HomeMy WebLinkAbout3-29-2006 Public Hearing TB.pdfApproved April 12, 2006
Enfield Town Board
Public Hearing
March 29, 2006 at 7:00 PM
Enfield Community Building -- 182 Enfield Main Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
Meeting called to order by Supervisor Jean Owens at 7:00 PM. [laryngitis]
Present: Supervisor Jean Owens
Councilperson Peggy Hubbell
Councilperson Sandra Small
Councilperson Jennifer Fisher -- absent
Councilperson Rob Harvey
Town Clerk Alice Laue
Others present: Deputy Town Clerk Pat Dougherty, Stacey Crawford from Better
Housing of Tompkins County, Bertha Hubbell, Bill Mather, John Spencer (Better
Housing), Margaret and Doug Willis, Jolee Carlisle, Jim Rohan
Stacey Crawford of Better Housing for Ithaca spoke to the group about Enfield’s
$400,000 application from the New York State Office for Small Cities to provide moderate
rehabilitation (repairs valued between $5,000 and $25,000) to the residences of qualified
homeowners with the Town. If funded, the Town will be able to assist about 15
homeowners.
The Better Housing staff conducted a survey of external conditions of housing
structures in the Town. The survey indicates 80% of the 1,081 structures observed in the
Town are substandard. Combined with the high percentage of low-income persons in the
Town, the poor housing conditions represent a critical problem. This is evidenced by 140
residents that have submitted surveys indicating the need for assistance through a housing
rehab program. Of these, 124 appear to be eligible. They presently have written statement
for 15 applicants.
Privilege of the floor:
Margaret Willis asked if the grant would be maxed out. Yes.
Councilperson Small asked if any other Towns were applying. Yes, Newfield and
Caroline.
Councilperson Hubbell asked if a person can receive more than one grant. Yes, but
it has to be an extreme case and is decided by a Town appointed oversight committee.
Minutes transcribed by Deputy Town Clerk N. Pat Dougherty.