaffordability. Even as affordable rental and for‐
sale housing has been newly constructed or preserved through rehabilitation and repair (all
prioritized activities in our previous Con Plan(s)), housing at every level of affordability continues to
be voiced as a major need.
IURA Minutes
April 18, 2019
Page 8 of 21
Purpose: This plan’s purpose is to guide use for the next five years of HUD entitlement funding in
the City of Ithaca. It is the City’s fourth Consolidated Plan. Through the consolidated planning
process, community members have given input into the housing and community development
needs in Ithaca. Community leaders, committees, organizations, and subject‐matter experts have
been consulted. Quantitative data has been analyzed. Together, these sources of information
create a comprehensive picture of the ways in which HUD funding could be deployed to meet
current needs. This plan discusses and prioritizes the needs that have been identified; evaluates
past performance; surveys existing resources; and updates past goals. It outlines possibilities for
future action and aligns these prospective actions with goals, to ensure we focus on meeting the
community’s most pressing needs.
Overview: Objectives and Outcomes Identified in the Plan Needs Assessment
The Consolidated Plan outlines goals that will be pursued over the next five years to address
identified community needs. CDBG and HOME programs advance the following statutory objectives,
for the principal benefit of low‐and moderate‐income households:
Provide decent, safe, and affordable housing (CDBG)
Create suitable living environments (CDBG)
Expand economic opportunities (CDBG)
Expand the supply of decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing (HOME)
The City has established the following local goals for this Consolidated Plan period, which reflect the
needs identified by the community and support the above‐named statutory objectives.
Improve and Expand Affordable Housing Options
There continues to be an acute shortage of affordable housing in the City of Ithaca. The City’s 2017
Assessment of Fair Housing found 52% of all City households were cost‐burdened, with 32% severely
so. To address this need, the City will support projects that increase the total supply of affordable
units of all types and the affordability of existing units, and will improve the condition of existing
affordable units.
Develop Economic and Employment Opportunities
Ithaca is highly‐educated community with a low unemployment rate. This creates a very difficult
dynamic for low‐and moderate‐income community members who do not have specialized skills or
high educational attainment. To address this need, the City will provide direct loans and support
technical assistance to businesses to create jobs; support entrepreneurship training and technical
assistance; and support initiatives that provide career‐readiness training, job placement, skill
development, and on‐going post‐placement support.
Remove Barriers to Opportunity
The opportunities of our community should be accessible to all its residents, regardless of residents’
particular physical or socio‐economic characteristics. Where barriers exist, they should be removed.
To address this need, the City will seek to increase transportation options; will support residential
and public physical accessibility improvements; support early childhood, senior, and homeless
programming; and services to immigrants.
IURA Minutes
April 18, 2019
Page 9 of 21
Strengthen Neighborhoods
For our City to thrive as a whole, each of its constituent parts must have the adequate resources and
infrastructure to meet the needs of its residents and support their aspirations. To address this need,
the City will support physical improvements to streets, parks, recreational facilities, public buildings,
and transportation systems for the benefit of low‐ and moderate‐income neighborhoods; support
redevelopment of abandoned properties; and support programs that facilitate homeownership.
Meet Essential Needs for Food, Shelter, and Safety
Ithaca’s most vulnerable, at‐risk populations require public services and public facilities that will
meet basic human needs for food, shelter, and safety. To address this need, the City will support
programs that prevent homelessness, assist immigrants and youth, improve access to health care,
increase food security, and/or increase awareness and utilization of existing community resources in
these areas.
Affirmatively Further Fair Housing
The City’s 2017 Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) analyzed data in order to identify local factors that
contribute to local fair housing issues and lack of access to opportunity. The AFH identifies seven
fair housing goals, with associated timelines and milestones, to guide the City in promoting fair
housing. The City will support projects which further the seven goals identified (refer to AFH goal
summary chart). These could include strategies to address displacement caused by gentrification,
disparity in opportunity, housing problems (as defined by HUD), and/or enforcement.
Evaluation of Past Performance
The 2014‐2018 Plan included 10 specific objectives intended to address community needs identified
during the planning process. These objectives and their associated anticipated outcomes appear in
Table 1 below. The final column shows actual outcomes for each objective. [PENDING: CHART IS IN
DEVELOPMENT.]
Summary of Citizen Participation Process and Consultation Process
The IURA conducted significant outreach and consultation with citizens, neighborhood groups, non‐
profits, and government agencies to determine community needs and establish Plan priorities. In
accordance with the City’s approved Citizen Participation Plan, outreach consisted of both meetings
with neighborhood residents and consultations with professionals and practitioners in fields related
to community development. The list of agencies and organizations consulted appears in Section PR‐
10 of this Plan.
Criteria for selecting meeting places included convenience and accessibility to the neighborhoods
served by the IURA. Meetings were advertised in accordance with the City’s Citizen Participation
Plan. Neighborhood Public Input meetings were held as follows:
1/17/2019, 6:00 p.m., Tompkins County Public Library, 101 E. Green Street
1/23/2019, 5:30 p.m., Greater Ithaca Activities Center, 301 W. Court Street
1/24/2019, 12:00 noon, Common Council Chambers, City Hall, 108 E. Green Street
1/28/2019, 5:00 p.m., 2nd Floor Conference Room, City Hall, 108 E. Green Street
IURA Minutes
April 18, 2019
Page 10 of 21
Further opportunities for the public to engage around the Plan were afforded through presentations
at the Continuum of Care’s Homeless and Housing Task Force Meeting, a Housing Subcommittee
Meeting of Tompkins County Legislature, and two meetings of City of Ithaca’s Community Life
Commission. Finally, announcements on the Human Services Coalition Listserv encouraged the
public to reach out directly to schedule individual comment sessions.
Summary of Public Comments
Comments received were grouped into categories.
Accessibility
Remove architectural barriers in public places (Public Facilities)
Promote increased use of universal design features in new construction for people with
disabilities, for aging populations, and so people can age in place affordably
Public restrooms needed, accessible to those with disabilities (Public Facilities)
Aging in Place
Mini‐Repair
Homeowner Rehab
Accessibility improvements/modifications (age‐related disabilities)
Affordable Housing
Increase availability at all income levels
Increase availability through increased acceptance of Section 8 and other subsidies (landlord
education/engagement)
Housing “assistance cliff” (when a modest increase in income makes a household ineligible for
financial assistance)
Affordable homeowner opportunities
Repair/rehab of Ithaca Housing Authority (IHA)‐held properties
Address housing conditions at housing sites to which people receiving Department of Social
Services (DSS) housing shelter allowance are referred – poor conditions, no heat, vermin,
unclean, etc.
Affordable Housing ― Services that Coordinate Efforts & Improve Access to
o Connect tenants with service providers to landlords willing to rent
Support Rapid Rehousing goals
o Educate/outreach to landlords to accept tenants with any source of income (SOI)
o Service to help LMI people improve credit scores for better rental options and/or
homeownership
o Eviction prevention
o Landlord/tenant counseling
IURA Minutes
April 18, 2019
Page 11 of 21
Childcare
Increase opportunities for home‐based childcare (Economic Development)
Include compliant ground‐floor units within affordable housing developments for seamless
provision of home‐based childcare
Code Enforcement
Understand how code enforcement relates to aiding access to affordable housing
Promote ways to streamline, improve, etc., code enforcement, so it is systematic, timely, and
promotes decent affordable housing
See comment in Affordable Housing re: housing conditions
Displacement Due to Gentrification
Preserve ability for LMI people to live in neighborhoods where they have long‐standing
connections
o These neighborhoods provide access to Ithaca’s high opportunities (walkable access to
education, employment, etc.) – fair housing issue
o Preserve community and cultural fabric
Increase homeownership opportunities for long‐tenured residents
Targeted economic development – by/for LMI residents
Targeted Small Repair
Targeted Homeowner Rehab
Sponsor (ongoing?) community conversation about displacement to find other solutions
Fair Housing
Pursue City’s AFH‐identified Fair Housing Goals (7)
Local enforcement is needed (funding for, designation of local entity)
Health
Opioid Crisis
o Access to treatment
o Adequate treatment facilities/centers
o Housing for those in treatment
o Housing for those in recovery
o Low‐barrier shelter
Homelessness
Low‐barrier shelter for homeless people with multiple barriers preventing access to housing
(Southwest Park)
Services for homeless people with multiple barriers (Southwest Park)
Increase funding for Homeless Outreach staff (current focus is supposed to be the Commons,
but staff need to go to many locations)
Pathway to permanent housing for homeless people with high barriers
IURA Minutes
April 18, 2019
Page 12 of 21
Low‐barrier/high‐tolerance shelter (for people who are using and/or may be ineligible for
services from DSS)
Youth shelter (specify ages)
o Youth under 18 can’t be served by adult shelter
See comment in Affordable Housing re: housing conditions
Job Training Programs
Programs that reach people with barriers to employment are necessary.
Programs that build in flexibility are beneficial, so participants can address other life issues that
create employment barriers.
Landlord/Tenant
Landlord‐tenant counseling or workshops
Planning Process (Con Plan and Action Plan)
Process is flawed. Some applicants are funded year after year, which dissuades others from
applying.
There is a lack of people of color or independent people receiving grants.
Public Facilities
Playground for lower West Hill neighborhood
Basketball Court for lower West Hill neighborhood
Public restrooms that are accessible (i.e., on the Commons)
Low‐barrier shelter
Youth shelter
Aid for eligible public facilities identified in Southside Plan (i.e., park lighting)
Acoustics improvement at Southside Community Center’s gym
Transportation
More affordable transportation options needed to address housing affordability/transportation
mismatch (i.e., much affordable housing is within the County, not the City, but there is
inadequate transportation to get to jobs from these affordable locations).
“B” and “C” shift options/emergency ride homes
Employer‐assisted or employer flexibility of start times needed to address limited
transportation
Promote ability for children to participate in after‐school activities (i.e., West Hill/Cayuga
Heights)
Promote ability for parents to attend teacher conferences
Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting them
All comments were accepted and considered in the preparation of this Consolidated Plan.
IURA Minutes
April 18, 2019
Page 13 of 21
IURA Minutes
April 18, 2019
Page 14 of 21
C. Committee Chairperson Report
None.
VI. HUD Entitlement Grant Program
A. IURA Recommended Draft 2019 Action Plan
Mendizabal presented the following recent information regarding actual 2019 Action Plan HUD funding
allocations and three suggested alternative funding adjustment options for discussion.
2019 ACTION PLAN FUNDING LEVELS
On April 15, 2019, IURA received information regarding 2019 Allocations to Ithaca’s HUD
Entitlement Program. The table below summarizes changes to anticipated funding levels:
Anticipated
2019 Allocation to Ithaca
(per notification on 4/15/19)
Change to Amounts Available
(administrative costs have been
deducted)
HOME
$331,923
$305,972
‐ $23,357 (decrease)
CDBG
$668,071
$688,397
+ $16,261 (increase)
As a result of the new information about the 2019 Allocations to Ithaca, adjustments must be made
funding for recommended projects:
A HOME funded activity(s) must be decreased by $23,357
A CDBG funded activity(s) may be increased by $16,261
Public Services Cap
The entire CDBG increase ($16,261) may be distributed to Affordable Housing, Economic
Development or Public Facility categories; however, no more than $8,160 may be allocated to the
Public Service category, due to HUD’s 15% Public Services Cap.
CDBG 15% Public Services Cap
Anticipated Amount
Available to Public
Services
Actual Amount Available to
Public Services
(Revised per Ithaca 2019
Allocation)
Net Change
$95,100
$103,259
+ $8,159 (increase)
IURA Minutes
April 18, 2019
Page 15 of 21
ALTERNATIVES FOR ADJUSTMENTS
Alternative 1: Follow the strategy described in the Board packet’s Resolution (Draft 2019 Action
Plan – HUD Entitlement Program)
Below‐anticipated HOME funds shall be deducted from the 2019 Homeowner Rehabilitation
Project.
o Homeowner Rehab would be reduced from $125,000 to $101,644
Above‐anticipated CDBG funds shall be allocated to the Economic Development Loan activity
for loans create employment opportunities for low‐ and moderate‐income persons.
o ED Loan Fund would be increased from $107,397 to $123,658
Alternative 2: Make a relatively minor change to Homeowner Rehab, which can be funded from
both sources. Apply HOME reduction and CDBG increase here, as follows:
Reduce the amount of HOME funding to Homeowner Rehab by $23,356, and partially replace
the cut with $16,356 in CDBG funding. The net reduction would be $7,000. Homeowner
Rehab’s new funding level would be $118,000.
Alternative 3: Implement multiple strategies.
In the case of below‐anticipated funding for HOME:
Reduce Homeowner Rehab by up to $25,000 (final funded amount shall not be less than
$100,000)
o Homeowner Rehab’s new funding level would be $101,644
In the case of above‐anticipated funding for CDBG:
1. Allocate up to but not more than $7,500 to the Black Girl Alchemists project.
2. Next, distribute the remaining amount of CDBG evenly among the scaled CDBG projects.
a. 2‐1‐1 (Public Service)
b. Immigrant Services Program (Public Service)
c. Homeowner Rehab (Affordable Housing) ‐ partially funded with CDBG
3. Finally, allocate any CDBG funds remaining after Steps 1 & 2 to the ED Loan Fund.
Note: 2019 HUD Entitlement Program Preliminary IURA Funding Recommendation matrix shows
Homeowner Rehab wholly funded by HOME. This activity is eligible for funding by either/both sources.
Rosario remarked, in light of President Trump’s unfortunate recent comments about sending refugees to
Sanctuary Cities, the IURA should consider increasing funding to the Immigrant Services Program.
Farrell observed that Catholic Charities indicated it received an additional $60,000 in funding for the
project, so she is not certain it necessarily needs more funding.
IURA Minutes
April 18, 2019
Page 16 of 21
Farrell noted, if the IURA partially funds the Black Girl Alchemists Project at $7,500, as suggested in
Alternative 3, it would only cover the cost of supplies as listed in the proposed budget. The applicant
would still need to raise money for other parts of the program. Partial IURA funding is intended to
provide enough funding to show sufficient support for the program, for the applicants to leverage to
obtain additional funds.
Rosario indicated he prefers Alternatives 1 and 3.
Mendizabal remarked the additional New York State funding received by the Immigrant Services
Program would not obviate the need for more IURA funding. The additional funding will simply enable it
to accomplish more than it has done in the past. When she spoke to Catholic Charities, they indicated
they would like the IURA to continue funding the program at prior years’ levels.
Farrell moved to adopt Alternative 3. Graham seconded the motion.
Bohn noted there remains $659 to allocate to a Public Services project, like the Immigrant Services
Program. The remaining $8,261 could be allocated to the 2019 Homeowner Rehab program, to partially
compensate for the reduction in the HOME funding allocation.
Bohn asked if the Black Girl Alchemists Project would be required to obtain Matching Funds in order for
the IURA to release its own funds for the project.
Farrell replied, yes. The entire proposed project should be implemented. The IURA should have proof
that the rest of the funding is in place, before releasing its own funds.
Moved by Farrell, seconded by Rosario:
DraŌ 2019 AcƟon Plan ― HUD Entitlement Program
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca (City) is eligible to receive an annual formula allocation of funds to
address community development needs through the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban
Development (HUD) Entitlement Program from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
program and the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) program funding sources, and
WHERAS, the City has contracted with the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) to administer,
implement, and monitor the City’s HUD Entitlement Program in compliance with all applicable
regulations, and
WHEREAS, on an annual basis, an Action Plan must be submitted to HUD to access HUD Entitlement
Program funding allocated to the City, and
WHEREAS, the 2019 Action Plan identifies a specific list of budgeted community development
activities to be funded from the 2019 HUD Entitlement Program allocation and associated funds
administered by the IURA, and
IURA Minutes
April 18, 2019
Page 17 of 21
WHEREAS, funding available to be allocated through the 2019 Action Plan funding process is
anticipated to include the following:
$668,397.00 CDBG 2019 allocation
$107,000.00 CDBG 2019 projected Program Income
$26,786.99 CDBG recaptured/unallocated funds
$305,972.00 HOME 2019 allocation
$97,022.70 HOME 2018 Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) reserve
$4,309.08 HOME 2017 Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) reserve
$5.00 HOME recaptured/unallocated funds
$1,229,492.77 Total, and
WHEREAS, the IURA utilized an open and competitive project selection process for development of
the 2019 Action Plan in accordance with the City of Ithaca Citizen Participation Plan, now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby adopts the attached summary table titled “Draft 2019 City of
Ithaca Action Plan ― Summary,” dated April 18, 2019, and forwards it to the City of Ithaca Common
Council for review and recommends its approval for allocating the 2019 HUD Entitlement Program
award along with associated funds listed above, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Urban Renewal Plan shall be amended to include activities funded in the
adopted 2019 Action Plan.
Carried Unanimously 5‐0
(SUMMARY CHART ON FOLLOWING PAGE)
B. 2018 Program Amendment: Chartwell House ― Funding Source Modification (2018 CDBG Project #2)
Bohn explained the proposed resolution would simply replace the original CDBG Program Income
funding for the project with $125,000 in HODAG funds so that CDBG Program Income can be used to re‐
capitalize the Economic Development Loan Fund.
Moved by Proulx, seconded by Rosario:
2018 Action Plan ― Program Amendment #3
Modify Funding Sources for Chartwell House (Project #2)
WHEREAS, the City adopted 2018 Action Plan allocated $200,000 in HOME funds to assist the
Chartwell House project sponsored by Tompkins Community Action, and
WHEREAS, the Chartwell Project involves rehabilitation of a 12‐unit rental housing building
occupied by homeless men with disabilities located at 322 N. Meadow St., Ithaca, NY, and
WHEREAS, approved project funding sources are:
$75,000 2018 CDBG Allocation
$125,000 CDBG Program Income, and
$200,000 Total, and
WHEREAS, replacing CDBG Program Income with $125,000 of HODAG funds will allow CDBG
Program Income to capitalize the Economic Development Loan Fund utilized to make loans to
small businesses, and
WHEREAS, Housing Development Action Grant proceeds (HODAG) administered by the IURA are
eligible to be used to support affordable rental housing projects, and
WHEREAS, the HODAG fund has an unobligated balance of $715,576.82 as of 3/31/19, and
WHEREAS, on March 28, 2019, the IURA reviewed an IURA ED Loan Fund cash flow analysis, and
WHEREAS, the Economic Development loan fund currently lacks capital to issue new loans, and
WHEREAS, the HUD Citizen Participation Plan does not require a Public Hearing or Common
Council approval for minor amendments to the Action Plan, such as reallocation of project
funding that does not result in any change to the total amount of financial assistance for a
project, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby adopts Program Amendment #3 to the FY2018 HUD Action
Plan to modify funding sources as follows:
Project Name Decrease Increase Funding Change
Chartwell House $125,000 ‐ CDBG Program
Income. $125,000 – HODAG fund $0
Economic Development Loan Fund $0 $125,000 – CDBG
Program Income $125,000
Carried Unanimously 5‐0
IURA Minutes
April 18, 2019
Page 20 of 21
C. Extension of Finger Lakes ReUse, Inc. (FLRU) Loan Application Deadline
Bohn explained the IURA originally approved $100,000 in loan assistance to FLRU for site acquisition of
214 Elmira Road, contingent on the IURA’s receiving confirmation of a bank loan commitment by April
17, 2019, sufficient to complete the project. FLRU just submitted a request to extend the deadline for
submitting the bank loan commitment to June 26, 2019.
Moved by Farrell, seconded by Graham:
Extend Deadline for Finger Lakes ReUse, Inc.
to Satisfy Loan Approval Condition (CDBG #13, 2019)
WHEREAS, on February 28, 2019, the IURA approved $100,000 in loan assistance to Finger Lakes
ReUse, Inc. (FLRU) for site acquisition of 214 Elmira Rd., and
WHEREAS, IURA loan approval was contingent upon IURA receipt by April 17, 2019 of a bank loan
commitment in an amount sufficient to complete the approximately $1.8 million FLRU project, and
WHEREAS, on April 17, 2019, FLRU submitted a request to extend the deadline to submit the bank
loan commitment to June 26, 2019, and
WHEREAS, FLRU indicates it is working with at least four lenders who are actively considering
FLRU’s application for loan funding; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby approves the requested extension and modifies the loan
approval condition to read as follows:
“Submission to the IURA by June 26, 2019 of a bank loan commitment in an amount
sufficient to complete the project.”
RESOLVED, that the Director of Community Development for the IURA is authorized to issue a
revised Loan Commitment Letter in accordance with this resolution.
Carried Unanimously 5‐0
VII. Other New/Old Business
A. Review of IURA Financials: March 2019
Bohn reported most grant activities are progressing on schedule. The Spencer Road Sidewalks Project
has been completed and the IURA is still waiting for a voucher for it. Both the 2017 and 2018 Chartwell
House projects have finally started to expend funds. The Homeowner Rehab and Urban Bus Stop
Project projects are also both moving forward.
Bohn reported that Diane’s Downtown Auto is 2 month’s late in its loan payments, which is a little
unusual, since it has been current over the past 2 years.
IURA Minutes
April 18, 2019
Page 21 of 21
Bohn reported the lease payments are essentially in good standing, at this time.
B. IURA Chairperson Report
None.
C. Common Council Liaison Report
Lewis reported that Common Council is already preparing for the next budget season. It also recently
passed a “Condemnation of Hate” resolution, condemning hate speech/hate crimes, as part of an
immediate response to recent murders of Muslim people and an overall national increase in hate crimes.
The Planning & Economic Development Committee will review an electric scooter proposal at its next
meeting.
The Community Life Commission recently met and discussed the need to increase Cornell University’s
contribution to the City.
There will be a public presentation of the City of Ithaca Local Flood Hazard Analysis, presented by Barton
& Loguidice, at 5:30 p.m. on April 30, 2019, at Tompkins County Public Library (TCPL).
D. Staff Report
Bohn reported the IURA received a request on March 22, 2019 from the New York State Senate
Committee on Investigations and Government Operations, regarding compliance with the Public
Authorities Reform Act. The IURA was ask to submit 11 categories of information or documents to the
Authorities Budget Office (ABO), covering the past two years, which it has now done (although the
documents had in fact already previously been submitted as required to the ABO).
VIII. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 9:51 A.M.
— END —
Minutes prepared by C. Pyott, edited by N. Bohn.