HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-IURA-1998 6,c CAerk_
Minutes of the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
Thursday, February 19, 1998, 11 AM
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
Present:
Mayor Alan Cohen, Eric Rosario, Martha Preston, Brad Nelson for
Items IV-1 and VIII, Diann Sams for Items IV-1 and VIII, Paul
Mazzarella for Item VIII-1, Chief Basile and Officer Kathy Torres
for Item VIII-2, Matthys Van Cort, Katharine Clute, Nels Bohn, Wies
van Leuken
I . Call to order
The meeting was called to order by the chair Alan Cohen at
11 AM.
II . Approval of Minutes of IURA meetings
Preston moved and Rosario seconded a resolution to approve the
minutes .
RESOLVED, that the IURA approves as distributed the minutes of the
IURA meetings of 8/8/96, 10/30/97 and 11/12/97 .
Approved unanimously.
III . Staff Reports
No reports
IV. Economic Development
1 . Loans to Restaurants and Bars
The Agency reviewed the EDC' s recommendations and clarifications
regarding the RLF Policy on lending to restaurants, nightclubs,
bars, liquor stores, adult entertainment establishments and
similar businesses .
The committee recommended to leave current restrictions on loans
for restaurants, bars and similar businesses unchanged,
specifically as they apply to situations as listed below.
1 . The current geographic exception, allowing loans to
restaurants, bars and similar businesses in the Waterfront
Entertainment District, should not be extended to include
the downtown Business Improvement District (BID) ;
2 . The restrictions should not be lifted for loan applications
by minorities and women;
Minutes IURA
February 19, 1998
3 . An "adult entertainment establishment" use is not an
eligible activity for a loan;
4 . The restriction is not limited to "restaurants" but also
applies to "bars, nightclubs and similar businesses" ;
5 . Loan Applications for liquor stores should be reviewed like
other retail businesses .
The Agency thoroughly discussed the recommendations . Some Agency
members proposed to waive the restrictions for women and
minorities and if necessary provide additional resources for such
loans . Other members stated that the risk was too great and no
exceptions should be made . Staff expressed concern that current
CD-RLF guidelines did not address requirements for this new
category of loans . The discussion did not lead to a resolution.
The Agency agreed to table this item until the next IURA meeting.
IV-2 . Carpenter Business Park
This item will be discussed at the next meeting.
IV-3 . Contract with H. Sicherman & Company, Inc .
Harry Sicherman's 12/15/97 memo was distributed. This memo
notified the Agency of the reorganization of Sicherman's business
per 1/1/98 .
The Mayor moved and Preston seconded a resolution to approve the
contract with H. Sicherman & Company, Inc. for consulting services
to the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) in FY 1998 .
WHEREAS, the IURA has the need for occasional technical assistance
in the development and implementation of its Community Development
program and for other related activities, and
WHEREAS, the IURA has used EastWest Planning and Development, Inc.
for the consulting services since 1990, and
WHEREAS, the original decision to contract with EastWest Planning
and Development, Inc . was made following a request for proposals,
and
WHEREAS, EastWest Planning and Development, Inc . is now defunct and
has split into two organizations of which the new corporation "H.
Sicherman & Company, Inc . " will continue to offer the same
services, with the same personnel, formally provided by EastWest
Planning and Development, Inc. , and
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Minutes IURA
February 19, 1998
WHEREAS, the hourly remuneration for professional services has not
changed from the 1997 Contract, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA authorizes and directs the Mayor to sign
such contract pending review by the City Attorney and the Executive
Director of the IURA, and be it further
RESOLVED, that this contract will become effective retroactively
per January 1, 1998.
Approved unanimously.
IV-4 . Sublease of 245 Cherry St. /Perfect Screen Printers, Inc .
The Agency approved the request to grant a sublease to J. Gould
for his business "Perfect Screen Printers, Inc . " pending review
by the City Attorney.
The Mayor moved and Nelson seconded a resolution to approve
Jonathan Gould' s Request to Grant a Sublease of 245 Cherry Street
to J. Gould's Perfect Screen Printers, Inc .
WHEREAS, the IURA executed a long-term lease agreement in 1995,
modified in 1997, with Jonathan Gould to lease a 16, 790 square
foot lot located at 245 Cherry Street in the Cherry Street
Industrial Park for expansion and construction of operations of
the lessee's business, Perfect Screen Printers, and
WHEREAS, Jonathan Gould requests approval to assign all his right
title and interest in the property to J. Gould' s Perfect Screen
Printers, Inc . for the entire term of the lease, and
WHEREAS, paragraph 10 of the lease agreement requires approval
of the IURA for the lessee to assign the lease or any interest
therein to any party, and
WHEREAS, paragraph 5 of the lease agreement requires the addition
of three (3 ) new, full-time employees to be hired at the site,
and
WHEREAS, the lessee reports that he has hired (3 ) new full-time
employees, and
WHEREAS, the proposed sublease agreement includes provisions for
the sublessor, J. Gould' s Perfect Screen Printers, Inc . , to
assume all responsibilities of Jonathan Gould under the lease and
modification including but not limited to the increase in work
force required by paragraph 5 of said leasehold agreement,
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Minutes IURA
February 19, 1998
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that upon receipt of all lease
payments in arrears with interest due, the IURA hereby approves
the proposed sublease agreement dated 5/9/97 by and between J.
Gould's Perfect Screen Printers, Inc . and Jonathan Gould with a
subsequent addendum providing for a subordination of the sublease
to any mortgage holder, subject to proof that a satisfactory
sublease containing provisions for the sublessor to assume all
obligations of the sublessee for job creation has been filed in
the Tompkins County Clerk's Office, and
HE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor, subject to review by the
City Attorney and the Executive Director of the IURA, is
authorized to sign any and all instruments necessary to grant
approval for the proposed sublease.
Approved unanimously.
V. Housing and Infrastructure
1. Accepting Conveyance of 402 S Cayuga Street
The Mayor moved and Rosario seconded a resolution to accept the
conveyance of 402 South Cayuga Street from the City.
WHEREAS, City ownership of the property would generate no
property taxes and require on-going property maintenance,
graffiti removal, and repair of other damage as necessary by the
Department of Public Works or others, and
WHEREAS, the interest of the City would be served by returning
this property to tax roles and by its rehabilitation for housing
or other permitted uses in a manner that benefits the surrounding
neighborhood, and
WHEREAS, at its February 4, 1998 meeting the Common Council
authorized conveyance of the 402 S. Cayuga Street parcel to the
Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) for disposition of the parcel
to a qualified sponsor for rehabilitation of the building in a
timely manner for a use consistent with the Urban Renewal Plan,
and
WHEREAS, the Common Council specified that evaluation of such
proposals include, but not be limited to, the purchase price, the
impact of the proposed reuse of the parcel on the long-term
stability of the surrounding neighborhood and the generation of
property tax revenues to the City, and
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Minutes IURA
February 19, 1998
WHEREAS, any net proceeds from the sale of the parcel after
expenses incurred by the IURA shall be returned to the City,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA does hereby accept
conveyance of the 402 S . Cayuga Street parcel from the City of
Ithaca for disposition of the parcel for urban renewal purposes
in accordance with the terms outlined above, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the prospective sponsor' s
qualifications and experience be included as a criterion in
evaluating proposals for purchase of the 402 S . Cayuga parcel,
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Mayor is hereby authorized to sign
any and all instruments necessary to accept conveyance of this
property to the IURA and to solicit qualified sponsors for sale
and rehabilitation of the building in a timely manner for a use
consistent with the Urban Renewal Plan, pending review by the
City Attorney and the Executive Director of the IURA, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all responses from potential
sponsors for purchasing and rehabilitating the property be
brought back to the IURA for evaluation for selection of a
preferred sponsor.
The resolution was approved unanimously.
V-2 . Purchase Agreement Domestic Shelter Property
Bohn explained why the domestic violence shelter had to move to
another location. Year #2 of the 1996 CDBG award includes
funding for the purchase of a new home for the program. The
purchase costs for the proposed site do not exceed the available
funding.
The Mayor moved and Preston seconded a resolution approving the
purchase agreement for the domestic violence shelter property.
WHEREAS, on December 9, 1997 the City of Ithaca was informed it
has received approval for the second increment of the Small
Cities CDBG three-year application in the amount of $1, 900, 000,
and
WHEREAS, the second year increment includes $100, 000 for the
purchase and renovation of a house to be owned by the IURA and
licensed to the Tompkins County Task Force for Battered Women
(the Task Force) for use as temporary housing for women and
families seeking shelter from domestic violence, and
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Minutes IURA
February 19, 1998
WHEREAS, ownership of the shelter by the IURA may contribute to
keeping the property's location confidential, since public
records will not list the Task Force as the owner, and
WHEREAS, the Task Force has identified a particular property as
appropriate for use as a domestic violence shelter, and
WHEREAS, the Task Force, working in conjunction with a local
realtor, recommends making a purchase offer of $83 , 000 on this
property for use as a shelter, and
WHEREAS, a summary appraisal of the proposed shelter property
prepared by David Long Appraisal Co. , Inc . concluded the market
value of the property as of August 15, 1997 was $84, 000, and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Task Force for Battered Women has
signed a letter of intent to enter into a 5-year, renewable
license with the IURA to operate the new proposed domestic
violence shelter,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby authorizes the
submission of a purchase offer of $83 , 000 to purchase the parcel
selected by the Task Force for use as a new domestic violence
shelter, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to sign any
and all instruments necessary to submit a purchase offer and
accept conveyance of the property, upon satisfactory review by
the City Attorney and the Executive Director of the IURA.
The resolution was approved unanimously.
V-3 . Buffalo Street Parking Lot
A report will be made at the next meeting.
VI. Budget and Administration
1. Financial Statements 11/97, 12/97 and 1/98
The financial statements dated 11/97, 12/97 and 1/98, were
distributed and entered into the minutes.
VI-2 . 1998 COLA Staff Salaries - Executive Session
Action taken:
The Agency unanimously approved a resolution to grant a cost of
living allowance to community development staff for 1998 .
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Minutes IURA
February 19, 1998
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency has in the past provided
cost of living increases to the community development staff at
comparable levels to that of the City employees, and
WHEREAS, the 1998 City budget provides for a two and a half
percent (2 1/2 %) COLA for senior staff, and
WHEREAS, the 1998 City contract provides for a three percent (3%)
COLA for C. S .E.A. administrative personnel, now
BE IT RESOLVED, that the B&A Committee recommends to the IURA to
authorize COLA' s to the Community Development staff following the
City' s COLA administration, effective January 1, 1998 .
VII. Other Business
1 . Next meeting
Agency members requested to keep the IURA meetings on a monthly
schedule for a few more months. Members felt that more time was
needed to get up to speed on the many issues before them.
Committee meetings will continue to be held at a bimonthly
schedule.
The Agency agreed to meet next on March 5, 1998 at 11 :30 AM.
VII-2 . Appointments to Committees
The Mayor announced that he had appointed Barbara Abrams to the
IURA's ED committee
VIII. New Business
1. INHS presentation
Paul Mazzarella from INHS gave a presentation on INHS' Towerview
Apartments, INNS' Strategic Plan and the leasing policy for the
Henry St. John Building.
VIII-la. Towerview Apartments
The Towerview Apartments project was financed through loans from
M&T Bank and INHS/IURA, in this order. The INHS/IURA loan was
financed through the 1990 CDBG application. No payments have been
made for the last 22 months. The developer no longer wants to own
the building. If the loan defaults there is no legally enforceable
way to keep the rents affordable.
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Minutes IURA
February 19, 1998
INHS is seeking a way to assume ownership in order to keep the
apartments available for low and moderate income persons . This
will require a complete restructuring of the financing.
INHS is asking to have payments for the CDBG funded loan forgiven.
It is further seeking a waiver for the $76, 000 prepayment penalty
on the M&T loan. The Mayor agreed to write a letter supporting
this request.
By consensus, the Agency expressed approval for the proposal by
Paul Mazzarella and recommended that INHS move forward with the
project and begin preparing the necessary legal documents .
VIII-lb. INHS' Strategic Plan
A summary of INHS' Strategic Plan was distributed and discussed. A
copy of the full Plan will be distributed a the next meeting. The
Mayor asked Mazarrella to come before Common Council to talk about
the Plan. The Mayor will notify Mazarella on the date and the most
suitable Committee for this presentation.
VIII-lc . Henry St John Building
The renovation of the Henry St John building was funded through a
UDAG. The original UDAG application indicated that the basement
level would be rented for non-profit organization offices. The
Legal agreement with HUD only references "office use" for the
basement level. The UDAG program has since been phased out.
Mazzarella is requesting approval for leasing up to 50% of Henry St
John's basement office space to for-profit organizations to keep
the basement space fully rented.
The Agency concluded that the request, if limited to business and
professional office uses, would be consistent with the HUD Legal
Agreement and acceptable to the Agency. Therefore the consensus of
the Agency was to approve the request as modified.
VIII-2 . Community Policing Support Program
Staff from the Ithaca Police Department (IPD) , Chief Basile and
Officer Kathy Torres, gave a presentation on the pilot project of
the Neighborhood Policing Unit called "Mounted Policing in Ithaca,
New York" . The IPD is seeking continued funding through the
Southside Neighborhood Policing Support Program funds from the 1996
Year #1 CDBG award. The IPD staff answered numerous questions from
the Agency.
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Minutes IURA
February 19, 1998
The Mayor moved and Rosario seconded a resolution to approve
temporary funding through March 1998, for the pilot project of the
Neighborhood Policing Unit called "Mounted Policing in Ithaca, New
York" .
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Police Department (IPD) is conducting a pilot
project of the Neighborhood Policing Unit called "Mounted Policing
in Ithaca, New York" , which includes the stabling of one police
horse, and
WHEREAS, the IPD is presently seeking funding for this project, and
WHEREAS, this project is part of the IPD's Neighborhood Policing
Unit program, and
WHEREAS, the IURA is funding a number of neighborhood policing
programs with CDBG funds, now be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA will fund the stabling of one police horse
for the period of January 1998 through March of 1998 at a price not
to exceed $250 .00 per month, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, if the IPD is unsuccessful in
securing funding by June, 1998, the IURA agrees to fund the cost of
stabling one police horse for the period of April 1998 through June
1998 at a price not to exceed $250.00 per month.
Approved unanimously.
VIII-3 . Resolutions of Appreciation for Bill Myers and Pam
Mackesey
Rosario and Preston approved the resolution of appreciation for
former IURA member Bill Myers .
WHEREAS, Bill Myers was appointed to the Ithaca Urban Renewal
Agency by Mayor Ben Nichols on July 1, 1993 and duly sworn in by
the City Clerk, and
WHEREAS, Bill Myers has been a dedicated member of the IURA, has
served as Chair of the Economic Development Committee and has
freely shared his expertise on lending and finances, and
WHEREAS, Bill Myers' appointment ended on January 7, 1998, and
WHEREAS, the IURA will miss Bill for his commitment to economic
development with particular attention to micro enterprises, and
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Minutes IURA
February 19, 1998
WHEREAS, the IURA wishes to acknowledge especially Bill's
sensitivity towards the role of young people in business, now
'THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
thanks Bill Myers and expresses its deep appreciation for his years
of service as a member of the Agency and wishes him well in all his
future endeavors .
Approved unanimously.
Rosario and Preston approved the resolution of appreciation for
former IURA member Pam Mackesey.
WHEREAS, Pam Mackesey was appointed to the Ithaca Urban Renewal
Agency by Mayor Ben Nichols on July 1, 1994 and duly sworn in by
the City Clerk, and
WHEREAS, Pam Mackesey has been a dedicated member of the IURA and
has served on its Community Advisory Committee, Economic
Development Committee and several Search Committees for IURA Staff,
and
WHEREAS, Pam Mackesey's appointment ended on January 7, 1998, and
WHEREAS, the IURA will miss Pam for her commitment to the quality
of life for all citizens of Ithaca and the neighborhoods they live
in, and
WHEREAS, the IURA wishes to acknowledge especially Pam sensitivity
towards the role of young people in business, her good working
relationship with the IURA's staff, and her cheerful accommodation
to the perpetual changes in meeting schedules, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
thanks Pam Mackesey and expresses its deep appreciation for her
years of service as a member of the Agency and wishes her well in
all her future endeavors .
Approved unanimously.
IX. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 1:35 PM.
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MINUTES
ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY MEETING
Thursday, March 5, 1998, 11:30 AM
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
Present:
Mayor Alan Cohen, Eric Rosario, Martha Preston, Susan Cummings for
Items IV-2 through IX, Paul Mazzarella, Executive Director of INNS,
for Items VI-1 and VI-2, Matthys Van Cort, Katharine Clute, Nels
Bohn, Wies van Leuken
I. Call to order
The meeting was called to order by the Chair Alan Cohen at
11:30 AM.
II. Approval of Minutes of February 19, 1998 IURA Meeting
Preston moved and Rosario seconded a resolution to approve the
minutes.
RESOLVED, that the IURA approved as distributed the minutes of the
IURA meeting of February 19, 1998. -
Approved unanimously.
III . Staff Reports
No reports
IV. Economic Development
1 . Loans to Restaurant and Bars
The Mayor stated that this item should be discussed w ' ch all Agency
members in attendance are present. Agency members agreed.
IV-2 . Carpenter Business Park
The 1/1/98 appraisal of Carpenter Business Park was distributed and
discussed. The appraisal confirms that the site is worth much more if
sold for retail than for light industry.
The Mayor stated that there is no consensus on Common Council to
include the Community Garden site in the sales package . Bohn
Minutes IURA
March 5, 1998
explained that some parcels were owned by the City and some were
owned by the IURA. Council will turnover to the IURA any parcels
to which it holds title so that the IURA can sell the site as one
unit.
The ARC and other funds invested in the site could be rolled over
to be used in the expansion of Cherry Street Industrial Park - a
use compatible to the use it would have had, if Carpenter
Business Park had been leased.
A revised cost/benefit analysis is being drafted and will be
brought to the Agency for their review.
V. Housing and Infrastructure
1 . INHS/ Towerview Apartments
Paul Mazzarella had brought a proposal for Towerview Apartments to
the 2/19/98 meeting. He summarized the discussion of that meeting.
INHS is seeking a way to assume ownership of Towerview in order to
keep the apartments available for low and moderate income persons .
This will require a complete restructuring of the financing.
INHS is asking to have payments for the CDBG funded loan forgiven.
It is further seeking a waiver for the $76, 000 prepayment penalty
on the M&T loan. The Mayor is writing a letter in support of this
request.
Mazzarella stated that IURA's executive director Matthys Van Cort
had excused himself from all discussions on Towerview Apartments
during INHS Board meetings to avoid the appearance of a conflict
of interest.
The Mayor moved and Preston seconded a resolution to approve the
INNS Restructuring Plan for Towerview Apartments
WHEREAS, Towerview Apartments is a privately owned 24-unit
apartment building located on Floral Avenue that was built by
Polygon Associates in 1991, and
WHEREAS, the project was financed with a $500, 000 first mortgage
from Citizens Savings Bank (now M&T Bank) and a $410, 000 second
mortgage from INHS using Small Cities CDBG funds awarded to the
City of Ithaca, with a condition that 13 of the 24 units be
rented to low- and moderate-income persons for a period of 15
years, and
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Minutes IURA
March 5, 1998
WHEREAS, the project has experienced high vacancy rates with
rental incomes not supporting operating expenses, including
routine maintenance, and
WHEREAS, the INHS loan to Polygon Associates has been chronically
delinquent and is currently 22 months behind, and
WHEREAS, Polygon Associates has asked either M&T Bank or INHS to
accept a deed in lieu of foreclosure, and M&T declined the offer,
and
WHEREAS, if M&T Bank forecloses on its loan, the INHS loan, which
is .in second position, will be wiped out, and the IURA will lose
its ability to ensure the project continues to provide affordable
housing, and
WHEREAS, if INHS accepts the deed for Towerview in lieu of
foreclosure, INHS will write off all, or a portion of, the second
mortgage made available through City of Ithaca Small Cities CDBG
funds .
WHEREAS, the INHS Board of Directors has decided to accept the
deed for Towerview Apartments and discharge the obligations of
the partners in Polygon Associates subject to certain conditions,
and
WHEREAS, one of the conditions of INHS acceptance of the deed is
that the IURA accept the proposed restructuring of the Towerview
Apartments and inform HUD of changes as necessary, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that subject to review of the formal proposal by
the IURA Chairperson, Community Development Administrator and the
City Attorney, the IURA approves the INHS plan to restructure the
Towerview Apartment project as generally described in their
February 3 , 1998 letter, which includes a commitment by INHS to
fulfill CDBG conditions by renting at least 13 of the 24 units at
Fair Market rents as defined by the Department of Housing and
Urban Development, for the remainder of the regulatory period,
subject to review and agreement by the IURA Chairperson on the
amount of the City-funded second mortgage necessary to be
forgiven to make the project viable, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor be requested to write a
letter seeking M&T Bank to waive any fees or prepayment penalty
associated with INHS assuming the first mortgage from M&T Bank
and refinancing the project .
Approved unanimously.
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Minutes IURA
March 5, 1998
V-2 . INHS/Leasing Policy Henry St John Building
The Mayor and Mazzarella gave a summary of the discussion at the
last meeting. They confirmed that none of the basement space would
be leased to retail businesses.
The Mayor moved and Rosario seconded a resolution to approve the
change in Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) ' leasing
policy of the Henry St John Building.
WHEREAS, the renovation of the Henry St John building was funded
through a Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) , and
WHEREAS, the original UDAG application indicated that the basement
level would be rented for non-profit organization offices, and
WHEREAS, the UDAG program has since been phased out, and
WHEREAS, the remaining legally binding document is the contract
agreement with HUD, which only references "office use" for the
basement level, and
WHEREAS, INHS is requesting approval to lease up to 50% of Henry
St John's basement office space to for-profit organizations, and
WHEREAS, INNS will limit the eligible for-profit tenants to
business or professional offices, now
THEREFORE, HE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby approves the INHS
request to change the leasing policy for the basement level of the
Henry St John Building, pending the settlement of any legal issues
that might arise out of this change in use of the building.
HE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is directed and authorized to
sign any and all instruments necessary, upon satisfactory review by the
City Attorney and the Executive Director of the IURA.
Approved unanimously.
V-3 . Community Policing Support Program
The Agency continued its discussion on the Community Policing
Support Program
At the last meeting, staff from the Ithaca Police Department (IPD) ,
Chief Basile and Officer Kathy Torres, had given a presentation on
4
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Minutes IURA
March 5, 1998
the pilot project of the Neighborhood Policing Unit called "Mounted
Policing in Ithaca, New York" . The IPD is seeking continued
funding through the Southside Neighborhood Policing Support Program
funds from the 1996 Year #1 CDBG award. HUD has approved funding
of equestrian programs in other communities.
A resolution was passed which allowed for temporary support of the
project. (stabling of one police horse for the period of January
1998 through March of 1998 at a price not to exceed $250 .00 per
month, and if the IPD is unsuccessful in securing funding by June,
1998, the cost of stabling one police horse for the period of April
1998 through June 1998 at a price not to exceed $250.00 per month) .
The decision to continue the program is with Common Council and
will be reviewed next by the Community Issues Committee.
Cummings expressed great concern about the project. She requested
that Clute recheck its eligibility by HUD standards. She was also
concerned about communication between staff and Agency members .
The Mayor stated that Clute had acted appropriately, and it was not
the desire of the Agency to micro-manage. He further clarified
that the January IURA meeting had been canceled at his request.
Cummings agreed that communication had been impeded by a 2 month
gap in IURA meetings.
The issue was referred to the B&A Committee.
V-4 . Buffalo Street Parking Lot
Bohn reported that the Buffalo Street parking lot is now owned by
the City of Ithaca. Common Council will be notified a their next
meeting.
V-5 . Domestic Shelter Property
Bohn reported that the domestic violence shelter is postponing
any action on buying their new site, pending the resolution of
certain security concerns . If these issues can not be resolved,
a new search for a site will become necessary.
VI . Budget and Administration
No reports
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Minutes IURA
March 5, 1998
VII. Other Business
1. Next meetings
It was agreed that the next EDC meeting will be on Thursday, March 26 at
4PM; the next B&A meeting will be on March 20 at 12 :30 PM and the next
IURA meeting will be on Thursday, April 9, 1998 at 11:30 AM.
VIII. New Business
1. Pal's Sports Center, Inc.
Bohn reported that Pal's Sports Center, Inc. will close its doors. The
business will continue its loan payments. Some part of the business will
be kept open but probably not at the present site.
VIII-2 . Low/Moderate Income limits for 1998
HUD's Low and Moderate Income limits for 1998 were distributed.
VIII-3 . Conflict of Interest
This issue was referred to the B&A committee for review and
recommendations.
VIII-4 . Personnel - Executive Session
Action taken:
None
IX. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 PM.
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6(i& ( eitk
MINUTES
ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY MEETING
Thursday, April 9, 1998, 11:30 AM
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
Present:
Mayor Alan Cohen, Eric Rosario, Martha Preston, Susan Cummings,
Brad Nelson, Steve Ehrhardt for Item IV-4, Matthys Van Cort,
Katharine Clute, Nels Bohn, Wies van Leuken, Willemijn van Lammeren
I. Call to order
The meeting was called to order by the Chair Alan Cohen at
11:35 AM.
II. Approval of Minutes-IURA Meeting March 5, 1998
Preston moved and Rosario seconded a resolution to approve the
minutes.
RESOLVED, that the IURA approved as distributed the minutes of the
IURA meeting of March 5, 1998, pending correction of a
typographical error.
Approved unanimously.
III . Staff Reports
Clute reported that the 1997 Performance Assessment Report had
been filed with the HUD Buffalo office. The Application for
funds for the Third Year Award for the 1996 CDBG Application was
mailed to the HUD Buffalo Office on April 2, 1998 .
IV. Economic Development
1 . Loans to Restaurant and Bars
Cohen moved and Nelson seconded a resolution to clarify the CD-
RLF Policy on Lending to Restaurants, Nightclubs, Bars, Liquor
Stores, Adult Entertainment Establishments and Similar
Businesses .
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) has established
the "Community Development Revolving Loan Fund" (CD-RLF) to be
used for direct lending to businesses, including micro-
enterprises, and
Minutes IURA
April 9, 1998
WHEREAS, such lending is intended to create or retain jobs or
provide business opportunities for entrepreneurs to start new
businesses in Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, it is the current policy of the IURA not to make loans
using Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) funds, including
funds from the CD-RLF, for restaurant, nightclubs, bars, liquor
stores and similar businesses because of the relatively high
business risk of such businesses, and
WHEREAS, an exception to the above prohibition was made for the
"Waterfront Entertainment District, " defined as the shoreline and
adjacent areas of Inlet Island, the Cayuga Inlet, and the Cayuga
Lake shore within the City, for the purposes of implementing the
Canal Corridor Initiative and revitalizing Ithaca' s commercial
waterfront area, and
WHEREAS, in response to a loan application for a nightclub use,
the IURA sought research on the policies of other communities
regarding lending to restaurants, bars, nightclubs and similar
businesses, and
WHEREAS, of the seven communities contacted, three communities do
not currently lend to restaurants and five of the communities
have experienced at least one default on a loan to a restaurant,
and
WHEREAS, the current policy of several conventional lenders in
the area is to not make loans to restaurants without a U.S .
Department of Commerce, Small Business Administration (SBA) loan
guarantee due to the riskiness of such loans, and
WHEREAS, such research raised additional questions about whether
loans should continue to be prohibited to nightclubs, bars,
liquor stores and adult entertainment establishments as they have
some characteristics that differentiate them from a restaurant
use and whether exceptions to loan prohibitions should be made
for businesses located in the downtown Business Improvement
District (BID) or to women- and/or minority-owned businesses, and
WHEREAS, the economic development committee discussed the above
issues and concluded that loans to high risk business categories
should be prohibited, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that because of the relatively high business
risks of such businesses, the IURA confirms its current policy
not to make loans from the Community Development Revolving Loan
Fund (CD-RLF) for restaurants, nightclubs, bars and adult
entertainment establishments and similar businesses, except
within the Waterfront Entertainment District, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Agency may grant exceptions to
this policy specifically for, and only for, women- and/or
minority-owned businesses, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Attorney will review the
legality of this affirmative action initiative and the agency
2
Minutes IURA
April 9, 1998
will develop clear underwriting guidelines for these loans before
any are considered, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that liquor stores be considered a type
of retail store eligible for loans from the CD-RLF .
The Agency discussed this resolution to determine whether loans
to women and minority owned businesses should be exempt from the
"no loans to restaurants and bars" rule. No consensus was
reached.
Cohen moved and Rosario moved to amend the resolution on the
floor with the following wording.
WHEREAS, the IURA generally does not accept loan applications for
restaurants and bars, and
WHEREAS, the IURA is desirous to promote minority and women owned
small business, and
There was no support for this amendment.
Cohen moved and Rosario seconded a resolution to withdraw the
amendment.
RESOLVED, that the amendment to the resolution on the floor has
been withdrawn.
Approved unanimously.
The Agency decided by majority vote to table the resolution on
the floor.
RESOLVED, that the resolution on Bars and Restaurants, which was
discussed at today's meeting will be tabled, pending review by
the Economic Development Committee and the drafting of two
resolutions, one which refers to the entertainment district
created for the Canal Corridor Initiative application in 1997 and
one serving as a companion resolution referring to affirmative
action rules for loan applications by women and minority owned
business owners .
Approved with three votes in favor and two abstentions .
IV-2 . Carpenter Business Park
a. Acceptance of Surplus Land from the City-Resolution
Cohen moved and Rosario seconded a resolution to accept
conveyance of Certain Parcels in the Carpenter Business Park from
the City of Ithaca to the IURA for Disposition.
3
Minutes IURA
April 9, 1998
WHEREAS, the 10 . 8 acre Carpenter Business Park located on Third
Street with frontage along N. Meadow Street was completed in
1990, and
WHEREAS, the City owns four parcels totaling 4 . 94 acres of land
and the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) owns the remaining
three parcels totaling 5 . 86 acres of land in the Carpenter
Business Park, and
WHEREAS, the IURA has actively marketed the lots for lease and
sale for light manufacturing industrial uses with a job creation
goal of 17 jobs per acre since 1990, and
WHEREAS, the IURA has been unsuccessful in securing satisfactory
tenants and Carpenter Business Park has remained vacant since its
completion in 1990 with the exception of the community gardens
located on the 2 .25-acre parcel #36-1-3 .4, and
WHEREAS, besides the community garden parcel, the City owns four
other land parcels totaling approximately 2 .7 acres in size (#36-
1-2, #36-1-3 .3 , #36-1-3 .5 and #36-1-3 .6) , and
WHEREAS, a 1998 appraisal of Carpenter Business Park, excluding
the community gardens parcel, establishes the fair market value
at $1, 364, 000, and
WHEREAS, at its April 2, 1998 meeting the Common Council declared
all City-owned parcels in Carpenter Business Park, except those
leased to Project Growing Hope, Inc. used for community gardens,
as surplus property, and
WHEREAS, at its April 2, 1998 meeting the Common Council
authorized conveyance of these surplus parcels to the Ithaca
Urban Renewal Agency for disposition for no less than fair market
value, subject to the following conditions:
A. property must not be used for an adult entertainment
establishment use,
B. property must not be used for a warehousing or storage as a
primary use for a period of 10 years from the date of conveyance
from the IURA,
C. retention of access and utility easements to parcel #36-1-3 . 4,
currently used for community gardens, and utility easements for
any other public utilities located on the property,
D. any net proceeds from the sale of the parcels after expenses
incurred by the IURA shall be returned to the City, therefore,
and
WHEREAS, the Common Council further resolved that should the
Board of Public Works (BPW) abandon the Carpenter Circle cul-de-
sac, the street property will be conveyed separately at a later
date, and if it is not abandoned by BPW, Carpenter Circle shall
not be considered surplus property and will therefore not be
conveyed, and
WHEREAS, the Common Council further resolved that the IURA
consider various options for disposition to optimize development
4
Minutes IURA
April 9, 1998
potential and purchase price of Carpenter Business Park
including, but not limited to, selling all parcels to a single
developer or offering individual parcels to a variety of
purchasers, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA does hereby accept conveyance of the
City-owned surplus parcels in the Carpenter Business Park for
disposition to carry out the purposes of the urban renewal
program and in accordance with the Urban Renewal Plan, and, be it
further
RESOLVED, that the Chairperson of the IURA, upon review by the
IURA Attorney, is hereby authorized to sign any and all
instruments necessary to accept conveyance of this property to
the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency.
Approved Unanimously.
IV-2b. Disposition of IURA holdings-Referral to Committee
The Community Garden site will not be included in the sales
package. Bohn explained that some parcels in CBP are owned by
the City and some are owned by the IURA. Council will turn over
to the IURA any parcels to which it holds title so that the IURA
can sell the site as one unit. The matter was referred to the ED
Committee.
IV-3 . Request Gould d/b/a Perfect Screen Printers
Rosario moved and Nelson seconded a resolution to modify the
lease agreement between IURA and Jonathan Gould to extend the
lease term at 245 Cherry Street in the Cherry St. Industrial Park
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) has previously
entered into a Lease Agreement with Jonathan Gould for property
located at 245 Cherry Street, also known as "Parcel A, " in the
Cherry Street Industrial Park, and
WHEREAS, the Lease Agreement is dated November 8, 1995 and a
Modification to Lease Agreement is dated April 18, 1997, and
WHEREAS, the Lessee has constructed a building on said premises
where J. Gould Perfect Screen Printers, Inc . operates, and
WHEREAS, the Lessee is desirous of modifying the lease to
accommodate permanent financing of the project by extending the
term of the lease one additional year to twenty-three (23 ) years,
and
WHEREAS, in all other respects the Lease Agreement shall remain
unmodified, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA approves the request for modification, as
attached to the resolution, of the Lease Agreement between the
IURA and Jonathan Gould for 245 Cherry Street, also known as
5
Minutes IURA
April 9, 1998
"Parcel A, " in the Cherry Street Industrial Park, and, be it
further
RESOLVED, that the Chairperson of the IURA, upon review by the
IURA Attorney and the Executive Director, is authorized to sign
any and all instruments necessary to execute the Modification to
Lease Agreement.
Approved unanimously.
IV-4 . 402 South Cayuga Street
Steve Ehrhardt, vice-chair of the Board of Public Works was
introduced to the meeting. He thanked the IURA for putting him
on today' s Agenda on very short notice. He explained that the
City is reviewing traffic problems in the South Cayuga Street
area and that the site might better suit the needs of the
neighborhood when used as a parking lot . Ehrhardt distributed
documentation to support the request.
The Agency agreed to wait for Common Council to resolve this
matter at their May meeting.
Cohen moved and Cummings seconded a resolution to table the draft
resolution as written below.
RESOLVED, that the attached draft resolution was tabled pending
resolution by Common Council of the new proposal for the 402
South Cayuga site.
Attached Resolution regarding the "Authorizing Solicitation of
Proposals for the Disposition of the 402 S. Cayuga Street"
WHEREAS, at its February 19, 1998 meeting the IURA accepted the
conveyance of the 402 S. Cayuga Street parcel from the City of
Ithaca for disposition to a qualified sponsor for rehabilitation
for a use consistent with the Urban Renewal Plan, and
WHEREAS, the Common Council specified that evaluation of
proposals shall at a minimum consider the following criteria:
purchase price,
the impact of the proposed reuse of the parcel on the long-term
stability of the surrounding neighborhood,
the generation of property tax revenues to the City, and
WHEREAS, the IURA resolved to include the prospective sponsor' s
qualifications and experience as a criterion in evaluating
proposals, and
WHEREAS, a "Sponsor Information Packet" has been prepared that
includes the sponsor selection timetable, the criteria used for
selection of a qualified sponsor, the proposal deadline and other
relevant information, and
6
Minutes IURA
April 9, 1998
WHEREAS, the IURA Economic Development Committee reviewed the
"Sponsor Information Packet" at their March 26, 1998 meeting and
recommended no substantive changes, and
WHEREAS, the IURA Attorney reviewed the "Sponsor Information
Packet" and found it consistent with State and Local law and IURA
disposition procedures, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA authorizes the solicitation of proposals
from prospective sponsors for purchase and rehabilitation of 402
S. Cayuga Street in accordance with the "Sponsor Information
Packet" , and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA Economic Development Committee review
proposals received and recommend a preferred sponsor to the IURA
Approved unanimously.
'
IV-5 . Community Development Revolving Loan Fund
Loan Application by Amy & Brian O'Donnell d/b/a A&B Awards & Engraving
Bohn stated that the EDC had reviewed the loan request by Amy &
Brian O'Donnell d/b/a A&B Awards & Engraving and was recommending
approval by the IURA under certain conditions. The EDC wanted the
remaining principle amount be secured through other funding
sources, and that O'Donnell's personal financial budget would be
reviewed to see if the debt service payments of a blended-rate
$26, 000 loan could be supported by their current income after
considering all other personal obligations .
Bohn reported that this review had taken place and that it showed
that the O'Donnell' s net income is adequate to support the debt
service payments . The Agency asked that the agreement would also
include a restriction stating that approval would be contingent on
the owners securing a commercial lease within the City of Ithaca.
Cohen moved and Preston seconded a resolution to approve the loan
application by Brian & Amy O'Donnell d/b/a A & B Awards and
Engraving.
WHEREAS, Brian & Amy O'Donnell have applied for a loan of $26, 000
and submitted a business plan to start the "A & B Awards and
Engraving" business in the City of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, the proposed business will create one part-time job
immediately for a low- or moderate-income person, and
WHEREAS, loan requests to two area financial institutions have
been declined, and
WHEREAS, Brian & Amy O'Donnell appeared before the IURA Economic
Development Committee and answered questions at their March 26,
1998 meeting, and
7
Minutes IURA
April 9, 1998
WHEREAS, following a credit analysis, the Economic Development
Committee concluded that partial financing of the business was
justified subject to the following conditions :
A. the remaining principle amount be secured through other
funding sources, and
B. provided an analysis of the O'Donnell's personal financial
budget shows they can support the corresponding debt service
payments of a blended-rate $26, 000 loan from their current income
after considering all other personal obligations, and
WHEREAS, a subsequent analysis of current personal monthly income
and expenses shows the O'Donnell's net income after regular
expenses is adequate to support debt service payments of a
blended-rate $26, 000 loan, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA accepts the recommendation of the IURA
Economic Development Committee and approves a loan to Brian & Amy \
O'Donnell d/b/a "A & B Awards and Engraving" in the amount of
$16, 000 at 7 . 5% interest to be paid off over 120 months in equal
monthly installments of $189 .92 subject to the following
condition:
A. securing a firm commitment from another funding source for
the remaining $10, 000 principle amount, and be it further
B. provided that the owners secure a commercial lease within the
City of Ithaca.
RESOLVED, that, upon review by the IURA Attorney and IURA
Executive Director, the Chairperson of the IURA is authorized to
sign a loan agreement subject to the above terms, upon submission
of satisfactory binding pledges of collateral and security from
the applicant and proof of a commercial lease within the City of
Ithaca.
Approved unanimously.
V. Housing and Infrastructure
1. Domestic Shelter Property
Bohn reported that the domestic violence shelter is moving ahead
with the purchase of their new building. Previous security
concerns have been addressed. The purchase agreement is
presently being reviewed by the City Attorney.
V-2 . Executive Session
The Agency passed a resolution to move into Executive Session to
discuss a confidential matter. After discussion of the matter the
Agency passed a resolution to move out of Executive Session
Action taken:
8
Minutes IURA
April 9, 1998
None
VI. Budget and Administration
1. Conflict of Interest
The B&A Committee did not meet to review this item. The IURA is
asked to approve the request for a waiver at this meeting.
Cummings moved and Rosario seconded a request to HUD for a Waiver
of Conflict of Interest Regulations for Aaron & Stephanie Lovett .
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) has
requested the City of Ithaca to assist in seeking HUD's approval
of an exception to the conflict of interest regulations (24 CFR
570 . 611) governing the use of Small Cities Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) funds,
WHEREAS, requests for waivers of the conflict of interest
regulations will be considered by HUD on a case by case basis,
providing the request is discussed in an open meeting of the
relevant governing body, and also the municipal attorney
certifies that no state or local law would be infringed by the
granting of a waiver in the subject case, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca contracts with the IURA to administer
Small Cities CDBG grant received by the City, and
WHEREAS, INHS operates a housing purchase/rehabilitation/sale
program, called House Recycling, where all rehabilitated
properties are sold to low- or moderate-income first-time
homebuyers with CDBG financial assistance, and
WHEREAS, Aaron and Stephanie Lovett, who qualify as low- &
moderate-income, first time homebuyers, have submitted a purchase
offer for a House Recycling project located at 316 Center Street,
Ithaca, NY, and
WHEREAS, Stephanie Lovett is the daughter of Alvin Nelson, a
Rehabilitation Specialist employed by INHS, and
WHEREAS, Alvin Nelson, the INHS staff member who is related to
the proposed buyer, plays no role in the decision-making process
regarding the approval of the loans or the acceptance of a
purchase offer as only the INHS Loan Committee has the authority
to approve loans and only the INHS Board of Directors has the
authority to approve the sale of property, and
WHEREAS, Aaron and Stephanie Lovett, as low- or moderate-income
persons are a member of a group intended to be the beneficiaries
of home ownership assistance through the House Recycling program
and the exception will permit them to receive generally the same
opportunities made available to other eligible low- or moderate-
income person interested in first-time home ownership, and
9
Minutes IURA
April 9, 1998
WHEREAS, the property was marketed to the public in the same
manner as all other INHS House Recycling projects, and
WHEREAS, the purchase price for 316 Center Street was established
in accordance with INHS policies and the purchase offer falls
within the established price range, and
WHEREAS, after full disclosure of the potential conflict of
interest, the INHS Loan Committee and the INHS Board of Directors
approved the sale of the 316 Center Street property to Aaron and
Stephanie Lovett subject to approval of a conflict of interest
exception issued by HUD, now, therefore, be it,
RESOLVED, that having discussed the matter in an open meeting,
the IURA authorizes the IURA Chairperson, upon review by the City
Attorney, to submit the formal request to HUD for an exception to
the conflict of interest provisions under 24 CFR 570 . 611 (d) to
allow Aaron and Stephanie Lovett to participate in the INHS House \
Recycling program that uses CDBG funds to make below market rate
home purchase loans, subject to certification by the City
Attorney that no state or local law would be infringed by the
granting of a waiver in the subject case.
Approved unanimously.
VII. Other Business
1. Next meeting
The next IURA meeting was scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 21,
1998 at 11:30 AM; the next B&A meeting will take place on May 14 11:00 AM
and the next EDC meeting will take place on Thursday, April 9, 1998 at
4:00 PM.
VIII. New Business
1. Request by NYSEG
NYSEG has asked for permission to store equipment on the CBP site.
The IURA made approval of the request contingent upon the
establishment of a good working relation ship between NYSEG and the
City.
Rosario moved and Cohen seconded a resolution to negotiate and sign
a contract with NYSEG for temporary use of the Carpenter Business
Park for construction staging.
WHEREAS, NYSEG wishes to occupy space in Carpenter Business Park
(CBP) in order to facilitate construction activities related to
Cornell's Lake Source Cooling Project, and
10
Minutes IURA
April 9, 1998
WHEREAS, the IURA has allowed similar occupancy by the City's
Water and Sewer Division for a similar purpose and recognizes the
cooperative nature of these efforts, and the benefits to the City' s
utility users, and
WHEREAS, NYSEG will occupy Lot #4, a 2 .6 acre area at the end of
the Park, a copy of which is attached, and
WHEREAS, NYSEG's occupancy will consist of staging construction
materials and construction equipment necessary to support their
work, and
WHEREAS, NYSEG agrees to maintain their site in an orderly fashion
consistent with their company image and the site's direct exposure
to NYS Route 13 traffic and such site maintenance shall also
include dust control to eliminate air quality problems and other
steps necessary to keep mud and other material from being tracked
into City streets, and
WHEREAS, NYSEG shall defend and indemnify and hold the IURA
harmless from any claims against the IURA arising from NYSEG's
actions or occupancy related to the site and NYSEG shall maintain
liability and other insurance appropriate for this work, and
WHEREAS, NYSEG agrees to return the site to the IURA in as good
or in better condition than at the time of original occupancy,
which includes, but is not limited to, the removal of all
imported materials, as well as the restoration and re-
establishment of the site's grade and vegetation, with any
disturbed, removed, or relocated items restored and the expenses
related to this, such as topsoil, seed, mulch or watering
necessary to restore the site, being costs to the leaseholder,
and
WHEREAS, NYSEG recognizes the occupancy of the Community Gardens
in CBP and will work with the IURA to keep any impact on them to
the minimum, consistent with their occupancy, and
WHEREAS, the lease shall be effective for one year from the date
of this agreement, or until canceled by either party with thirty
(30) days written notice, at a cost of one dollar, therefore be
it
RESOLVED, that the IURA approves and authorizes the Chairman of
the IURA to enter into a contract with NYSEG for this purpose,
pending establishment by NYSEG of a cooperative working
relationship with the City and pending review by the City
Attorney and the Executive Director.
Approved unanimously.
IX. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 12 :50 PM.
(H\Win\W\Min98apr.DOC)
11 afffirVed,.5/it/9A
/URA "'U"`?
MINUTES
ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY MEETING
Thursday, May 21, 1998, 11:30 AM
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
Present:
Mayor Alan Cohen, Martha Preston, Susan Cummings, Brad Nelson,
Matthys Van Cort for Items I through IV, Katharine Clute, Nels
Bohn, Wies van Leuken, Bill Myers for Item VI, Willemijn van
Lammeren.
I. Call to order
The meeting was called to order by the Chair Alan Cohen at
11:35 AM.
II. Approval of Minutes of April 9, 1998 IURA Meeting
Nelson moved and Preston seconded a resolution to approve the
minutes.
RESOLVED, that the IURA approved as distributed the minutes of the
IURA meeting of April 9, 1998.
Approved unanimously.
III. Staff Reports
Clute reported on South Side Community Center. According to the
building commissioner, a sprinkler system must be installed in
the crawl space to meet code requirements. Cohen will look into
this . Occupancy is expected to be on June 1, 1998 .
Clute gave an up-date on 119 Cleveland Avenue a boarded-up house,
which is being acquired by the City for disposition to 'NHS for
rehabilitation.
Clute reported that HUD had approved the third year award of the
1996 CDBG Application on April 30, 1998 .
Minutes IURA
May 21, 1998
IV. Economic Development
1. Loans to Restaurant and Bars
The Item was discussed. Preston stated that the Economic
Development Committee had reviewed the matter a number of times and
continued to recommend the current policy that loans for
restaurants, nightclubs and bars be ineligible to receive loans
from the CD-RLF, because the high business risk of such businesses .
The previously adopted resolution #720 extending special
consideration to minority- and women-owned businesses adequately
addresses affirmative action concerns in the committee's opinion.
She hoped the matter could be resolved at this meeting. It was
agreed that the present regulations would remain in place and that
no new review was necessary by the committee.
The May 1995 IURA Economic Development Financing Policy Guidelines
was referred to the Economic Development Committee to be updated to
incorporate policies adopted since the 1995 approval.
IV-2 . Carpenter Business Park
Bohn gave background about EDC's recommendation to the IURA for
disposition of the Carpenter Business Park. The Economic
Development Committee has recommended the property be marketed and
sold through a professional commercial real estate broker.
Cummings moved and Preston seconded a resolution to authorize
Procurement of a Commercial Real Estate Broker to Sell Carpenter
business Park Parcels.
WHEREAS, the 10 .8 acre Carpenter Business Park located on Third,
Street with frontage along N. Meadow Street was completed in
1990, and
WHEREAS, the City owns four parcels totaling 4 .94 acres of land
and the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) owns the remaining
three parcels totaling 5 .86 acres of land in the Carpenter
Business Park, and
WHEREAS, the IURA has actively marketed the lots for lease and
sale for light manufacturing industrial uses with a job creation
goal of 17 jobs per acre since 1990, and
WHEREAS, the IURA has been unsuccessful in securing satisfactory
tenants and Carpenter Business Park has remained vacant since its
completion in 1990 with the exception of the community gardens
located on the 2 .25-acre parcel #36-1-3 .4, and
2
Minutes IURA
May 21, 1998
WHEREAS, besides the community garden parcel, the City owns four
other land parcels totaling approximately 2 .7 acres in size (#36-
1-2, #36-1-3 . 3 , #36-1-3 .5 and #36-1-3 . 6) , and
WHEREAS, a 1998 appraisal of Carpenter Business Park, excluding
the community gardens parcel, estimated the fair market value at
$1, 364, 000, and
WHEREAS, at their May 5, 1998 meeting the Common Council declared
all City-owned parcels in Carpenter Business Park, except those
leased to Project Growing Hope, Inc. used for community gardens,
as surplus property, and authorized conveyance of these surplus
parcels to the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency for disposition for no
less than fair market value, subject to the following conditions :
A. property must not be used for an adult entertainment
establishment use,
B. property must not be used for a warehousing or storage as a
primary use for a period of 10 years from the date of
conveyance from the IURA, and
C. retention of access and utility easements to parcel #36-1-
3 .4, currently used for community gardens, and utility
easements for any other public utilities located on the
property, and be it further
WHEREAS, the Common Council further resolved that upon
abandonment by the Board of Public Works (BPW) , the Carpenter
Circle cul-de-sac street property shall be considered surplus and
conveyed to the IURA, and
WHEREAS, at their May 14, 1998 meeting the Economic Development
Committee discussed various methods of disposition to optimize
purchase price and transfer property in an expeditious manner,
including (1) auction, (2) sealed bid, and (3) listing with a
commercial real estate broker, and recommended the Carpenter
Business Park property be marketed and sold through a
professional commercial real estate broker, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby authorizes the disposition of all
IURA-owned parcels in Carpenter Business Park through a
commercial real estate broker at no less than fair market value,
subject to the conditions listed above, and be it further
RESOLVED, staff is authorized and directed to request
qualifications and proposals from qualified commercial real
estate brokers, including commission rates, to market and sell
the Carpenter Business Park parcels, and be it further
3
Minutes IURA
May 21, 1998
RESOLVED, that the Mayor, upon review by the Executive Director
of the IURA and the City Attorney, is hereby authorized to sign
any and all instruments necessary to (1) contract for
professional commercial real estate commercial brokerage services
and (2) to convey the property upon receipt of an acceptable
purchase offer for no less than fair market value.
Approved unanimously
IV-3 402 South Cayuga Street
Bohn explained Common Council's resolution of May 6, 1998
requesting the IURA to put on hold the sale of the property.
IV-4 Community Development Revolving Loan Fund
Loan Application by Amy & Brian O'Donnell d/b/a/ A&B Awards &
Engraving
Bohn gave a quick up-date about Amy & Brian O'Donnells application.
They secured further financing and are open for business .
V. Budget and Administrations
1. Minutes - B&A Meeting December 11, 1997
Cummings moved and Cohen seconded a resolution to approve the
minutes of the B & A meeting of 12/11/97 .
RESOLVED, that the IURA approved as distributed the minutes of the
B&A meeting of December 11, 1998.
Approved unanimously
V-2 . Credit Card Application
Cummings and Clute gave an up-date about the purpose of a Credit
Card for IURA staff.
Cummings moved and Nelson seconded a resolution to authorize IURA
Credit Purchases by the IURA staff.
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency has a number of "out of
pocket" costs that require timely payment and sometimes cause
confusion between the Planning and Development staff and the IURA
staff, and
WHEREAS, the IURA staff will be pursuing further professional
training in FY 1998 and FY 1999, and
4
Minutes IURA
May 21, 1998
WHEREAS, the IURA will be purchasing computer upgrades in FY 1998
and purchasing reference books for staff use, and
WHEREAS, the use of an Agency credit card would eliminate the
cumbersome staff process for reimbursements, and administrative
"lag-time" for office purchases, and
WHEREAS, the use of an Agency credit card would eliminate
inefficiencies in staff time and would be used solely for Agency
business, and would be monitored by the Agency's Administrative
Assistant; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency authorizes the
Chairman of the IURA to sign the credit card applications for the
permanent IURA staff upon review of the city attorney and the
Executive Director of the IURA, and be it further
RESOLVED that the Chairman of the IURA authorizes maximum credit
levels at $1, 000 for staff, with the exception of the
Administrative Assistant's, whose maximum credit level is set at
$4, 000 .
Approved unanimously.
V-3 . Neighborhood, Housing, Infrastructure Committee
Cummings gave background about the necessity of reactivating the
Neighborhood, Housing, Infrastructure Committee.
Susan Cummings and Brad Nelson will serve on this committee.
B&A members talked about appointing a third member. Cohen will review
their recommendations.
Clute asked Cohen about the appointment of Barbara Abrams. Cohen will
review her appointment process.
V-4. CAC Membership
Martha Preston and Eric Rosario were appointed to serve on the
Community Advisory Committee. Staff asked for additional
appointments to fill the remaining vacancies by September 1, 1998 .
5
Minutes IURA
May 21, 1998
V-5. Financial Statements of February 1998, March 1998, April 1998
The financial Statements of February 1998, March 1998 and April
1998 were distributed and entered into the minutes.
VI. Other Business
1. Confirmation of next meeting date: July 9, 1998 at 11 AM
It was agreed that the next EDC meeting will be on Thursday, June 18 at 4
PM; the next B&A meeting will be on June 18 at 9:00 AM and the next IURA
meeting will be on Thursday, July 16, 1998 at 11:30 AM.
VI-2.West End Commercial Loan Program
The Agency discussed the West End Commercial Loan Program. Staff was
asked to review the boundaries of the "Waterfront entertainment district"
to clarify resolution #829.
VI-3 Alternatives Federal Credit Union - CEO Program
Bill Myers gave background about the Alternatives Federal Credit Union's
Alternatives Fund, which is coordinating various CEO programs. The IURA's
CEO program is among them.
Nelson moved and Cohen seconded a resolution for capitalization of a
$25,000 CEO Revolving Loan Fund to be administered by the Alternatives
Federal Credit Union (AFCU) •
WHEREAS, the Community Enterprises Opportunity (CEO) program
provides training, technical and financial assistance to low- and
moderate-income Ithaca residents who want to start a business,
and
WHEREAS, the CEO program has been funded through the CDBG program
since the 1994 Small Cities award and has continued funding
commitments through the third year increment of the three-year
1996 Small Cities award, and
WHEREAS, the IURA staff has successfully negotiated with the AFCU
to administer the training, technical assistance and financial
assistance services of the CEO program and reached agreement on
general terms and principals, though final contract language
remains pending at this time, and
WHEREAS, the approved 1994 Small Cities award included funding
commitments to capitalize a CEO Revolving Loan Fund with $25, 000
to be made available from the City of Ithaca' s Community
Development Revolving Loan Fund (CD-RLF) with an additional
6
Minutes IURA
May 21, 1998
$25, 000 to be made available from the Alternatives Federal Credit
Union (AFCU) , and
WHEREAS, IURA resolution #749 (7/12/94) allocated up to $25, 000
of the CD-RLF to be used for loans to graduates and participants
in the CEO program, and
WHEREAS, the IURA has approved 5 loans and dispersed $22, 930 for
micro-enterprise businesses to date from the CD-RLF, and
WHEREAS, the approved first year increment of the 1996 Small
Cities award included funding to further increase capitalization
of the CEO Revolving Loan Fund by up to an additional $30, 000 in
the event the original earmarked $25, 000 was exceeded by loan
requests, and
WHEREAS, the CEO program will be graduating a class of 17
entrepreneurs in mid-June, 1998, many of whom will be seeking
financing to start businesses, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby authorizes, upon execution of a
sub-recipient agreement between the IURA and the AFCU signed by
the IURA Chairperson, the transfer of $25, 000 from the first year
increment of the 1996 Small Cities award to the AFCU to
capitalize a CEO Revolving Loan Fund to be administered by the
AFCU, and be it further
RESOLVED, that any disbursements of these loan funds shall be
matched on a minimum 1:1 basis with non-CDBG resources to
effectively result in the establishment of a $50, 000 CEO
Revolving Loan Fund as of June 1, 1998, and be it further
RESOLVED, that any repayments of loans made from the CEO
Revolving Loan Fund may be relent out by the AFCU to eligible
applicants .
Approved unanimously
At the IURA's members request, Bill Myers gave a brief report about the
Alternatives Federal Credit Union.
IX. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 1:10 PM.
(Q:\planning\staff\willemyn\mi.n98may.doc)
7
/i / Y
64-1 Ctert4.,
MINUTES
ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY MEETING
Thursday, August 6, 1998, 11:30 AM
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
Present :
Mayor Alan Cohen, Eric Rosario, Martha Preston, Susan Cummings
for Items IV-2 to IX, Katharine Clute, Nels Bohn, Wies van
Leuken, Janet Howe
I . Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by the Chair, Alan Cohen at
11 :40 AM
II . Approval of IURA minutes of May 21, 1998
Preston moved and Rosario seconded a resolution to approve the
minutes .
RESOLVED, that the IURA approved the minutes of the IURA Meeting
of May 21, 1998 as distributed.
Approved unanimously.
III . Staff Reports
1 . Chartwell/SRO Project
Bohn gave a report on the Chartwell/SRO Project . Chartwell
Associates received a $170, 000 loan in 1990 to develop a 15-room
Single Room Occupancy (SRO) on Meadow Street . The terms of the
CDBG loan required interest only payments of approximately $700
per month, with a balloon payment due sometime after the year
2000 . Funds for the project came from the reprogramming of 1987
CDBG monies . INHS has a second lien on the property.
The property has gone into foreclosure and was auctioned off in
August of 1998 . INNS, the only bidder, acquired the site for
approximately $160, 000 .
INHS is negotiating with EOC (Economic Opportunity Corporation of
Tompkins County) , the current tenant . EOC wants to continue its
lease at a lower rent then its current level of $3 , 000 . 00 per
year.
Minutes IURA
August 6, 1998
III-2 . 1999 CDBG Application cycle
Clute reported that staff has begun work on the next CDBG
Application cycle. A brochure is being designed. An orientation
meeting of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) has been
scheduled for September 22, 1998 .
III-3 . Administrative Review
Staff is reviewing the IURA' s administrative procedures . David
Sprague has been hired to assist with the development of a
Management Information System (MIS) .
III-4 . Hiring of staff engineer and landscape architect
Clute reported that a staff engineer and landscape architect have
been hired on a short-term contract to assist with all
infrastructure projects . Several projects scheduled for
completion in the next year require bid documents .
IV. Economic Development
IV-1 .Carpenter Business Park
Bohn reported that proposals for marketing the Carpenter Business
Park are due Friday, August 7, 1998 . The Economic Development
Committee will review these proposals at their meeting of August
13 , 1998 . The top candidates will be interviewed by the EDC at a
later meeting. The EDC' s recommendations will be forwarded to
the IURA. The Agency will make a final decision at their meeting
of September 1998 .
U2
IV-2 . Groton Community Health Care Center, Inc .
The Groton Community Health Care Center (GCHCC) closed the Dental
Clinic (Ithaca Community Dental Services) in Center Ithaca on
June 1, 1998 . GCHC had contracted with Family Health Network to
run the Clinic . GCHCC received a CDBG funded loan of $75, 000 in
1993 .
In a letter dated June 18, 1998, GCHCC requested that the IURA
convert the remaining loan in to a grant. The loan has a
remaining principal of $58, 000 . Staff consulted Martha Preston
and Harry Sicherman on the available options . Consensus was that
Groton Health Care has a financial obligation to pay off the loan
and that the IURA has responsibility to recoup remaining CDBG
funds . Loans should not be forgiven unless companies demonstrate
2
Minutes IURA
August 6, 1998
that they have no other recourse. The issue of collateral needs
to be further investigated.
Staff was also informed that UCC-1 forms describing the loan' s
collateral, must be filed not only with the County Clerk but also
with the Secretary of State . In cases where equipment is offered
as collateral for more than one loan, the first lender filing the
UCC-1, has first position on the collateral .
The IURA might be considered an unsecured creditor. Preston
asked if the collateral was still on the premises and Clute
stated that the Agency has not been able to gain entry to the
office.
Bohn stated that a number of meetings had taken place to save the
operation during the last few years, involving the Department of
Social Services, FHN, the landlord, Tompkins County Trust Bank,
and others . Groton Health Care should be encouraged to
subcontract with another agency to run the dental clinic .
David Sprague was hired as a consultant to the IURA to review the
financial statements submitted to document the financial hardship
of the operation. The statements were incomplete and although
numerous requests for more information were made, subsequent
statements remained vague and incomplete.
The IURA had not been notified of the decision to close the
clinic . The Agency will review the loan agreement to determine
if GCHCC is in default through these actions . GCHCC is current on
its loan payments .
V. Budget and Administration
1 . Financial Statements
The Financial Statements for May and June of 1998 were reviewed
and entered into the minutes . Rosario observed that four accounts
under the heading of "Recycled Loan Income" , were listed "past
due" . Clute and Bohn explained that staff is about to contract
with AFCU to manage the CEO program. Once the contract is
signed, AFCU will review these loans with the borrowers . Bohn
also stated that the owner of White Tiger Pruning has not had
sufficient income to pay off the debt.
V-2 . Staff Salaries
No reports .
3
Minutes IURA
August 6, 1998
V-3 . Timeline for CDBG
A draft timeline for the 1999 CDBG Application Cycle was
distributed.
Clute stated that publicity regarding the next application is
being planned to begin in late August . Staff is designing a
brochure that will provide the City' s non-profit organizations
with information on the CDBG program, including eligibility
requirements and submission deadline. The new application round
will be further advertised through media publicity. Brochures
will be mailed also to CDBG grantees of previous grant years .
For profit organizations will receive a different mailing.
Staff will set aside proposals that do not meet CDBG eligibility
standards for possible inclusion with applications for funding
from other sources .
The documentation on neighborhood stress indicators in areas of
the City that are not included in current Target Areas was
distributed. Included were maps indicating that the Lower
Northside, the Central Business District, and the Titus Flats
neighborhoods are in need of additional support .
Bohn added that there is a direct correlation between the
Neighborhood Stress Indicator and target areas, and proposals may
come in that are geographically specific . Information on the
Stress Indicator Chart comes directly from the census .
The Agency will review the documentation and discuss the issue
further at the next meeting. The CAC will be reviewing the
information as well .
V-4 . Appointment IURA liaison to Alternatives Fund CEO Committee
Cummings moved and Rosario seconded a resolution to appoint an
IURA Liaison to the CEO Loan Committee
WHEREAS, the IURA has transferred the administration of the
Community Enterprise Opportunity (CEO) Program to the
Alternatives Fund, the non-profit arm of the Alternatives Federal
Credit Union, and
WHEREAS, the IURA has capitalized the CEO Revolving Loan Fund,
and therefore maintains a fiduciary to insure that the funds are
properly allocated in accordance with HUD guidelines,
4
Minutes IURA
August 6, 1998
WHEREAS, the Alternatives Fund will be administering the CEO
Loan Committee,
WHEREAS, the IURA requires a presence on this governing
committee,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized
and directed to appoint a liaison from the IURA, either Agency or
staff member, to the Alternatives Fund' s CEO Loan Committee, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that CD Administrator Katharine Clute was
appointed to be the IURA' s liaison.
Approved unanimously.
V-5 . Addition of Clerical Staff to CD office
Cohen stated that the B&A Committee reviewed and approved the
addition of an administrative assistant to the CD office. In
light of the complexities and increase in workload, the addition
is necessary to allow the current administrative staff to pursue
more complex duties and be responsible for the monitoring process
for all current and future grants .
Preston expressed concern that CD staff was requested to work on
non-CD activities . It was explained that this issue had been
resolved.
Cummings moved and Rosario seconded a resolution to increase the
CD staff by hiring additional administrative staff
WHEREAS, the IURA' s Budget and Administration Sub-committee has
reviewed and approved the Administrator' s request to increase the
Community Development staff level to include a full-time
equivalent for the Administrative position, and
WHEREAS, the administrative workload levels have been steadily
increasing due to the burgeoning projects incorporated in the
recent multi-year comprehensive CDBG applications, and
WHEREAS, the salary level for this position will not exceed $9 . 50
per hour,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA approves the increase in
Community Development staff levels by one FTE.
Approved unanimously.
5
Minutes IURA
August 6, 1998
VI . Neighborhood Housing and Infrastructure
1 . 119 Cleveland Ave-Acceptance of deed/disposition of property.
Clute distributed a memo dated 8/6/98, which gave a timeline for
the disposition of 119 Cleveland Avenue . Cohen stated that
Common Council unanimously voted to convey 119 Cleveland Ave to
the IURA. The IURA now needs to formally accept this conveyance .
Cummings requested that this property get a rapid pass through by
the Agency. Cohen asked if staff had discussed the acquisition
of the property with INHS . Clute explained that in February of
1997, Common Council had approved the request for reprogramming
CDBG funds for the INHS/Southside Revitalization Projects, which
included the acquisition of the 119 Cleveland Avenue site . Bohn
stated that the disposition process needs to be followed because
the property might be sold at below fair market value .
The B&A Committee will review the eligibility criteria and
qualifications for sponsors .
Cummings suggested that the issue be settled during this meeting.
The Agency members agreed that the criteria for the sponsor
should be defined as profit or not-for-profit, and a sponsor' s
qualifications would be a proven record of performance in the
field of housing and the proposed use of the site must be
consistent with existing zoning regulations . The IURA can
advertise for qualified sponsors on this basis .
Cummings moved and Rosario seconded the resolution to accept
conveyance of 119 Cleveland Avenue by the IURA
WHEREAS, the City has acquired an abandoned tax
Delinquent property that is a blighting influence on
the neighborhood in which it is located, and
WHEREAS, City ownership of the property would generate no
property taxes and require on-going property maintenance,
graffiti removal, and repair of other damage as necessary by the
Department of Public Works or others, and
WHEREAS, the interest of the City would be served by returning
this property to the tax rolls and by its rehabilitation for
housing or other permitted uses in a manner that benefits the
surrounding neighborhood,
WHEREAS, at its July 1, 1998 meeting the Common Council
6
Minutes IURA
August 6, 1998
authorized conveyance of the 119 Cleveland Avenue parcel to the
Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) for disposition of the parcel
to a qualified sponsor for rehabilitation of the building in a
timely manner for a use consistent with the Urban Renewal Plan,
and
WHEREAS, any tax liabilities incurred during IURA ownership of
the parcel shall be accrued to the City, now
THEREFORE HE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA does hereby accept
conveyance of the City-owned 119 Cleveland Avenue parcel to the
IURA for urban renewal purposes in accordance with the terms
outlined above, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is hereby authorized and
directed to sign any and all instruments necessary to accept
conveyance of this property to the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency,
and
HE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that staff is directed to solicit for
eligible and qualified sponsors for sale and rehabilitation of
the property for low & moderate income housing in a timely manner
consistent with the Urban Renewal Plan.
Approved unanimously.
VI-2 . Shared Housing for Seniors Project
Bohn stated that HOST committee members (i .e. the Office of the
Aging and Cooperative Extension) have requested an extension for
the activity' s timeline. Bohn would like to meet that request as
long as a deadline is set for HOST to demonstrate feasibility.
The project as of now has no waiting list, no site identified,
and no matching funds . Cummings asked what was done in the way
of marketing the project. Bohn stated that an extensive
marketing effort was done about a year ago. A tentative site had
been identified, an open house advertised and outreach was done
to find clients for the project .
Cohen asked if we the project could be included in the next CDBG
round. Staff confirmed this was possible .
Agency members proposed that the HOST Board should notify the
IURA after their September board meeting whether they want to
drop the project or make one last effort to market this project .
7
Minutes IURA
August 6, 1998
Cummings moved and Rosario seconded a resolution to establish a
deadline to demonstrate feasibility for the 1996 CDBG 313 Year -
Shared Residence for Seniors Activity
WHEREAS, the 3rd year increment of the 1996 multi-year Small
Cities CDBG grant included a proposal to use $112 , 000 of CDBG
funds toward the development of a $300, 000 Shared Residence for
Seniors sponsored by the HOST (Housing Options for Seniors
Today) , a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins
County in cooperation with the County Office for the Aged,
WHEREAS, shared housing offers a intermediate step between an
independent lifestyle and a more dependent life in adult care or
nursing home facility, where residents will have their own
bedroom and will be responsible for the upkeep of their
individual rooms, but receive housekeeping and meal services
from a live-in house manager,
WHEREAS, the Shared Residence for Seniors activity consists of
construction or renovation of a 5-6 bedroom building allowing 5
to 7 predominantly low- and moderate-income elderly persons to
live together in a semi-assisted living arrangement, and
WHEREAS, the CDBG funds equal 38% of the estimated project costs
and in the interim two years since submission of the grant
application in 1996 HOST has sought funding commitments from
public and private sector sources for the matching $188, 000, and
WHEREAS, in the interim two years since submission of the grant
application in 1996 HOST has sought to develop a waiting list of
possible residents for the Shared Residence, and
WHEREAS, to date, HOST has been unable to receive funding
commitments for the CDBG match or develop a waiting list to fill
the Shared Residence, and
WHEREAS, HOST has requested staff to inform them of how much
time they have to gain commitments for funding before the CDBG
funding commitment is lost, and
WHEREAS, CDBG performance regulations require grant funds to be
drawn down in an expeditious manner to remain eligible to receive
future grants, and
WHEREAS, HOST is eligible to apply for future CDBG funds for this
project, now therefore
8
Minutes IURA
August 6, 1998
HE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby establishes a deadline of
September 20, 1998, for HOST to decide if they still want to
pursue this project at this time, and
HE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if HOST decides to continue this
project, the IURA hereby establishes the deadline of January 1,
1999 for HOST to demonstrate the feasibility of the Shared
Residence for Seniors activity by providing written funding
commitments for the non-CDBG portion of the project costs, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that should HOST be unable to
satisfactorily demonstrate the feasibility of Shared Residence
for Seniors activity to the IURA by January 1, 1999, the IURA
directs staff to develop potential proposals for reprogramming
the $112 , 000 CDBG funding commitment for an alternative eligible
activity.
Approved unanimously.
VI-3 . Reuse of underutilized IURA asset
Bohn reported on the IURA building presently used by the Domestic
Violence Shelter. The shelter will move to its new site this
fall . The disposition was referred to the IURA Neighborhood,
Housing and Infrastructure Committee .
VII . Other Business
1 . Next IURA Meeting
Agency members agreed to meet on September 10 at 11 :30 AM.
VII-2 . Other Meeting Dates
The Agency agreed that the EDC will meet Thursday, August 13 at
4 : 00 PM, and again on Thursday, September 3 at 4 : 00 PM; the
Neighborhood, Housing and Infrastructure will meet Thursday
August 27 at 11 :30 AM; the B&A Committee will meet prior to the
IURA meeting on Thursday, September 10 at 10 :30 AM; the next CAC
meeting will be Tuesday, September 22, 1998 at 3 :30 PM.
VII-3 . CAC Vacancies
Cohen asked for suggestions from the Agency for filling vacancies
on the CAC . There are a total of 6 vacancies on the CAC .
Additional representation is required for the Northside (2) ,
Southside (1) , INHS (1) , Historic Preservation (1) , and for
"Citywide" (1) .
9
Minutes IURA
August 6, 1998
VIII .New Business
1 . Vacant West State Street furniture store
Cummings asked about real estate agent Bob Lama' s plans for the
former West State Street furniture building. Bohn stated that so
far he has received informal inquiries only by Lama about the
availability of funding sources .
VIII-2 . Usage of downtown buildings
Cummings stated that there is a need to review new usage of
downtown buildings .
IX. Adjournment
Rosario moved and Cummings seconded to adjourn the meeting at
12 : 45 PM.
(H\W\Min\min98August98.doc)
1,k3JL.
10
4*(0 /1
Minutes of Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
`./ 11:00 am,Thursday, November 12, 1998
Council Chambers, City Hall
PRESENT: IURA Members Alan Cohen, Eric Rosario, Martha Preston
Staff Katharine Clute, Nels Bohn,Wies Van Leuken,
Doug McDonald, Kat Hauger
Matthys Van Cort arrived at 11:20
Others [V-5A only] Paul Mazzarella
[V-5B only] Jay Janowsky, Ed Franquemont
[VIII only] Patricia Dunn
I CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 11:03 am by Mayor Cohen.
II PREVIOUS MINUTES
Cohen/Rosario moved/seconded a motion to approve minutes of the joint IURA/Economic Development
Committee as amended and accepted by EDC on October 8, 1998.
III STAFF REPORTS
No reports.
IV ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT
N-1 CCI ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDS DRAW DOWN
Cohen/Rosario moved/seconded a resolution.
WHEREAS HUD has approved the City's Canal Corridor Initiative [CCI] application, including a FY 1997
CDBG grant of $59,243 and a FY 1997 Section 108 "grant" of $700,000 and authorized
application by the City for Section 108 loans for the Marina Realty of Ithaca project and the
Ithaca Landing Associates project, and
WHEREAS on December 3, 1997,the Common council approved a funding agreement between HUD and the
City of ithaca to accept a grant in the amount of$59,243 from FY 1996 CDBG funds to deliver
and administer the City's CCI program, and
WHEREAS the Common Council further resolved that such FY 1997 CDBG fund not be drawn down prior
to submission by the City for individual Section 108 loan financing, and
WHEREAS Section 108 loan packages have been submitted by Marine Realty of Ithaca, 11c, and Ithaca
Landing Associates, 11c, to the IURA for review and action, and
WHEREAS significant staff time has been spent assisting the applicants prepare the Section 108 loan package
and additional staff and consultant time is projected to review, negotiate, and package the Section
108 loan applications and to complete other activities that are eligible CDBG administrative costs,
and
IURA MINUTES- NOVEMBER 12, 1998 page 2
WHEREAS our professional consultant, H. Sicherman and Co., Inc.,has informed the IURA staff that several
CCI recipient communities have drawn down CDBG administrative funds prior to submitting
Section 108 loan and that his understanding from HUD is that the communities are not subject
to repayment of the CDBG administrative funding should the Section 108 loans ultimately not
be submitted, no, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the IURA hereby recommends to the Common council to remove the self-imposed restriction
to wait to draw down$59,243 in FY 1997 CDBG funds to administer the CCI program until
submission of Section 108 loan applications for funding, and be it further
RESOLVED that such CDBG administrative grant funds may be drawn down in compliance with the CDBG
Environmental Reviews Procedures contained in 24 CFR Part 58.
PASSED
IV-2 CCI SECTION 108 GRANTS
Bohn noted that on further review the previous resolution to fund public infrastructure with CCI
Section 108"grants"included authorization for the agency to proceed. With no objections IURA
will proceed.
IV-3 REVISE WATERFRONT ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
Cohen/Preston moved/seconded a resolution.
WHEREAS IURA Resolution #829 [01/27/97] authorized the creation of a "Waterfront Entertainment
District" [WED] and
WHEREAS within this District the IURA's policy was amended to allow use of CDBG funds for economic
development purposes in support of restaurants, nightclubs,bars, and similar businesses in support
of overall revitalization goals, and according to accepted and lending and underwriting standards,
and
WHEREAS this WED was defined as"the shoreline and adjacent areas of Inlet Island, the Cayuga Inlet, and
the Cayuga Lake shore"within the City, and
WHEREAS no map of the WED was attached to the resolution and boundaries of the district are unclear, and
WHEREAS the IURA adopted a"WED"map, dated July 21, 1998, portraying the initial boundaries of the
WED boundaries, and
WHEREAS the IURA requested the Economic Development Committee to further review the boundaries to
consider possible expansions of the District, and
WHEREAS the Economic Development committee reviewed the boundaries at their October 1998 meeting
and recommended enlarging the adopted WED to include lands west of Route 13 from Cascadilla
Street to Cascadilla Creek, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the IURA hereby adopts the boundary configuration of the Waterfront Entertainment District
as described on the"Waterfront Entertainment District"Map, dated November 6, 1998
PASSED
U'' MINUT S-NOV : R I 199:
IV-4 EXPANSION OF WEST END TARGET AREA
Cohen/Rosario moved/seconded a resolution.
WHEREAS The 1996 CDBG three-year application approved by HUD included both a West End Commercial
Loan program and a West End Home Improvement program, and
WHEREAS the West End target area defined in the CDBG application encompasses a five-block area between
Fulton Street and Meadow Street from Clinton Street north to Court Street, and
WHEREAS the West End target area was defined prior to completion of the Route 96 highway project, and
WHEREAS the Route 96 highway project significantly reconfigured the road network in the West End area and
created one-way segments of Route 13 along Fulton Street and Meadow Street, and extended
Fulton Street north three block to connect with Meadow Street and Hancock Street, and
WHEREAS the Route 96 highway project thereby enlarged the number of blocks located between Fulton and
Meadow Streets from five block to eight blocks, and
WHEREAS the City of Ithaca has developed a West End Plan to guide future development along the Route 13
corridor impacted by the Route 96 highway project which recommends rezoning previously
industrially zoned lands north of Court Street to a designation permitting a mix of residential and
commercial uses, and
WHEREAS the three-block area located between the one-way segments of Route 13 north of Court Street
contain a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial structures similar in character to blocks
currently located within the West End target area, including under-utilized or vacant commercial
buildings and residential structures in need of rehabilitation, and
WHEREAS a series of three focus group sessions held in the fall of 1998 with employers, employees, and
entrepreneurs from the West End area and the West State Street corridor area overwhelmingly
characterized the West End neighborhood to include the three block located between the one-way
segments of Route 123 north of Court Street, and
WHEREAS the focus group session identified a number of properties in the proposed expanded West End target
area that could benefit from the commercial loan program and the home improvement program
funded in the third year increment of the approved 1996 CDBG grant application, and
WHEREAS the Economic Development Committee reviewed the boundaries of the West End target area at
their October 1998 meeting and recommend the target area be enlarged to include the contiguous
three blocks north of Court Street bounded by the one-way segments of Route 13 in recognition
of the impacts of the Route 96 project and City of Ithaca's plan to guide development along the
corridor, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the IURA hereby endorses the IURA Economic Development Committee's recommendation
to enlarge the current five-block West End target area between Fulton and Meadow streets from
Clinton Street north to Court Street to include the additional contiguous three-block area north
of Court Street between the one-way segments of Route 13 along Fulton and Meadow Streets as
depicted on the"West End Target Area"map dated november 6, 1998, and be it further
IURA MINUTES-NOVEMBER I2 1998 page 4
RESOLVED that the IURA directs and authorizes the Chair of the IURA, subject to review of the IURA
Executive Director and the City Attorney,to petition the US Department of Housing and Urban
Development for any approval necessary to revise the West End target area as described above.
PASSED
V BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION
V-1 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following financial statements were reviewed and entered into the minutes:
V-1A Small Cities Grant Summary, September 1998
V-1B Status of Loan Repayments to IURA, September 1998
V-1C Small Cities Grant Summary, October 1998
V-1D Status of Loan Repayments to IURA, October 1998
V-2 PERSONNEL ISSUES
Due to increases in workload required to meet administration needs of IURA policies and
programs,staff increases are necessary.After exploration of budget impacts and cost effectiveness
by the Budget and Administration Sub-Committee, it was determined that, in lieu of continuing
with independent contractors for all positions,the IURA would create new positions to engage staff
necessary to accomplish current work loads.
V-2A INCREASED STAFF LEVEL-ENGINEER
Cohen/Preston moved/seconded a resolution.
WHEREAS The IURA's Budget and Administration Sub-Committee has reviewed and approved the
Administrator's request to increase the Community Development staff level to include a full-time
equivalent for the Engineer position, and
WHEREAS the need for engineering expertise has been steadily increasing due to the burgeoning project
incorporated in the three-year Consolidated CDBG proposal, plus projects from outstanding years,
and
WHEREAS the salary level for the position will not exceed the current contractor compensation for services of
$17.00 per hour after all benefits have been factored in, and
WHEREAS as with all current and future personnel of IURA, all positions are subject to a one year duration,
or until project funding is expended, so, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that IURA approves the increase in Community Development staff levels by one FTE.
PASSED
�.s
IURA MINUTES-NOVEMBER 12, 1998 page 5
V-2B INCREASED STAFF LEVEL- LANDSCAPE DESIGNER
Cohen/Preston moved/seconded a resolution.
WHEREAS The IURA's Budget and Administration Sub-Committee has reviewed and approved the
Administrator's request to increase the Community Development staff level to include a part-time
equivalent for the Landscape Architect position, and
WHEREAS the need for Landscape Design expertise has been steadily increasing due to the burgeoning project
incorporated in the three-year Consolidated CDBG proposal,plus projects from outstanding years,
and
WHEREAS the salary level for the position will not exceed the current contractor compensation for services of
$25.00 per hour after all benefits have been factored in, and
WHEREAS as with all current and future personnel of IURA, all positions are subject to a one year duration,
or until project funding is expended, so, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that IURA approves the increase in Community Development staff levels by one part-time
equivalent [PTE].
PASSED
�./ V-2C INCREASED STAFF LEVEL- PLANNING SPECIALIST
Cohen/Preston moved/seconded a resolution.
WHEREAS The IURA's Budget and Administration Sub-Committee has reviewed and approved the
Administrator's request to increase the Community Development staff level to include a part-time
equivalent for the Planning Specialist position, and
WHEREAS the need for Funding Research expertise will benefit the City's ability to find and create funding
proposals for public projects, and
WHEREAS the salary level for the position will not exceed the current contractor compensation for services of
$15.00 per hour after all benefits have been factored in, and
WHEREAS as with all current and future personnel of IURA, all positions are subject to a one year duration,
or until project funding is expended, so, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that IURA approves the increase in Community Development staff levels by one PTE.
PASSED
V-2D INCREASED STAFF LEVEL- GRANTS MONITOR
Cohen/Preston moved/seconded a resolution.
WHEREAS The IURA's Budget and Administration Sub-Committee has reviewed and approved the
Administrator's request to change the name and duties of the current Administrative Assistant to
that of Grant Monitor to more accurately reflect this new position's responsibilities, and
IURA I T -NOVEMBER I 19': ea.- .
WHEREAS the Grant Monitor will fill a necessary function that has been neglected over the recent grant years,
and
WHEREAS this position will protect IURA and the City from audit finding form our granting organizations
and maintain our reputation as an efficient organization worthy of future funding, and
WHEREAS the salary level for the position will be at Step 1 for the Grants Monitor position, and
WHEREAS as with all current and future personnel of IURA, all positions are subject to a one year duration,
or until project funding is expended, so, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that IURA approves the change in position and function for our present Administrative Assistant.
PASSED
V-3 IURA ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR APPOINTMENT
Cohen/Preston moved/seconded a resolution.
WHEREAS the Director of the Department of Planning and Development of the City of Ithaca serves as the
Executive Director of the IURA, and
WHEREAS the Director of Economic Development serves as the Deputy Director of the Department of
Planning and Development, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the IURA hereby appoints the Director of Economic Development of the Planning and
Development Department of the City of Ithaca as the acting Executive Director of the IURA
during the Executive Director's absence.
PASSED
V-4 CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN AMENDMENT
Cohen/Preston moved/seconded a resolution to adopted the Budget & Administration Sub-
Committee recommended amendments to the CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN to streamline
the reprogramming procedure.
PASSED
V-5 REPROGRAMMING 1996 CDBG FUNDS
V-5A INHS PROJEC IS - Paul Mazzarella
1 108 Cleveland Avenue: INHS requests$40,000 to rehabilitate building
interior. INHS is not optimistic about selling the property once renovated.
2 Henry St.John Building: Requests for gymnasium use are infrequent and
at hours that would conflict with uses of adjacent areas of building. Most
`./ groups using gym don't need a gym, just a large room. Other gymnasium
facilities are available. INHS proposes to convert the gymnasium to four
apartments: a feasibility study is planned. Apartments in building are all
rented: only commercial spaces in building are not. Commercial/Residential
IURA MINUTES- NOVEMBER 12, 1998 page 7
mixed use is necessary clue to basement not being acceptable as residential
space.
V-5B HISTORIC ITHACA PROJECTS -Jay Janowsky, Ed Franquemont
1 State Theatre: Request for$90,000 to bring theatre into compliance with
ADA. Restrooms are inaccessible and within theatre itself there are few flat
areas. Current proposals include:
a Construct addition to back of theatre to house restrooms.
Possible compromise of original building design, problems with
adjacent lots and buildings. Also, Fire code requires stair
towers/fire escapes extend to roof:roof is in dangerous condition.
POSSIBLE COST: $75,000.
b Provide ramp accessibility to ticket kiosk.
POSSIBLE COST: $5,000.
c Provide level areas in first floor seating area.
POSSIBLE COST: $10,000.
•
Franquemont noted that these projects are brought to IURA due to their
fitting into HUD guidelines more easily than other work also required.
Theatre roof is a major concern: consideration is being given to 1)
removal/replacement and 2) overlay of new system on existing roof. Other
portions of project required include:
1) Smoke Detection/Fire Protection
2) Plumbing Repairs
3) Electrical Repairs
4) HVAC System
Historic Ithaca has approximately one-half the funds necessary to
rehabilitate and reopen the theatre.$65,000 is available from a NYS arts
grant.
Some consideration will be given to including the roof work in the CDBG
reprogramming, justified by the job creation afforded when the theatre
opens.
Consensus after discussion was to pursue INHS and State Theatre projects,seeking necessary additional funds
from other sources.
VI HOUSING, NEIGHBORHOODS,AND INFRASTRUCTURE
VI-1 DISPOSITION OF FORMER DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTER
The Agency discussed the proposed resolution to authorize solicitation of proposals for disposition
of the former Domestic Violence Shelter property both in and out of executive session. No
minimum purchase price has been established. It was suggested that EOC,Alpha House, or INHS
`../ might be able to make use of property. It was noted a public hearing will be necessary to reprogram
funds in this fashion. Cohen/Preston moved/seconded resolution.
IURA MINUTES-NOVEMBER 12, 1998 page 8
WHEREAS the IURA has purchased a new property to be used by the Task Force for Battered Women, Inc.,
to operate a domestic violence shelter through finding provided by the second year increment of the
1996 CDBG, and
WHEREAS the IURA also owns the current domestic violence shelter property that will be vacated by the Task
Force for Battered Women, Inc., upon completion of improvement to the new shelter property
expected to be substantially completed by February 1999, and
WHEREAS the current domestic violence shelter property will become surplus IURA property upon the
relocation of the Task Force for Battered Women to the new Shelter location, and
WHEREAS the Neighborhoods, Housing, and Infrastructure[NHI] Committee has recommended disposition
of the property to a qualified and eligible sponsor to rehabilitation for an affordable housing use as
an owner-occupied single-family dwelling consistent with the Urban Renewal Plan, and
WHEREAS the NHI Committee further recommended that proposals received consider the following criteria
in the selection of a preferred sponsor:
1. quality and feasibility of plan and timeline to renovate the structure for resale to a low-
or moderate-income family to occupy the structure as a single family dwelling,
2. purchase price, and
3. qualifications,experience,and capacity of the prospective sponsor to carry out the plan
in a timely fashion, and
WHEREAS the IURA has interest in looking at other than single-family residential uses for the property, now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the IURA authorizes and directs the staff to solicit proposals from prospective sponsors for
purchase and rehabilitation of the former domestic violence shelter property in accordance with the
above criteria and disposition procedures required by Article 15, Section 506 of General Municipal
Law, and, be it further
RESOLVED that the IURA Neighborhoods, Housing, and Infrastructure Committee review proposals received
and recommend a preferred sponsor to be designated by the IURA as the qualified and eligible
sponsor for the project.
PASSED
VII OTHER BUSINESS
The next meeting of the IURA will be at 11:00 am on Thursday,January 14, 1999.
VIII NEW BUSINESS
VIII-1 LEGAL SUIT- PRECISION FILTERS, INC.
Patricia Dunn reported on the legal response by the City of Ithaca to a summons and complaint
by Precision Filters, Inc., against the City of Ithaca and IURA. Suit is regarding 1992-1993
School Taxes,paid in error by Precision Filters. Dunn noted it is to benefit of both the City and
IURA to settle out of court,with provision to release City and IURA from further litigation.After
discussion Agency agreed to reimburse the amount.Timing of reimbursement is to be determined.
IURA MINUTES- NOVEMBER 12, 1998 page 9
VIII-2 LAND TRANSFER AT SOUTHWEST PARK
The City proposes to transfer land in the Southwest Park to the IURA,which the IURA may then
sell to a developer.
VIII-2A The CAC is vehemently opposed to the transfer and sees it as a way of using the IURA
to get around due process of law.This difference in Agency operations versus municipal
operations was one of the reasons for the Agency. Such transfers of land to the IURA
have multiple precedents.
VIII-2B CAC consensus is to keep entire site as park land.
VIII-2C Although there is a timeliness issue, the developer must develop a general
Environmental Impact Statement, and it was reported on of his parcels was
contaminated.
VIII-2D Cohen noted the developer is assembling parcels: some of which are parcels the City
wants. The City might be able to make a cross-purchase of parcel for parcel with
simultaneous closings through the auspices of the IURA.Any costs incurred in the sale
should be reimbursed to the Agency by the City
VIII-3 SPECIAL MEETING
It was noted that a special meeting of the IURA will be held at 4:00 pm on December 16, 1998,
followed by the Economic Development Committee meeting.
IX ADJOURNMENT
Cohen/Preston moved/seconded adjournment at 1:00 pm.
end 12/30/98 KH/mfh
j4 °'
F-
Minutes of Joint Meeting
Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency & Community Advisory Committee
4:00 pm, Wednesday, December 16, 1998
Council Chambers, City Hall
PRESENT: IURA Members Alan Cohen, Eric Rosario, Martha Preston,
Brad Nelson, Susan Cummings
CAC Members Alan Cohen, Deirdre Silverman, Andy Foster,
Terry Plater, Eric Rosario, Martha Preston
IURA Staff Matthys van Cort, Wies Van Leuken,
Kat Hauger, Kat Clute, Nels Bohn
Historic Ithaca
Ed Franquemont
Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services Paul Mazzarella
Mental Health Association of Tompkins County Tom Edwards, Sandra Washington
Community School of Music &Art
Kal Wysokowski, Sam Velazquez
Boulevard Development Paul Carubia
Worker Ownership Resource Center John Shannon, Carol Fyfe
Mutual Housing Association/Common Council Dian Sams
Building Links, Inc. Cynthia Yahn
I CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 4:20 pm by Mayor Cohen.
II REPROGRAMMING CDBG FUNDS -PUBLIC HEARING
Rosario/Nelson moved/seconded a motion to go directly into a public hearing on reprogramming of CDBG
funds. Motion carried.
II-1 108 CLEVELAND AVENUE
INHS - Paul Mazzarella
INHS requests $40,260 to rehabilitate building. Total cost of project will be $105,000, with a resale
value of $65,000 for the completed project. Mazzarella argued the rehabilitation will be a good
investment for the community. He distributed a list of eleven projects completed with previously
reprogrammed CDBG funds demonstrating the impact of such work.
II-2 RENTAL HOUSING FINANCIAL FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
INHS - Paul Mazzarella
II-3 MUTUAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION
Dian Sams spoke toward a concern regarding the reprogramming process. She then noted MHA's
request for$20,000 of reprogrammed funds to supplement the salary of executive director for MHA.
II-4 STATE THEATRE ACCESSIBILITY RENOVATIONS
HISTORIC ITHACA - Ed Franquemont
Historic Ithaca is requesting $107,740 to bring theatre into compliance with current accessibility
requirements. Figure amended from last meeting's$90,000 due to contingency needs and Davis-Bacon.
Rosario/Nelson moved/seconded a motion to close the public hearing. Motion carried.
LURA/ A TOINT MINUTES-DECEMBER 16, 1998 page2
II-5 IURA RESOLUTION
Nelson/Rosario moved/seconded resolution to reprogram CDBG funds.
WHEREAS it is necessary to reprogram $122,000 from the third year funds of the fiscal year 1996 Small Cities
Multi-year Comprehensive Community Development Block Grant [CDBG] and$40,000 from the fiscal
year 1995 Small Cities CDBG awarded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and
WHEREAS alternative proposals have been presented, reviewed, and ranked by the IURA, now therefore be it
RESOLVED that the IURA recommends to the Common Council that IURA staff be authorized to request
HUD to allow the reprogramming of funds along the following priorities:
1 State Theatre Accessibility Renovations: a$107,740 deferred loan to Historic Ithaca, Inc.
to remove material and architectural barriers that restrict the mobility and accessibility
of elderly or severely disabled person at the State theatre located at 117 West State
Street, $40,000 of such funding originated from the 1995 CDBG award and the
remaining$67,740 originating from the third year increment of the 1996 CDBG multi-
year award;
2 Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services House Recycling of 108 Cleveland Avenue: a
$40,260 deferred loan to INHS to acquire a fire-damaged two-unit residential structure
for the purpose of rehabilitation and use or resale for affordable residential use, such
funding originating from the third year increment of the 1996 CDBG multi-year award;
and
3 INHS Rental Housing Financial Feasibility Analysis: a$4,000 grant to INHS to complete
a financial feasibility analysis of a proposal to construct new rental units at the INHS-
owned Henry St. John Building located at 301 South Geneva Street, such funding
originating from the third year increment of the 1996 CDBG multi-year award.
CARRIED unanimously
HI LEGAL SUIT-PRECISION FILTERS, INC.
After discussion, Cummings/Rosario moved and seconded a motion to settle the Precision Filters, Inc. lawsuit.
WHEREAS the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency [IURA] in 19089 leased real property in the Cherry Street Industrial
Park to Precision Filters, Inc., and
WHEREAS the IURA terminated said lease in June of 1992 and Precision Filters vacated said property in August
of 1992, and
WHEREAS Precision filters, Inc., had inadvertently paid Ithaca City School District taxes in the amount of four
thousand six hundred sixty dollars and ninety-five cents ($4,660.95) after termination of the lease, and
WHEREAS Precision Filters, Inc. filed a Summons and Complaint dated September 18, 1998 against the City of
Ithaca and the IURA demanding reimbursement for said Ithaca City School District taxes, and
WHEREAS after consultation with the Ithaca City Attorney, the City Department of Finance, and the City
Chamberlain, the IURA concluded that said taxes had not been reimbursed to Precision Filters, Inc.,
and that the IURA and the City of Ithaca would be unlikely to prevail in the action by Precision Filters,
Inc. to recover said taxes, therefore, now, be it
IURA/CAC JOINT MINUTES DECEMBERI6, 1998 p ge 3
RESOLVED that the IURA and the City of Ithaca agree to settle said action by paying to Precision filters the
sum of four thousand six hundred sixty dollars and ninety-five cents ($4,660.95) in full
satisfaction for this claim and all claims Precision Filters, Inc. has, or may have in the future,
against the City of Ithaca and the IURA related to said leased parcel of real property, and be it
further
RESOLVED that the IURA shall make available four thousand six hundred sixty dollars and ninety-five cents
($4,660.95) to pay the claim, and be it further
RESOLVED that the repayment will be deducted from the future tenant lease payments paid to the IURA for
all leases made in the cherry Street Industrial Park before such proceed are transferred from the
IURA to the City of Ithaca.
CARRIED
IV 1999 GRANT APPLICATIONS
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT/CANAL CORRIDOR INITIATIVE
IV-1 COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING-PUBLIC HEARING
IV-1A CAC Call to Order at 4:50 pm
Rosario/Nelson moved/seconded a motion to move into a public hearing. •
IV-1B Public Hearing
1 WORKER OWNERSHIP RESOURCE CENTER
John Shannon
Distributed information sheet describing WORC microenterprise programs
to provide training, technical assistance, financial assistance and peer
support to low/moderate income persons starting new businesses.
2 WOMEN'S COMMUNITY BUILDING with
WORKER OWNERSHIP RESOURCE CENTER
John Shannon
Seeks funds to establish commercial kitchen facility at WCB as incubator
for start-up and existing food processing businesses.
3 COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC&ART
Sam Velazquez
Clarified this year's grant is a single purpose grant. Seeks to make
accessibility modifications to elevator and restrooms at the F.O.E./Miller's
Stationery building at 330 East State Street.
4 ITHACA NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES
Paul Mozzarella
Distributed two page summary of the First Time Homebuyers Program.
Seeks matching funds for the city-wide First Time Homebuyers Program
to provide assistance to 24 low/moderate families.
LURALCAC JOINT MINUTES—DECEMBERI6, 1998 pageA
5 ALTERNATIVES FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Deirdre Silverman noted she was available to answer questions regarding AFCU, but
would not speak for it due to her position on the CAC.
AFCU seeks 1)matching funds for Individual Development Accounts[IDAs]for
savings by low/moderate income persons for homeownership, 2)for Community
Enterprise Opportunities program to provide training, counselling, support
services, and credit access to low/moderate income persons starting or expanding
micro-enterprise businesses, and 3)to renovate or replace building at West State
and North Plain Streets as main bank building. One of the existing CFCU
buildings would be sold to provide other funding sources.
6 BUILDING LINKS, INC.
Cynthia Yahn
Seeks funds to acquire and renovate building in West End business district
as low rent complementary care health center and pharmacy, creating 16
new jobs.
Rosario/Nelson moved/seconded a motion to close the public hearing. Carried
IV-IC CAC Discussion
[Cohen left meeting at 5:50 pm. Cummings assumed chair. Cohen returned at 5:55 pm and reassumed
chair.]
Discussion centered on determining which of the proposed projects would best meet HUD
guidelines for funding. The 1999 CDBG program allows only single purpose applications
for housing, public facilities, and economic development categories. Public service
activities,funding in previous years, are not eligible in this cycle.
1 WORKER OWNERSHIP RESOURCE CENTER
Requesting$80,000 CDBG economic development grant •
2 WOMEN'S COMMUNITY BUILDING with
WORKER OWNERSHIP RESOURCE CENTER
Requesting$100,000 CDBG economic development grant
3 COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC&ART
Requesting$40,000 CDBG public facilities grant
4 ITHACA NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES
Requesting$400,000 CDBG housing grant
5 ALTERNATIVES FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Requesting$20,000 CDBG housing grant
6 ALTERNATIVES FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Requesting$105,000 CDBG economic development grant
7 ALTERNATIVES FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Requesting$400,000 CDBG economic development grant
IURA/CAC JOINT MINUTES- DECEMBER 16 1998 pages
Requesting$400,000 CDBG economic development grant
9 PB ASSOCIATES
Requesting$127,000 CCI economic development grant
10 BOULEVARD DEVELOPMENT
Requesting$268,000 CCI economic development grant
11 CAYUGA BOAT& COTTAGE
Requesting$25,000 CCI economic development grant
12 CAYUGA BOAT& COTTAGE
Requesting$90,000 CCI economic development grant
13 M. V. MANHATTAN, Ltd.
Requesting$85,000 CCI economic development funds
Discussion further touched on the long-term impact of various proposal on the City:year-
round jobs versus seasonal jobs, and the appropriate socio-economic targeting of
CDBG/CCI funding. Establishment of a loan pool in lieu of direct grants to projects was
also considered, but a specific end use was considered a stronger HUD-approvable
application.
IV-1D CAC Recommendations for Inclusion in CDBG/CCI Applications
AMENDED 01/14/99 1 COHEN/SILVERMANMOVED/SECONDED A RESOLUTION TO RECOMMEND ITEMS IV-
1C-7, IV-1C-4,AND IV-1C-5 FOR CDBG FUNDING.
DEFEATED Cohen in favor, Silverman abstaining, others opposed.
2 Rosario/Preston moved seconded a resolution to recommend Items IV-1C-4
and IV-1C-5 for CDBG funding.
CARRIED Cohen opposed, Silverman abstaining, others in favor.
3 Cohen/Plater moved/seconded a resolution to recommend, in order of
preference, Items IV-1C-8, IV-1C-13, and IV-1C-10 for CCI funding.
CARRIED unanimously.
IV-1H CAC Adjourned at 6:45 pm.
- & u • I i A . rreA n 'rrr I II,
IV-2 IURA DISCUSSION OF CAC RECOMMENDATIONS
No discussion.
IV-3 RECOMMENDED CDBG APPLICATION
Cummings/Preston moved/seconded that the IURA accept the CAC recommendations and forward them
to Common Council for approval.
WHEREAS the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency [IURA] recognizes the need to support efforts which promote
IURA/CAC JOINT MINUTES-DECEMBERIG. 1998 page
WHEREAS the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency [IURA] recognizes the need to support efforts which promote
affordable housing,job creation, and improve public facilities benefitting Ithaca's low- and moderate-
income population, and
WHEREAS on November 25, 1998, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD] announced the
availability of up to $400,000 in funding through the Community Development Block Grant [CDBG]
Small Cities program for single purpose proposals to address housing, public facilities or economic
development needs, and
WHEREAS such application must be submitted by February 3, 1999, and
WHEREAS the IURA has issued two requests for proposals seeking projects from for-profit and not-for-profit
sponsors, and
WHEREAS eligible projects submitted to the IURA were evaluated by the IURA's Community Advisory Committee
[CAC] and
WHEREAS the IURA endorses the CAC's recommendations, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the IURA recommends that the Common Council authorize the submission of up to a
$400,000 fiscal year 1999 CDBG Small Cities application to include the Ithaca Neighborhood
Housing Service Citywide First-Time Home-buyers Program/Individual Development Accounts
for New Home Ownership Project.
CARRIED Cohen opposed, others in favor
IV-4 RECOMMENDED CCI APPLICATION
Cummings/Preston moved/seconded that the IURA accept the CAC recommendations and forward them
to Common Council for approval.
WHEREAS on November 25, 1998, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development[HUD] announced the
availability of a special category of funding from the Community Development Block Grant [CDBG]
Small Cities program through its Canal Corridor Initiative [CCI]to assist communities on the New York
State Barge Canal System or connecting waterways in revitalizing their waterfront areas, and
WHEREAS such Canal Corridor Initiative application must be submitted by February 3, 1999, and
WHEREAS the funding available through this initiative, Section 108 loans and Small Cities CDBG funds, is intended
to leverage private sector commitments to develop projects that lead to the physical and economic
revitalization of these waterfront areas including the creation of jobs and the expansion of the local tax
base, and
WHEREAS the City may apply for a maximum of$300,000 of grant funds through the CCI program and future loan
funding commitments of at least$1,000,000 through the Section 108 loan guarantee program assistance
in conjunction with the CCI program, and
WHEREAS this present Canal Corridor Initiative application is only for the grant component of the total funding,
and
WHEREAS the IURA has issued two requests for proposals seeking projects, and
WHEREAS eligible proposals submitted to the IURA were evaluated and ranked by the IURA's Community
Advisory Committee, and
LURA/CAC_IOINT_MINUTES DECEMBER 16. 1998 pages
WHEREAS the IURA endorses the CAC's recommendations, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED that the IURA recommends that the Common Council authorize the submission of a fiscal year
1999 Canal Corridor Initiative application to include one or more of the following projects,
ranked in priority order with the highest ranked project listed first:
1. Building Links proposal for the Lower West End Complementary Health Care Center;
2. M/V Manhattan proposal to acquire an excursion vessel;
3. Boulevard Development proposal for a waterfront restaurant and public waterfront
promenade on Inlet Island at 407 Taughannock Boulevard, and be it further
RESOLVED that in the event the above listed priority projects cannot satisfactorily address feasibility issues
and rating criteria by the submission deadline, the IURA hereby recommends that the Common
Council authorize submission of an alternative fiscal year 1999 Canal Corridor Initiative
application proposal to capitalize a generic loan/grant pool to assist unspecified canal-related
economic development.
CARRIED unanimously.
IV-5 NEXT MEETING
The time of the next meeting of IURA is changed to 4:00 pm, Thursday, January 14, 1999, per
agreement of members present.
Financial information on HODAG and UDAG is requested for next meeting. There also was question
regarding the use of Community Development Revolving Loan Fund: a resolution will be prepared
addressing the targeting intent for consideration at the next meeting.
V MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:05 pm
end 01/05/99 KH/mfh
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