HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-IURA-2017-03-16Approved: 4/13/17
108 E. Green St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-6565
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MINUTES
ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
Common Council Chambers, City Hall
8:30 A.M., Thursday, March 16, 2017
― Special MeeƟng ―
Members: Mayor Svante Myrick, Karl Graham, Tracy Farrell, Chris Proulx, Eric Rosario
Excused: Graham Kerslick, Common Council Liaison
Staff: Nels Bohn, Charles Pyott, JoAnn Cornish
I. Call to Order
Chair Myrick called the meeting to order at 8:36 A.M.
II. Agenda Additions/Deletions
No changes were made to the agenda.
III. Public Comments
None.
IV. Review of Draft Meeting Minutes: December 15, 2016
Farrell moved, seconded by Rosario, to approve the December 15, 2016 meeting minutes, with
no modifications.
Carried Unanimously 5‐0
Graham disclosed his employer, Alternatives Federal Credit Union (AFCU), has staff who are
paid to provide financial education services to applicant, Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC),
for its Hospitality Employment Training Program (HETP). AFCU is also discussing potentially
providing financial education training to the proposed Food Entrepreneurship program.
V. 2017 HUD Entitlement Grant Applications — Public Hearing
On a motion by Rosario, seconded by Farrell, and unanimously approved, Chair Myrick opened
the Public Hearing.
Ithaca
Urban
Renewal
Agency
IURA Minutes
March 16, 2017
Page 2 of 11
1. LAKEVIEW ITHACA ― LAKEVIEW HEALTH SERVICES, INC.
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Tracy Decker Lakeview Health
Services, Inc.
Established in 1978, Lakeview Health Services, Inc. provides
residential services over a six‐county region, serving over 1,800
individuals annually. It operates more than 360 beds, including
supervised adult community residences, treatment apartment
programs, single‐room occupancy (SRO) programs, and supported
housing.
Joe Bowes Ithaca
Neighborhood
Housing Services
(INHS)
Project would be modeled after INHS’ 210 Hancock Street
housing project. INHS would assist in site development, but
would not own any portion of the project.
Myrick asked how many of Lakeview Health Services’ current clients would be housed in the facility.
Decker replied, 25.
Myrick asked approximately how many residents would be moving to the facility from inside
Tompkins County. Decker replied, she does not know. Bowes indicated his own experience
suggests almost all of them would come from the immediate area.
Rosario asked if the applicants have plans for their 402 South Albany Street property. Decker
replied, although they plan to keep the property, they do not yet have any definitive plans for it. It
could potentially be used for crisis/respite housing (e.g., when a hospital cannot admit someone
with a psychological condition).
Farrell asked if the applicants’ Third Street property is an SRO. Decker replied, yes. It is a 38‐unit
SRO. Farrell asked if anyone from the Third Street property would be moving into the new facility.
Decker replied, she does not foresee that being the case."
Farrell asked what admissions criteria the applicants use for non‐clients. Decker replied, they simply
need to be certified as low‐income.
Graham asked how many existing buildings would be demolished. Bowes replied, four.
Proulx noted the applicants have asked the IURA to fund a small portion of a much larger project.
He inquired into the status of the project’s other funding sources. Bowes replied there is currently
no specific timeline for applying to the NYS Office of Mental Health. The NYS Homes & Community
Renewal application deadline is in December 2017, while the Tompkins County Community Housing
Development Fun deadline is in June 2017. It is very important for the State that applicants
demonstrate local funding support. It is a highly competitive application process.
IURA Minutes
March 16, 2017
Page 3 of 11
Farrell asked what the lowest level of IURA funding would be, which would still be considered
significant local support by the State. Bowes replied it could most likely be less than the requested
amount, but he could not hazard a guess at a specific figure.
2. CHARTWELL HOUSE ― TOMPKINS COMMUNITY ACTION
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Lee Dillon Tompkins
Community
Action
Current facility needs serious renovation. It serves as permanent
housing for some of its residents, while others use it as
transitional housing.
Danielle
Harrington
Tompkins
Community
Action
Chartwell House serves both older and younger tenants.
Bathrooms would be renovated to make them safer for older
residents. The facility’s target population is the chronically
homeless, who tend to suffer from numerous chronic health
issues. The kitchen, HVAC units, stairs, and living areas also need
serious attention. Tompkins Community Action is obligated to
operate the facility until 2027.
Proulx asked how the applicants would rate their needs on a priority basis. Harrington replied,
HVAC, bathrooms, stairs, and security upgrades, in that order.
Proulx asked if the applicants have other potential sources of funding at all. Harrington replied, no.
3. 402 S. CAYUGA STREET ― HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF TOMPKINS/CORTLAND COUNTIES, INC.
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Shannon
MacCarrick
Habitat for
Humanity of
Tompkins &
Cortland
Counties
Proposed project would create 4 new units of affordable owner‐
occupied housing in the city. Construction would involve
hundreds of community volunteers, local contractors, and
tradespeople, as well as the homeowners‐to‐be. Using volunteer
labor allows Habitat to keep construction costs low and also
engages the community directly in the creation of affordable
housing.
Rosario asked the applicant to estimate the amount of individual donor contributions. MacCarrick
replied that it varies. On one project last year, for example, they raised $700,000.
Bohn asked if the applicant has hired the project construction manager. MacCarrick replied, yes.
IURA Minutes
March 16, 2017
Page 4 of 11
4. HOUSING SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM ― THE LEARNING WEB, INC.
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Dale
Schumacher
Learning Web,
Inc.
$65,592 funding request would be used for rent and utility
subsidies to house homeless youth in 6 apartments. Budget is
based on 6 apartments at $850/month for 12 months; and
utilities for 6 apartments at $61/month for 12 months. Over the
history of the program, The Learning Web has assisted over 40
youth.
Harmony
Malone
Housing
Scholarship
Program
Resident
Program was invaluable in helping her overcome numerous
personal, financial, and family‐related obstacles, so she could
work towards financial self‐sufficiency.
5. ITHACA REUSE CENTER EXPANSION ― FINGER LAKES REUSE, INC.
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Diane Cohen Finger Lakes
ReUse
Finger Lakes ReUse is far greater than the sum of its parts in
terms of its impact on trainees, staff, and the community‐at‐large.
It has earned $3.4M in revenue since it opened. The project
would allow it to triple in size. It is also planning a fundraising
campaign to support the project.
Richard
Lansdowne
Finger Lakes
ReUse
Proulx observed the applicants appear to have less than one month of cash‐on‐hand. If so, what is
the applicants overall solvency plan. Lansdowne replied, that is correct, although Finger Lakes
ReUse receives grant funding through Tompkins County that is invoiced on a monthly basis. It also
has an outstanding grant from NYS Empire State Development, which the organization will receive
funding from.
Farrell asked if the applicants organized a community meeting to solicit public input on the project.
Cohen replied, yes. They distributed flyers and posters to businesses and neighbors; however, no
one showed up to the meeting. The project will be going through the City of Ithaca’s Site Plan
Review process, which will include a Public Hearing. A meeting with the broader project
stakeholder group was held at Tompkins Community Action (TCA), which was well attended by
approximately 40 people. More community meetings will be held in conjunction with the Site Plan
Review process.
IURA Minutes
March 16, 2017
Page 5 of 11
Farrell asked who the proposed facility would house. Cohen replied, it is geared towards homeless
people and people coming out of incarceration. Finger Lakes ReUse also received a grant from the
Tompkins County Community Foundation to specifically target its job‐training program to people re‐
entering the workforce from incarceration.
Graham asked the applicants to discuss the role of their project partners. Cohen replied that they
approached both INHS and the Ithaca Housing Authority, since they neighbor the property, and
developed the housing portion of the project with them, both to make it a stronger project and to
share costs (e.g., foundation, construction). INHS is serving as the development consultant.
Tompkins Community Action will hold a long‐term lease with Finger Lakes ReUse.
Bohn explained the IURA usually considers funding economic development projects as either a
repayable (or forgivable) loan versus an outright grant. The applicants indicated the project would
generate a modest profit, once the building is open. He asked if the IURA should consider the
funding request strictly as a grant, or if there is any potential for loan repayments. Cohen replied
they will be re‐examining the financing for the project, but Finger Lakes ReUse needs as much grant
money as possible, since it already carries a heavy debt load.
6. SECURITY DEPOSIT ASSISTANCE ― CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF TOMPKINS/TIOGA COUNTIES
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Elizabeth
(“Liddy”) Bargar
Catholic Charities
of
Tompkins/Tioga
Counties
Security Deposit Assistance Program is a vital service that
provides security deposits to low‐income households, so they can
access safe, stable housing, and avoid or end homelessness.
Beneficiaries include families and individuals, including the
elderly, disabled, and single‐parent households at risk of
homelessness. Five units would be reserved for the IURA’s and
IHA’s Housing for School Success Program. Catholic Charities is
also pleased it was recently able to provide security deposit
assistance for a new refugee family.
Myrick asked if the program has a wait list. Bargar replied, no, although some applicants are
disqualified, largely because of a lack of documentation.
Farrell asked whether, once people receive security deposit assistance, they remain in the living unit
for a long period of time, and whether they take the security deposit with them when they leave.
Bargar replied that a Catholic Charities staff person conducts follow‐up calls with beneficiaries;
however, she does not have specific figures to provide at this time. Beneficiaries generally
complete their leases; and the majority of those people tend to take the security deposits with
them.
IURA Minutes
March 16, 2017
Page 6 of 11
7. HOSPITALITY EMPLOYMENT TRAINING PROGRAM ― GREATER ITHACA ACTIVITIES CENTER, INC. (GIAC)
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Nagiane Lacka Greater Ithaca
Activities Center
(GIAC)
Program has been working very well. 70% of participants find
employment, even years after graduating from the program. This
year’s proposal includes adding another training component for
administrative jobs, since research suggests many hospitality
positions also require administrative skills. The program costs less
per placement, compared to similar programs.
Leslyn McBean‐
Clairborne
Greater Ithaca
Activities Center
(GIAC)
Staff has been surprisingly pleased with the program’s outcomes.
They receive inquiries from many organizations about how to
implement similar programs, focused on other professional
sectors.
Proulx asked if the applicants expect their recruitment plan to change. Lacka replied, no; the system
they already have in place appears to be successful.
Proulx asked if the program would increase the number of people served. Lacka replied, yes.
Myrick asked if all program participants would receive the same new administrative training
component. Lacka replied, no. Administrative training would be conducted for entirely separate
cohorts.
Graham asked about the participant surveys the applicants mentioned conducting. Lacka
responded they employ a number of tools (e.g., intake survey, exit survey, post‐exit phone call).
Graham noted the proposed budget includes $6,000 for “On‐the‐Job Training Provided by
Employers.” He asked if that is provided in the form of cash payments. Lacka replied, if a
participant works with a particular employer, that employer may choose to compensate the
participant in the form of a stipend; however, not all employers choose to do that.
Graham asked if the program receives any other form of direct financial support from employers.
Lacka replied, only in the form of compensating participants for on‐the‐job training.
Farrell asked if the applicants ever asked employers if they would be willing to provide direct
financial support up‐front. Lacka replied, yes. They broached the subject with a number of
employers, but it does not appear to be something they are willing to do at this time.
Farrell asked where most program graduates tend to be placed. Lacka replied, a wide variety of
places (e.g., Cornell University Dining, local kitchens/restaurants, hotels).
IURA Minutes
March 16, 2017
Page 7 of 11
Rosario noted the program’s new focus is a significant shift; he can envision how the administrative
component could provide people with more employment opportunities. He asked how many
program participants would be enrolled in the administrative component. Lacka replied, a third of
the total number of participants.
8. WORK PRESERVE JOB TRAINING: JOB PLACEMENTS ― HISTORIC ITHACA, INC.
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Sara Johnson Historic Ithaca,
Inc.
Application is part of a two‐part proposal to enable Historic Ithaca
to accept all possible applicants, many of whom need a great deal
of assistance. 4 participants were placed in full‐time jobs last
year.
Karen Coleman Historic Ithaca,
Inc.
Young adults appear to be facing many more challenges in recent
years (e.g., addiction/rehabilitation, incarceration, food
insecurity, homelessness). Program participants want to work,
but have not figured out how to transition into structured
employment. The program has had great success: it has attracted
partners willing to work with Historic Ithaca and support the
program participants.
9. CONLEY PARK PAVILION ― DANIEL KRALL
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Daniel Krall City of Ithaca
Parks
Commission
Proposed pavilion would be located near the new affordable
residential housing project and would help Conley Park become a
more vibrant center of the neighborhood. The park currently has
no central gathering space. Besides a couple of benches, nothing
in the park encourages visitors to stay and experience the site, or
promote large‐group activities.
Farrell recalled a pavilion being built in Thompson Park and wondered how that was funded. Krall
replied that was a charitable gift. Something similar would not be feasible for Conley Park.
Rosario remarked he always found it confusing to have the Cornell Cooperative Extension
permaculture park and Conley Park so close together. He wondered if the two could be more
effectively differentiated from each other. Krall replied the permaculture park was originally
supposed to be presented as a permaculture garden; however, the sign that was donated for it
employed the word “park,” so that is how it remained.
IURA Minutes
March 16, 2017
Page 8 of 11
10. HARRIET GIANELLIS CHILD CARE CENTER ― TOMPKINS COMMUNITY ACTION
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Lee Dillon Tompkins
Community
Action
Proposed project would include a new Early Head Start facility,
constructed on the northern portion of the Tompkins Community
Action campus and owned/operated by it. It would serve 40 low‐
income children (aged 0‐3) and their families. While 21 new full‐
time jobs are anticipated to be created (many of which would be
filled by low‐to‐moderate income individuals), for the purpose of
the application Tompkins Community Action committed to
creating three new full‐time permanent positions. Project is a
unique opportunity to co‐locate housing for young people with
early childcare services. The need for Early Head Start and
childcare in the area is great.
Lynn Truame Ithaca
Neighborhood
Housing Services
(INHS)
Applicants are requesting $84,000 for acquisition costs associated
with the childcare portion of the property.
Farrell asked how long the waiting list is for childcare. Dillon replied, she is not sure. She would
need to research that and follow up with the Board later.
Bohn asked if the IURA should consider the funding application as a repayable loan, or an outright
grant. Dillon replied, a grant. She would be concerned with the organization’s cash‐flow, if it were
a loan.
Bohn asked what the Head Start revenue model is projected to be. Dillon replied that Tompkins
Community Action would receive funding based on the number of people served.
Graham noted the applicants are asking for IURA funding representing 1% of the total project
budget. He asked what the lowest level of IURA funding would be that would be considered
significant local support by the State. Truame replied the project could conceivably move forward
with less funding from the IURA. More IURA funding would simply make it easier for the project to
move forward.
Rosario remarked he cannot think of a project better suited to honoring Harriet Gianellis; and he
strongly supports Head Start.
Bohn asked if the project application should be considered to be connected to the housing project,
or completely independent of it. Truame replied that it is technically independent; however, New
York State would most likely not fund one, without the other.
IURA Minutes
March 16, 2017
Page 9 of 11
11. FOOD ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM ― CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, TOMPKINS COUNTY (CCE)
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Lara Kaltman Cornell
Cooperative
Extension
Proposed project is intended to address the many challenges to
food entrepreneurship for low‐income people. The plan is to help
people develop significant sources of new sustainable income.
Program would collaborate with participants to resolve
challenges, provide one‐on‐one support and shared equipment,
provide kitchen space, and offer small scholarships. Pilot program
has demonstrated that participants can provide great catering to
a variety of clients; and it has received strong support in the
community (e.g., Cornell University).
Chris Kai‐Jones Cornell
Cooperative
Extension
Significant numbers of people in the area organize events, but
want something different than the conventional standard
available food options. People also understand that by supporting
program participants they are helping distribute economic
opportunity more equitably. Tompkins County’s Health
Department received 80 requests for new food‐based businesses,
but only about 50% completed that process.
Kenneth E.
McLaurin, Jr.
Cornell
Cooperative
Extension
Matthew
LeRoux
Cornell
Cooperative
Extension
Farrell asked how the program would ensure success for its participants. Kaltman replied that the
program mirrors other successful kitchen incubator models, including access to kitchens, marketing
services, operating capital, and distributional logistics.
Farrell asked if the program would use kitchens other than the one located CCE. Kaltman
responded that it would primarily use the CCE one; however, they do have connections with other
local kitchens.
Farrell noted the applicants indicated they have been working with food entrepreneurs already.
She asked if those participants have been doing it full‐time, or simply to supplement their income.
Kaltman replied, it is a range of both. Some people are definitely aiming for it to become their
primary source of income.
IURA Minutes
March 16, 2017
Page 10 of 11
Farrell asked what the proposed stipends would be used for. Kaltman responded that they
primarily go towards purchasing food‐service permits and insurance. If a participant happens to
already have those items in place, the stipend could be used for other start‐up costs.
Farrell asked if the stipends are allocated at a standard rate per participant, or as the need arises.
Kai‐Jones replied, as the need arises.
Farrell asked if the food entrepreneurs the applicants have worked with, who have now graduated
from the program, continue to use the CCE kitchen. Kai‐Jones replied, some use the CCE kitchen
and others use other kitchens.
Proulx noted the applicants cited similar programs they modeled this one after. He asked if/how
those other programs have grown to become more financially self‐sustaining. Kaltman replied,
probably about 70% of those programs continue to rely on grants.
Farrell asked if the applicants charge the participants for anything. Kaltman replied, not at this
point. Eventually, the intent is to have graduates pay low rental fees to use the CCE kitchen.
12. URBAN BUS STOP SIGNAGE & AMENITIES UPGRADE ― TCAT
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Matt Yarrow TCAT TCAT has attempted for some time to place new signage at key
bus stops, as part of an effort to make the bus transit system as
clearly accessible and comprehensible as possible for all bus
riders. TCAT is currently implementing a real‐time passenger
information project, including a forthcoming web site and
accompanying smartphone apps. Targeting low‐to‐moderate
income neighborhoods, the project would provide improved
signage, improved infrastructure at key stops, and real‐time
signage and displays.
Farrell asked how TCAT would prioritize the three components of the project. Yarrow replied that
each component serves different needs and complements the others; but erecting the new signs at
as many stops as possible would probably be the first priority. The bus stop infrastructure upgrades
on West Hill are also very important, as is the Albany Street bus stop, since that is TCAT’s main hub,
being near the Department of Social Services.
Farrell indicated she has found TCAT’s current web‐based bus route directory slightly cumbersome.
She asked if that would improve, once the project has been completed. Yarrow replied, yes, in so
far as it would be leveraged with the real‐time route component of the project.
IURA Minutes
March 16, 2017
Page 11 of 11
13. HEATING & ROOFING REPLACEMENT ― DOWNTOWN ITHACA CHILDREN'S CENTER (DICC)
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Denise Gomber Downtown Ithaca
Children’s Center
(DICC)
Proposed funding request would go towards two serious needs: a
continuation of the heating project funded by the IURA in 2016
and a roofing project. DICC has conducted spot repairs to the
roof, but it is still leaking into the building in some places.
Proulx asked about the maintenance schedule and capital improvement reserves, the applicant
mentioned. Gomber replied that in her first year at the organization she set aside $80,000 for a
capital reserve fund, which sustained the organization for a time. That reserve fund has since been
exhausted, due to a large number of serious maintenance needs. The maintenance schedule is
currently being drafted. Once the roof repairs are complete, a revised maintenance schedule would
be adopted.
NOTE: Presentations for the following two funding applications were deferred until the next
meeting:
Homeowner Rehab ― Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (INHS)
Mini‐Repair Program ― Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (INHS)
On a motion by Farrell, seconded by Rosario, and unanimously approved, Chair Myrick suspended
the Public Hearing.
VI. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 11:22 A.M.
— END —
Minutes prepared by C. Pyott, edited by N. Bohn.