HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-IURANI-2010-04-19Approved September 24, 2010
108 East Green Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
(607) 274-6559
Minutes
Neighborhood Investment Committee
April 23, 2010
Present: Susan Cummings, Tracy Farrell, Teresa Halpert
Staff: Sue Kittel, Nels Bohn
Guests: Caleb Thomas, resident, Bethany Schroder and Robert Brown from the Ithaca Health Alliance, Paul
Mozzarella from Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) (9:30 a.m.)
I. Call to Order
At 8:40 a.m. Chairperson Tracy Farrell called the meeting to order.
II Additions to or deletions from the agenda
None
III. Public comment
None
IV. Approval of meeting minutes: February 12, 2010
On a motion by Cummings and second by Halpert the minutes were unanimously approved as written.
V. New Business
A. Policy Review — repeat funding of public service activities.
Kittel reviewed the list of repeatedly funded public service activities with the members along with the
section of the Consolidated Plan which described adopted policy for public service activities. The
committee discussed various alternatives for articulating a policy which encourages multi-year planning in
the light of the inability of the IURA to award CDBG funds on a multi-year basis. In addition, the
committee considered the options for encouraging organizations to find non-CDBG sources of revenue so
that a cut-back in CDBG does not close programs. Finally, the issue of what types of projects might be
awarded funds year after year and those that would warrant a one-time infusion of funds was addressed.
The committee came to no specific resolution of the issues and agreed to take this topic up at the May
meeting.
B. Free Clinic Relocation—discussion with Ithaca Health Alliance (9:30 a.m.)
Robert Brown and Bethany Schroder approached the NI Committee about assistance with their upcoming
relocation to 521 West Seneca Street. The final cost is being worked out still but they thought that funds
Ithaca
Urban
Renewal
Agency
NI Minutes
April 23, 2010
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would be needed to renovate the new location to meet their needs and to get moved into the new space.
The Health Alliance’s lawyers are currently reviewing the lease, and signature is expected soon. A final
cost estimate will also be available in the coming weeks.
After a brief question and answer period, the committee agreed to review a proposal with more specific
information at their next meeting.
C. Other - None
VI. Old Business
A. Update on the Women’s Community Building Redevelopment—Paul Mazzarella (10 a.m.)
Nels Bohn joined the meeting for this report.
Paul Mazzarella requested appearing at the NI Committee to report three changes to the Women’s
Community Building project (2010 # 3). First, there will be no community meeting space for public use.
The funding sources being used prohibit non-resident uses of a project for the 30-year regulatory period
so this option has been removed from the project.
Second, the project is now planned to create 52 housing units. Twenty-six 1-bedroom units and 26 two-
bedroom units are now anticipated. This is a change from the original 50 units proposed.
Third, the cost of the project has increased due to unforeseen sub-surface conditions. To make the
project work, the income level of renters has been modified to a range of 50-60% area median. The
original proposal had considered a range of renter’s incomes from 30-70% area median income.
The new building may be LEED certified, or at least built to LEED standards. There is a possibility that the
actual certification will not be pursued due to the expense.
The committee discussed their dismay that items of importance to them at the time of approval for funding
were no longer a part of the project, particularly the public meeting space. In addition, considerable time
was taken to review committee members concerns about the parking, yard space and the layout of green
space, possible use of the roof as gardening or green space, and the use of energy conservation
measures such as dishwashers and high efficiency appliances.
There was also discussion about appropriate communication of committee and Agency concerns and
contingencies to other boards and committees so that site plan approval, for example, can be informed by
the review of the IURA.
B. Other
None
VII. Staff Report
A. Update on progress of various projects
None
B. Other
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April 23, 2010
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VIII. Other
None
IX. Next Meeting Date - May 14, 2010
IX. Motion to Adjourn
On a motion by Farrell and second by Cummings, the meeting adjourned at 10:47 a.m.
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