HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-IURA-2019-10-24
108 E. Green St. Approved: 12/23/19
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-6565
MINUTES
ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
Common Council Chambers, City Hall
8:30 A.M., Thursday, October 24, 2019
Members: Tracy Farrell, Vice‐Chair; Karl Graham; Chris Proulx; Eric Rosario; Laura Lewis (Common
Council Liaison)
Excused: Svante Myrick, Chair
Staff: Nels Bohn; Charles Pyott; JoAnn Cornish
Guests: Kate Chesebrough, Whitham Planning & Design, PLLC
Scott Whitham, Whitham Planning & Design, PLLC
Rick Manzardo, Vecino Group of New York, LLC (via telephone)
Brett Bossard, Cinemapolis
I. Call to Order
Vice‐Chair Farrell called the meeting to order at 8:32 A.M.
II. Agenda Additions/Deletions
Bohn asked that one additional item (“Modification to Loan Assistance to GreenStar Cooperative
Market, Inc.”) be added to the agenda, which can be discussed towards the end of the meeting.
No objections were raised.
III. Public Comments (3‐min. maximum per person)
None.
IV. Agency Member Response to Public Comments
None.
V. Review of Meeting Minutes: August 29, 2019
Proulx moved, seconded by Graham, to approve the August 29, 2019 minutes with no
modification.
Carried Unanimously: 4‐0
IURA Minutes
October 24, 2019
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VI. Neighborhood Investment Committee (NIC)
A. 2018 Action Plan: Cayuga Flats Project (2018 #7 & CD‐RLF #45) ― Assign Loans to Cayuga Flats, LLC
from INHS
Graham explained that, since the project was allocated Low‐Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), it is
required to establish a for‐profit ownership entity. INHS subsequently created Cayuga Flats, LLC, a
wholly owned subsidiary of INHS. The Committee reviewed the request and had no objections to the
assignment.
Moved by Graham, seconded by Rosario:
2018 AcƟon Plan ― Authorize Assignment of Loans to Cayuga Flats, LLC from INHS,
Cayuga Flats Project (2018 Project #7 & CD‐RLF #45)
WHEREAS, the IURA approved a total of $228,662 in CDBG and HOME loan assistance to Ithaca
Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (INHS) for the Cayuga Flats project (formerly known as INHS
Scattered Site Preservation Phase 2) to reconstruct or rehabilitate 29 rental housing units at the
following locations:
203‐209 Elm Street
211 Elm Street
111 W. Clinton Street
406 S. Plain Street
227 S. Geneva Street
502 W. State Street, (Project) and
WHEREAS, $128,662 in CDBG loan funding issued to INHS in 2018 has been expended to support
predevelopment expenses for the Cayuga Flats project and $100,000 in HOME CHDO set‐aside
funding is earmarked for the project in the 2018 Action Plan, and
WHEREAS, INHS has been allocated Low‐Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to financially assist the
project that requires establishment of a for‐profit beneficial ownership entity to take advantage of
tax credits, and
WHEREAS, INHS has formed Cayuga Flats, LLC, a for‐profit entity to act as beneficial owner of the
Cayuga Flats project, and
WHEREAS, the sole managing member of Cayuga Flats, LLC will be a wholly owned subsidiary of
INHS, thereby satisfying HOME CHDO set‐aside requirements that the rental housing project is
“sponsored” and effectively controlled by the CHDO, and
WHEREAS, INHS requests assignment of the CDBG loan and HOME funding award from INHS to
Cayuga Flats, LLC, and
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October 24, 2019
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WHEREAS, at their October 11, 2019 meeting the Neighborhood Investment Committee reviewed
this matter and recommended the following action; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby approves assignment and amendment of the CDBG loan issued in
2018 for the Cayuga Flats project (formerly known as INHS Scattered Site Preservation Phase 2)
from INHS to Cayuga Flats, LLC, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby approves assignment to Cayuga Flats, LLC of the HOME funding
award committed to INHS in the 2018 Action Plan for the Cayuga Flats project, resulting in the
HOME loan agreement be awarded directly to Cayuga Flats, LLC , and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA Chair is hereby authorized, subject to review by IURA legal counsel, to
execute an amended CDBG loan agreement and a new HOME loan agreement to implement this
resolution.
Carried Unanimously: 4‐0
B. Committee Chairperson Report
Graham reported the Committee discussed the Finger Lakes Independence Center, Inc. (FLIC) ramp loan
program. There were some initial concerns the program has not located any ramps in the City of Ithaca
(only in the Town of Ithaca and Tompkins County); however, FLIC is now in the process of installing 3
ramps in the City.
The Committee also listened to a presentation by Michaela Cortright (Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga
Counties) about the A Place to Stay program, which has been modified slightly since its original 2019
application. Catholic Charities initially planned on leasing a second transitional housing location for the
program, but did not succeed. The program now plans on providing case management support for 10‐12
very low‐income homeless/at‐risk women.
Graham reported the Committee also discussed water‐quality concerns at Nate’s Floral Estates with
Common Council member Cynthia Brock. The site was built on top of a former City landfill and seepage
has been discovered migrating into adjacent waterway. Although the NYS Department of
Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) determined the seepage does not create a significant health
concern, it does impact environmental quality so it seeks action from the property owner to address
the seeps. Some residents have complained about the taste of drinking water. Although the drinking
water comes from the City’s own system, there may be some issues with the distribution pipes. The
City and IURA both have an interest in resolving any remaining environmental issues and ensuring the
site remains affordable to low‐to‐moderate income residents.
Additionally, the NYSDEC investigation documented subsurface contaminants, but found no pathways
of hazardous exposure to residents. NYSDEC seeks the owner to maintain the surface soil cap over the
former landfill to prevent contact with subsurface contaminants, and enhance it in certain areas that
have been disturbed.
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October 24, 2019
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Proulx asked how many units/people are currently located on the site. Bohn replied 115 units.
VII. Economic Development Committee (EDC)
A. 2nd Amendment to Loan Agreement: Sunny Days of Ithaca, LLC (CD‐RLF #37)
Proulx explained that, due to problems with IURA’s loan servicer (M&T Bank), invoices and automatic
withdrawals for August, September, and October were never processed. Given the upcoming holiday
season and its inventory commitments, Sunny Days cannot afford to make a triple payment at this time, so
it requested a temporary 3‐month loan deferment with payments to resume on November 1, 2019.
The Committee had no objections with approving the request.
Moved by Proulx, seconded by Rosario:
Sunny Days of Ithaca, LLC ― 2nd Amendment to Loan Agreement (CD‐RLF #37)
WHEREAS, on May 2, 2014, the IURA issued a $50,000 loan to Sunny Days of Ithaca, LLC (Sunny Days) for a
$125,000 project to open a retail business at 123 S. Cayuga Street (since relocated to 215 E. State Street),
and
WHEREAS, as of September 30, 2019, the loan balance is $9,529.17, and
WHEREAS, the loan is scheduled to be repaid in full on June 1, 2020, and
WHEREAS, Sunny Days has monthly IURA loan payments automatically withdrawn from their bank
account, and
WHEREAS, the IURA’s loan servicer, M&T Bank, has experienced problems with their loan servicing
system resulting in failure to issue invoices and process automatic withdrawals from Sunny Days bank
account for August, September and October, and
WHEREAS, Sunny Days has made inventory purchase commitments based on an assumption that monthly
loan payments were processed on a timely basis and the business was current on the IURA loan, and
WHEREAS, Sunny Days indicates that a triple loan payment will create an unanticipated cash flow
problem, and
WHEREAS, Sunny Days requests a temporary 3‐month loan deferment with payments to resume on
November 1, 2019 and the loan repayment period to be extended for approximately three additional
months to fully amortize the loan, and
WHEREAS, the IURA Economic Development Committee reviewed this matter at their October 15, 2019
meeting and recommended the following action; now, therefore, be it
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October 24, 2019
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RESOLVED, the IURA hereby approves a requested three‐month deferment of loan repayments for Sunny
Days of Ithaca, LLC (August, September and October payments) and waives any late penalty payments
and accrued interest due to failure to receive loan invoices from July through October 2019, and be it
further
RESOLVED, that the loan agreement be amended to recognize the deferment and extend the term
of the loan to fully amortize the loan, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA Chairperson, upon the advice of IURA legal counsel, is hereby authorized
to execute all necessary and appropriate documents to implement this resolution.
Carried Unanimously: 4‐0
B. Green Street Garage Mixed Use Urban Renewal Project
VERSION 1 ― ORIGINAL CONCEPT: 11 stories, 218 affordable units, 2‐story 49,000 SF conference
center, 350 parking spaces (excludes east section of garage)
VERSION 2.1 ― EXCLUDES CONFERENCE CENTER: 8 stories, 173 affordable units, 1‐story 9,000 SF
commercial (light‐gauge steel construction like City Centre)
VERSION 2.2 ― EXCLUDES CONFERENCE CENTER: 12 stories, 273 affordable units, 1‐story 9,000 SF
commercial (structural steel construction like Harold’s Square)
1. Western & Center Section – Asteri (Vecino Group NY, LLC)
Proposed Project Boundary – Review
Construction Phase Impacts – Review
Proulx explained today’s meeting materials include the following revised project schedule with milestones.
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October 24, 2019
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Chesebrough walked through several draft diagrams of the proposed project (three of which are
inserted below).
IURA Minutes October 24, 2019 Page 8 of 24
Chesebrough noted the Committee discussed potential Building Code issues associated with the
originally proposed property boundary line, so the diagrams have now been updated to illustrate a
boundary line moved an additional 10 feet to the west, to allow for windows on that side of the
building.
Chesebrough explained the color‐coded boxes on the diagrams identify the proposed roles and
responsibilities of various stakeholders. She noted the number of trees along the Green Street side will
be increased.
Farrell asked what the sidewalk width would be on the Green Street side. Bohn replied it is being
proposed to widen the sidewalk (e.g., similar to what was done on the Tompkins County Public Library
side).
Chesebrough noted the plan is to widen the sidewalk immediately adjacent to Cinemapolis. Vecino
would be responsible for the sidewalk during construction, with the City responsible for maintaining it
afterwards.
Chesebrough remarked the “City Hall Park” diagram is highly conceptual, at this early stage in the
process. It would include an improved main entrance/ramp to City Hall, more landscaping, and
flexible‐use pedestrian/vehicular paving. There would also be several ADA parking spaces and 15‐
minute loading spaces. In addition, there would be a line of trees, outdoor seating, and plantings.
Proulx noted, since the City Hall Park would be on City property, the City needs to determine if it
supports the proposed design and would be willing to pay for it, remaining cognizant of the associated
trade‐offs (i.e., vehicular access vs. public space/green space).
Farrell expressed strong support for the City Hall Park proposal.
Rosario indicated he is comfortable with the City Hall Park proposal. Graham agreed.
Proulx noted that a mitigation plan, describing how the parking garage, egress paths, and Cinemapolis
operations may be affected by construction, was also included in the meeting materials.
Chiang noted the precast and post‐tension construction options would have different impacts on the
project:
Precast
If a precast system is utilized, the center section parking and Cinemapolis cannot be accessed during
setting of the structural members. It is yet to be determined if the Cinemapolis operations can
continue in the evenings after precast erection is complete for the day.
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October 24, 2019
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Post‐Tension
A post‐tension structure will likely cause closure of the 1st and 2nd levels during the forming and
pouring of the first 2 levels of the new structure. The disadvantage to this system is the overall
duration of activities onsite will be longer, causing more restrictions to the parking and Green Street.
This method will also likely prove to be more costly.
Proulx asked how long the entire garage would be inoperable. Chiang replied: 3‐5 months. She added
there is also the question of what impact the demolition/construction phase of the proposed Eastern
Section project would have.
Graham asked what Cinemapolis’ concerns are. Bossard replied the initial timeline had
construction/demolition beginning in Spring 2021, but the revised timeline has it beginning in October
2021 ― which would have a bigger impact on the theatre, at its busiest time of year. The theatre is still
in the process of identifying one or more alternate screening locations.
2. Eastern Section – Rothschild Building (Ithaca Properties, LLC)
Project Update
Bohn reported there have been no new project developments, since the Committee meeting. The
applicant (Ithaca Properties, LLC) received a positive initial response from the Planning & Development
Board. The current proposal would involve demolishing the eastern section of the garage, rebuilding
the ground floor and lobby, reconstructing the parking decks as public parking, and building 10 stories
of housing (200 units). The project will seek support from the Community Investment Incentive Tax
Abatement Program (CIITAP).
C. Committee Chairperson Report
Proulx reported the Committee discussed its need to fill its current vacancies.
VIII. Governance Committee (GC)
A. Proposed IURA 2020 Budget
Rosario reported the Committee reviewed the budget and determined it is a reasonably solid and reliable
budget.
Bohn explained the vast majority of the proposed budget (85%) comprises personnel expenses. Bohn is
recommending increasing the legal services budget, in anticipation of an upcoming Low‐Income Housing
Tax Credits (LIHTC) project, which generally incur $5,000‐$10,000 in legal costs due to their complexity.
Another budget increase is a 6% increase in healthcare premiums, along with a 2% increase in staff
salaries, in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which also happens to align with the City’s own
standard practice.
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(continued on next page)
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Moved by Rosario, seconded by Graham:
Adoption of FY2020 IURA Administrative Budget
WHEREAS, the IURA desires to annually adopt an administrative budget to guide expenditures and
manage financial resources of the IURA, and
WHEREAS, New York State law governing public authorities requires submission of a proposed
budget 60 days prior to the start of the next fiscal year, and
WHEREAS, the IURA budget is due to be submitted to the New York State Authorities Budget Office
(ABO) by November 1st of each year, and
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WHEREAS, the IURA Governance Committee reviewed this matter at their October 22, 2019
meeting and recommended the following; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby adopts the FY2020 IURA Administrative Budget, dated 10/15/19.
Carried Unanimously: 4‐0
B. 2019 Action Plan Amendment #1: Adjust Funding Sources & Amount for Immaculate Conception
School Redevelopment Project (2019 Project #3)
Moved by Rosario, seconded by Graham:
2019 Action Plan ― Program Amendment #1:
Immaculate Conception School Redevelopment Project (Project #3)
WHEREAS, the City‐adopted 2019 Action Plan allocated $200,000 in funding assistance to the
Immaculate Conception School Redevelopment Project (“Project”) sponsored by Ithaca
Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (“INHS”), and
WHEREAS, the 2019 funding commitment is derived from the following sources:
$97,022.70 – 2018 HOME CHDO Reserve funds
$98,668.22 – 2019 HOME funds
$4,309.08 – 2017 HOME CHDO Reserve funds
$200,000.00
And,
WHEREAS, only $95,730.84 is available from the 2018 HOME CHDO Reserve funds, creating a
$1,291.86 funding shortfall, and
WHEREAS, INHS recently remitted recaptured HOME funds from a 2009 Homeowner Rehabilitation
Project #1 (604 S. Albany St.), which can provide $1,191.86 to make up for the funding shortfall for
the Project, and
WHEREAS, INHS supports total Action Plan funding for the Project at $199,900, and
WHEREAS, a change in funding sources and a minor adjustment of $100 in total Project funding is a
Minor Program Amendment that does not require a Public Hearing or Common Council approval,
and
WHEREAS, at its October 22, 2019 meeting, the IURA Governance Committee considered this
matter and recommends the following action; now, therefore, be it
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RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby adopts Program Amendment #1 to the 2019 HUD Action Plan to
revise funding sources and amounts for the Immaculate Conception School Redevelopment Project
(2019 Project #3) as follows:
$95,730.84 – 2018 HOME CHDO Reserve funds
$98,668.22 – 2019 HOME funds
$4,309.08 – 2017 HOME CHDO Reserve funds
$1,191.86 – Recaptured Funds from 2009 Project #1
$199,900.00
Carried Unanimously: 4‐0
C. Independent Contractors ― Amendment #1 to 2019 Legal Services Contract with Levene, Gouldin, &
Thompson
Moved by Rosario, seconded by Graham:
Amendment #1 to 2020 Legal Services Contract with Levene, Gouldin, & Thompson, LLP
WHEREAS, the IURA executed a contract for up to $2,000 of legal services from Richard Ruswick of
Levene, Gouldin & Thompson, LLP that expires on February 28, 2020, and
WHEREAS, Richard Ruswick is assigned to represent the IURA on loan financing for the Cayuga Flats
project (formerly known as INHS Scattered Sites 2), and
WHEREAS, the Cayuga Flats project has been allocated Low‐Income Housing Tax Credit which
requires syndication and extensive IURA legal services, and
WHEREAS, the borrower is required to fully reimburse IURA legal expenses for the project, and
WHEREAS, the actual cost of IURA legal services will exceed the contract amount, and
WHEREAS, the projected cost of IURA legal services on the Cayuga Flats project is projected to
range between $5,000 and $10,000, and
WHEREAS, at their October 18, 2019 meeting, the IURA Governance Committee reviewed this
matter and recommends the following action; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the 2019 legal services contract with Levene, Gouldin & Thompson, LLP be
amended to increase the contract amount by $10,000 to account for legal services incurred on the
Cayuga Flats project, and be it further
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RESOLVED, that IURA legal costs on the Cayuga Flats project be fully reimbursed by the borrower,
and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA Chair, subject to review by IURA legal counsel, is authorized to execute a
contract amendment to implement this resolution.
Carried Unanimously: 4‐0
D. IURA Rental Housing Affordability Monitoring Agreement ― Community Development Housing Fund
(CHDF)
Rosario explained that CHDF is a joint program of Tompkins County, the City of Ithaca, and Cornell
University, which provides grant funds to support new construction/rehabilitation of affordable housing in
Tompkins County. The proposed IURA Rental Housing Affordability Monitoring Agreement is a pilot
project.
Farrell remarked it will be important for IURA staff to keep accurate track of the hours it spends on
monitoring. Bohn responded it is a pilot project, so there is some uncertainty about how much time and
effort will actually be involved. Enforcement of the monitoring agreement will be the County’s
responsibility.
Moved by Rosario, seconded by Proulx:
IURA Affordable Housing Monitoring Agreement
WHEREAS, a for‐profit developer, Jerame S. Hawkins, was conditionally awarded grant funds
through the Community Housing Development Fund (CHDF) to undertake a project to rehabilitate a
three‐bedroom house located at 622 W. Clinton Street for use as affordable rental housing, and
WHEREAS, the conditions for CHDF grant approval are:
the grantee must provide rental affordable housing for a minimum of 49 years to a household
earning 80% or less of Area Median Income, and
the grantee must enter into and comply with the terms of a monitoring agreement to verify
eligibility of tenant household income levels and affordable monthly rental and utility costs, and
WHEREAS, the IURA conducts similar income and rent verification of HOME‐assisted projects, and
WHEREAS, without a IURA monitoring agreement the project will not move forward as a dedicated
affordable housing project, and
WHEREAS, facilitating expansion of the supply of affordable housing advances the City of Ithaca
HUD Consolidated Plan and the IURA mission “to improve the social, physical and economic
characteristics of the City of Ithaca by expanding access to quality, affordable housing,
strengthening neighborhoods and the local economy, and supporting other community
development activities,” and
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WHEREAS, IURA staff time incurred to conduct annual monitoring can be offset by charging the
grantee a fee for each application reviewed, and
WHEREAS, the IURA is responsible to report results of income and rent verification to the funder,
but is not responsible to enforce compliance, and
WHEREAS, operational experience to conduct affordable housing monitoring will inform the IURA
on whether an expansion of IURA monitoring services is a wise use of staff resources, and
WHEREAS, at their October 22, 2019 meeting, the IURA Governance Committee considered this
matter and recommends the following action; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby authorizes entering into an affordable housing monitoring
agreement with the Jerame S. Hawkins to conduct income and rent verification for one rental
housing unit located at 622 W. Clinton Street, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA Chair, subject to review by IURA legal counsel, is authorized to
execute a contract to implement this resolution.
Carried Unanimously: 4‐0
E. Committee Chairperson Report
None.
IX. Other New/Old Business
A. 2018 Action Plan: 2nd Modification of Financing Terms for Cayuga Flats Project (CD‐RLF Project #45)
Bohn reported the proposed resolution is required to clarify the loan terms. The attorney representing
the tax credit investor determined it would be most advantageous if the CDBG loan carried a 2%
interest rate, rather than a lump sum equal to 2% of the loan amount. The proposed modification
actually works in the IURA’s favor.
Moved by Proulx, seconded by Rosario:
2018 AcƟon Plan ― 2nd Modification of Financing Terms for
Cayuga Flats Project (2018 Project #7 & CD‐RLF #45)
WHEREAS, on October 17, 2019, Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (INHS) requested a
revision to the loan terms on the Community Development Block Grant loan to support the Cayuga
Flats project (formerly known as INHS Scattered Site Phase 2 project), and
WHEREAS, on July 25, 2019, the IURA approved the following financing terms for the Cayuga Flats
project:
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Source Amount Term Interest rate Repayment
Terms
CDBG
(CD‐RLF #45) $128,662 30 years 0% annually
2% of loan
amount due
annually, cash
flow contingent
HOME 2018 $100,000 50 years 1% interest only Cash flow
contingent
And,
WHEREAS, the outstanding loan balance and any accrued interest on IURA loan assistance is due
and payable at the end of the loan term, and
WHEREAS, the project has received an allocation of Low‐Income Housing Tax Credits that will
inject private equity into the project from the tax credit investor, and
WHEREAS, the attorney representing the tax credit investor has determined that it is most
advantageous that the CDBG loan carry a 2% interest rate rather than have a lump sum due equal
to 2% of the loan amount due, and
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby approves the following loan terms for assistance to the Cayuga
Flats project (formerly Scattered Site Preservation Project – Phase 2):
Source Amount Term Interest rate Repayment
Terms
CDBG
(CD‐RLF #45) $128,662 30 years Construction phase: 0%
Permanent phase: 2%
Interest only due
annually, cash
flow contingent
HOME 2018 $100,000 50 years Construction phase: 0%
Permanent phase: 1%
Interest only due
annual, cash flow
contingent
And be it further
RESOLVED, that the Director of Community Development is authorized to issue a revised loan
commitment letter to implement this resolution, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA Chair, subject to review by IURA legal counsel, is authorized to execute
loan agreements to implement this resolution.
Carried Unanimously: 4‐0
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B. Modification to Loan Assistance to GreenStar Cooperative Market, Inc. (PB‐LF #11)
Bohn explained the IURA and GreenStar experienced considerable difficulty obtaining the landlord waiver
for 307 College Avenue (“Collegetown Crossing”). After weeks of negotiation, the landlord (Josh Lower)
continued to request unrealistic terms. The original loan underwriting analysis identified a break‐even
scenario for collateral. Without the third waiver, it would take approximately one or two years for the
collateral to represent a positive figure if the IURA was unable to access collateral at this location under a
default scenario. GreenStar could also, conceivably, return to its members to seek an additional capital
infusion, if need be. All things considered, the project continues to provide a significant public benefit,
including job creation. Bohn therefore recommends the IURA waive the requirement for the landlord
waiver for the 307 College Avenue premises as a condition of IURA loan approval.
Moved by Proulx, seconded by Rosario:
Modification to Loan Assistance to GreenStar Cooperative Market, Inc. (PB‐LF #11)
WHEREAS, GreenStar Cooperative Market, Inc. (GreenStar) requests the IURA waive submission of
a landlord waiver for the 307 College Avenue lease premises as a condition for IURA loan approval;
and
WHEREAS, on March 28, 2019 the IURA approved a $400,000 loan to GreenStar for a $7 million
project to relocate and expand their flagship store to 770 Cascadilla Street, Ithaca, NY; and
WHEREAS, the approved loan is to be secured by the following security interest lien on all business
assets, including new equipment, furnishings, and fixtures located at the following three
commercial locations that GreenStar leases:
770 Cascadilla Street, Ithaca, NY – 1st lien on inventory; 2nd lien on all other assets
subordinated to Reinvestment Fund loan
215 N. Cayuga Street, Ithaca, NY – 1st lien on inventory; 2nd lien on all other assets
subordinated to the Reinvestment Fund loan
307 College Avenue, Ithaca, NY – 3rd lien on all assets subordinated to Cooperative Fund of
New England loan and the Reinvestment Fund loans, and
WHEREAS, when pledged collateral is located in leased premises it is the IURA’s standard practice
to require a landlord waiver to authorize the IURA to access the premises to inventory, secure and
remove borrower collateral pledged to secure the IURA loan in the event of a loan foreclosure, and
WHEREAS, landlord waivers have been executed with landlords of the 770 Cascadilla Street and 215
N. Cayuga Street premises, but the landlord of the 307 College Avenue premises has not agreed to
execute the IURA landlord waiver, and
WHEREAS, lacking such a landlord waiver creates practical difficulty and delays to inventory, secure
and remove collateral in the event of a loan foreclosure though does not impact the legal validity of
the IURA lien on assets, and
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WHEREAS, in the event that pledged collateral located at 307 College Avenue were excluded from
the collateral analysis in the loan underwriting analysis, the computed IURA collateral value would
be reduced by $169,000 changing the calculated collateral coverage from 141% ($565,000 collateral
value) to 99% ($396,000 collateral value), and,
WHEREAS, GreenStar has made good faith efforts to secure the landlord waiver for 307 College
Avenue, and
WHEREAS, the IURA is in 3rd lien position behind over $3 million in senior debt on collateral located
at the 307 College Avenue location thereby mitigating the value of collateral at this location; and
WHEREAS, the IURA security agreement with GreenStar includes a provision under a default
scenario where the Borrower is required to assemble the collateral at a place designated by the
lender; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, the IURA hereby modifies its 3/28/19 GreenStar loan approval to waive the
requirement for submission of a landlord waiver for the 307 College Avenue lease property, and
further
RESOLVED, that the IURA Chairperson, upon the advice of IURA legal counsel, is hereby authorized
to execute all necessary and appropriate documents to implement this resolution.
Carried Unanimously: 4‐0
B. Review of IURA Financials: September 2019
Bohn reported virtually all HUD Entitlement Program projects are progressing well, including prior slow
projects. As mentioned earlier, the 2018 Neighbor to Neighbor Homeowner Rehab and 2018 Domestic
Violence Center Renovation projects have been making some progress.
Bohn reported all loans are current, except Finger Lakes School of Massage, which IURA staff will be
seeking to collect.
Bohn reported all lease payments are now current.
C. IURA Chairperson Report
None.
D. Common Council Liaison Report
Lewis reported that Common Council has been busy with the City’s 2020 annual budget, as well as the
Green New Deal (GND), which was the subject of numerous public comments. Common Council also
continues to work on new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations.
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October 24, 2019
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E. Staff Report
Mendizabal reported the City will be applying for a New York State Anti‐Displacement Learning Network
grant. It is a great opportunity for Ithaca, since it aligns well with its Assessment of Fair Housing, as well
as the Green New Deal (GND). The City has seen some displacement from the Southside neighborhood
to West Hill.
“New York State Anti‐Displacement Learning Network (a collaboration between Enterprise and the
New York State Office of Attorney General)
Through this program, Enterprise will support up to ten municipalities and/or counties in New York
State to work collaboratively with local stakeholders in affected communities to identify and
implement high‐impact anti‐displacement strategies that will reduce or prevent the displacement of
the most vulnerable populations, particularly low‐ income households and/or people of color.
The program comprises three phases:
Phase 1: Municipal teams will learn about various strategies to address displacement through
webinars and peer‐to‐peer discussions.
Phase 2: Each municipal team will receive up to 20 hours of technical assistance from Enterprise’s
consultant team to select an anti‐displacement strategy and develop a plan to implement the
chosen strategy. During this phase, each team may submit a funding request of up to $1 million
to Enterprise to implement the chosen strategy.
Phase 3: Municipal teams that have been awarded implementation funding will execute their
chosen strategies.
X. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 10:28 A.M.
— END —
Minutes prepared by C. Pyott, edited by N. Bohn.