HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-IURANI-2018-02-09Approved: 3/9/18
108 East Green Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
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MINUTES
IURA Neighborhood Investment Committee (NIC)
8:30 am, Friday, February 9, 2018
Third Floor Conference Room
City Hall, 108 E. Green St., Ithaca, NY 14850
Present: Karl Graham, Chair; Tracy Farrell; Vice‐Chair; Fernando de Aragón; Teresa Halpert
Staff: Anisa Mendizabal; Nels Bohn
Excused: Paulette Manos
Guests: Lynn Truame
I. Call to Order
Chair Graham called the meeting to order at 8:35 a.m.
II. Changes/additions to Agenda
None
III. Public comment
None
IV. Review of Minutes – January 12, 2018
Moved by Farrell, seconded by Halpert. Approved as written, 4‐0.
V. New Business
1. Proposal for 402 S. Cayuga Street site
Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) has interest in the 402 S. Cayuga Street site.
Lynn Truame, Senior Housing Developer, presented INHS’s recent efforts to understand the
viability of new construction projects for affordable housing. Truame had the site priced by a
stick‐frame builder, but found the costs were prohibitively expensive. Truame has identified a
modular building with interest in creation of affordable housing, Cayuga Country Homes,
which priced four 2‐bedroom units. INHS had asked for one 3‐befroom, as well, but that size
unit may not work for the site. Truame is encouraged, could see something happening there
for homeowners.
Ithaca
Urban
Renewal
Agency
The site would have to go through site plan review again, since previous approval has expired.
Halpert noted that some modular builders have been frustrated working in the City of Ithaca,
due to difficulties with approval process.
Chair Graham asked if the units would be adjoined. Truame responded, yes, as in previous
iterations. The Committee wondered if there is a difference in demand between 2‐ and 3‐
bedroom for‐sale units. Truame responded that in stand‐alone units, yes, there is a
difference. Not necessarily a difference in joined units. Truame does not think that four 2‐
bedroom units that are joined [town homes] would have trouble selling.
Truame stated she would be meeting with Cayuga Country Homes again and that INHS does
not have site control. Bohn pointed out that site control is not needed, just permission of the
property owners (IURA).
Bohn asked what the assumed level of subsidy for the site is. Truame’s current assumption is
less than $100,000.
The slope of the site has been an issue in the past. Truame said the builder’s crane operator
has been out to the site twice, which was encouraging.
Committee members then inquired about the status of Immaculate Conception School.
Truame stated that the INHS has voiced interest in the site to the owner, the Diocese of
Rochester. There is at least one other entity that has done the same. The Diocese may issue a
Request for Proposals (RFP), but has not done so yet. If there is an RFP, the diocese could
additionally specify its wishes regarding the convent (on the same site).
2. Employer Assisted Housing (EAH) Overview and Examples
For discussion, Mendizabal distributed a chart providing examples approaches employers
across the nation have taken to assist with availability or affordability of housing for their
employees. Once largely used by employers for executive recruitment, more recently,
employers have designed programs to help employees across the income spectrum with
options for affordable housing close to work. Many types of assistance exist —from
employers being involved in purpose‐built construction to relatively small subsidies or
negotiated rent reductions. Employers with EAH programs have reported a variety of benefits
to the company itself including improved retention, decreased absenteeism, and positive
community relations.
Committee members discussed the examples and considered whether there was further
application for the information. Chair Graham asked the members about their thoughts on
how the Committee might use the information. Farrell said the information was useful, but
that it is not the Committee’s role to go further, unless employers express an interest. Halpert
noted employers might be interested knowing how such programs can benefit them. Chair
Graham noted a local example that employers could also adapt: AFCU’s Independent
Development Account (IDA) which provides a 4:1 savings match up to $9, 400 toward a down
payment on purchase of a home.
3. Review AFH Data on Labor Market Engagement and Proximity to Work
The Committee reviewed a staff‐prepared analysis from the AFH. Farrell noted the data are
likely skewed by students who often live where they work. De Aragon noted that the census
shows that people of low income and people of color live closer to work. This is rational
decision making. Yet, there is not always a choice. The Committee’s work is to provide that
choice.
Farrell noted that options like Flexpass allow workers to make pre‐tax deductions to pay for
some transportation costs. Chair Graham wondered about the prevalence of this benefit
among retail employers. De Aragon wondered if such options correlate to benefit for low
wage workers.
VI. Other Business
1. IURA Grant Summary
The Committee reviewed progress of projects.
2. Staff Report
a. Program Updates
i. Finger Lakes ReUse has notified the IURA of its intention to step away from
2017 Action Plan Activity #9 – Ithaca ReUse Center Expansion. The
expansion is expected to go forward, but there are feasibility issues with
utilization of the CDBG funding at at this time.
ii. Mendizabal provided information from INHS to follow up on the
Committee’s request for data about the impact of affordable for‐sale units
at 202 Hancock.
iii. Staff shared data from final report of 2016 Action Plan Activity #6 ‐‐ Mini‐
Repair.
3. Next meeting date: March 9, 2018
VII. Motion to Adjourn
Moved by Halpert, seconded by Farrell. Motion carried 4‐0. Meeting adjourned at 10:20
a.m.