HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-IURANI-2010-11-22
108 East Green Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
(607) 274-655
DRAFT MINUTES
Neighborhood Investment Committee
Council Chambers, City Hall
3:30 p.m., November 22, 2010
SPECIAL MEETING
Present: `T. Farrell, S. Cummings, Fernando de Aragón, T. Halpert
Staff: J. Cornish, S. Kittel, A. Vargo
Guest: Paul Mazzarella, Executive Director of Ithaca Neighborhood Housing (INHS)
Other: Caleb Thomas
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Farrell at 3:35 a.m.
II Additions to or deletions from the agenda - None
III. Public comment (3-minute maximum per person) – None
IV. Discussion of INHS - 20010 # 3 - 100 W. Seneca Street - Possible Resolution
Paul Mazzarella updated the Committee on the on changes made in the plans for 100 W. Seneca
Street. Mazzarella went over the budget he handed out. INHS is requesting $800,000 in HODAG
money with a low interest loan of 2% with a 30 year loan. There will not be any tax credits, because of
changes at the State level. The State didn’t like the expensive building. They need to bring in non-
State money.
Mazzarella went over the rent schedule, Section8 and L/M Income levels.
Re-zoning of this area, creating housing variations have increased the value of the property.
Mazzarella explained that there have been many changes and will they probably continue until the
application is actually accepted that locks them into those plans. The new plans are now for 52
affordable units. Any tax credits will dictate rent changes. If a basement were to be added it would
cost and extra $400,000.
There was concern expressed that the project seemed to be exchanging quality was for quantity. He
has found out that renting to a special population will bring in extra points from the State. If INHS did
this they already have a proven interviewing system already in place. He stated that if a unit was to be
rented for special needs person, and that person leaves, INHS must continue to rent to the same
population. There are three categories for special needs groups: homeless, mental and physical
disabilities.
INHS is the developer of this project; they will be hiring an on-site construction manager. Staff
member Scott Reynolds will be the project manager.
Ithaca
Urban
Renewal
Agency
NI Special Meeting Minutes
December 22, 2010
Page 2 of 2
He also stated that there will be a staffed office during the day, there will also be a maintenance
person after the site is built. They do not want to add a resident manager to the staff.
There was discussion on tax credits and recoupment of money. Within this tax credit program there
can be no public meeting room. Also discussed was an extra space for a shop if there could not be a
meeting space. Mazzarella stated the need to look to possible future changes and prepare now to be
able to make changes at a later date.
Mazzarella added that INHS would like to have a commitment letter from the IURA by February.
Bohn stated that this needs to be an action item at the January Agency meeting.
Cornish left the meeting at 11:30 a.m.
Mazzarella was asked to attend the Agency meeting on December 17.
Also discussed was whether the commitment is valid because of the changes in the project.
The Committee discussed the pros and cons of this project
Pros
• This Committee prefers mixed income and mixed population and long term leases with the
possibility of purchasing the unit at a later time.
• Committee members discussed the pros and cons on this project.
• They found the building design was good, a convenient location, a much needed facility, INHS
has good projects and good management and unrestricted funds.
Cons
• There is a need for greater income mix
• No feasibility and length of time
• Limited tax credits
• High cost to IURA will tie up HODAG money for 15 years.
There was also a discussion about the need to review the communication with the Agency and other
Committees.
V. Next Meeting Date - December 10, 2010
VI. Motion to Adjourn
The meeting was recessed at 6:40 p.m. until the next NI meeting on December 10, 2010.