HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-IURAED-2020-12-08Approved: 2/9/21
108 E. Green St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-6565
MEETING MINUTES
ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
Economic Development Committee (EDC)
3:30 P.M., Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Present: Chris Proulx, Chair; Leslie Ackerman; Charles Hamilton; Doug Dylla, Vice‐Chair; Laura Lewis,
Common Council Liaison; George McGonigal, Common Council; Cynthia Brock, Common
Council
Excused: None.
Vacancies: 2
Staff: Nels Bohn; Charles Pyott
Guests: Lincoln Morse, Ithaca Waterworks/Waterfront Alchemy, LLC
Craig Modisher, STREAM Collaborative Architecture + Landscape Architecture, DPC
Noah Demarest, STREAM Collaborative Architecture + Landscape Architecture, DPC
Brandon Ebel, STREAM Collaborative Architecture + Landscape Architecture, DPC
I. Call to Order
Chair Proulx called the meeting to order at 3:30 P.M.
II. Agenda Additions/Deletions
None.
III. Public Comments (3‐min. max.)
None.
IV. Review of Meeting Minutes: November 10, 2020
Ackerman moved, seconded by Hamilton, to approve the minutes, with no modifications.
Carried Unanimously: 4‐0
V. Inlet Island Urban Renewal Project: Conceptual Development Plan │ Waterfront Alchemy Developers &
STREAM CollaboraƟve Architecture + Landscape Architecture, DPC CollaboraƟve ― Review
Morse walked through a presentation of the proposed project:
● 42 units of workforce housing
● 110 room hotel
● 233 parking spaces
IURA EDC Meeting Minutes
December 8, 2020
Page 2 of 4
● 10,000 sq. ft. of first floor retail/classroom space
● 3,000 sq. ft. of marina storage
● 630 feet of new waterfront walk
● New public pier
● Approximately 33,300 sq. ft. of new public park space
Preliminary Ownership Breakdown
● Hotel site to be owned by the Argos Inn. It will likely include at least 30 parking spaces.
● Workforce housing at 80‐120% Area Median Income (AMI) will be owned by Inlet Alchemy/developer.
● West side marina facility will be owned by WaterWorks/Krenzer.
● Taughannock Blvd, waterfront promenades, the public pier, infill parks, waterfront access, and 80 City
parking spaces located throughout the project site will be publicly owned.
Hamilton asked Morse to explain the financing available for the hotel. Morse replied the financing would
be structured within different silos, including one for the hotel. Outside investment interest in Ithaca is
significant. Krenzer has been trying to get into the Ithaca market for many years. Waterfront Alchemy
would be very interested in funding the workforce housing component. It is conceivable another partner
would also want to be involved. There are already several investors who have asked to be a part of the
project.
Smith replied that the Argos Inn has been seeking involvement in a bigger hotel project for some time. He
has been working with a development group.
Dylla observed the design appears to include a kayak launch and other docks, but he understood that
would not be allowed by the State. Morse replied those facilities would be based on a floating platform
and modular docking system, so they would not interfere with the permanent infrastructure.
IURA EDC Meeting Minutes
December 8, 2020
Page 3 of 4
Ackerman remarked she likes the idea of including housing for moderate‐income tenants. She would also
expect to see the project designed in as green and sustainable a way as possible.
Brock remarked she appreciates the project’s commitment to affordable housing. She asked if the project
will meet New York State Canal Corporation setback requirement; and how the project plans to address
sub‐surface contamination at the site. She expressed concern with the project’s massing.
Morse responded he has been meeting with the Canal Corporation about the set‐back issue. There is
some degree of flexibility in this section of the inlet. He could summarize the findings for the IURA in
approximately two weeks. In terms of contamination, drilling and sampling will need to be conducted
first, before he could respond.
Demarest replied that the project massing was designed to conform to the new zoning regulations
allowing 5 stories, but it is not necessarily being maximized. It could probably be designed with a four‐
story hotel, using methods to mitigate the massing. The overall footprint would be smaller than that of
Island Health and Fitness.
McGonigal indicated his only concern is to ensure the project does not lead to over‐utilization of Inlet
Island. He would also like the project to include plans for new small local businesses along Taughannock
Boulevard.
Lewis asked if parking would be available for the residents. Morse replied it would follow the standard of
one parking space per door. It would also be a suitable site for Ithaca Carshare.
Demarest replied the design team is committed to transportation demand management for the project. It
could probably rely exclusively on public parking.
Lewis suggested the design team also consider Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Inc. (TCAT). Demarest
responded one bus line already runs right by on Buffalo Street, which is very accessible.
Proulx noted McGonigal’s suggestion for incorporating micro‐retail is a very intriguing idea. Ackerman
added it could be worth collaborating with John Guttridge, given his success with Press Bay Alley’s mini‐
retail stores.
Bohn asked what the expectation is in terms of the role/investment of the City of Ithaca or IURA. Morse
replied that would be a longer conversation. The City would be in a position to control the acquisition
cost, which would contribute to the success and affordability of the project. The project team is willing to
discuss all options.
VI. Other Business
A. Staff Report
Bohn reported the Canopy Hotel is two months behind on its loan repayments; he has reached out to
them about the issue.
IURA EDC Meeting Minutes
December 8, 2020
Page 4 of 4
Bohn noted that IURA loan‐recipient, GreenStar Cooperative Market, has furloughed a number of its staff
as a result of the COVID‐19 pandemic. GreenStar has requested an extension of the timeframe for it to
meet its job‐creation goal.
Hamilton asked about the status of filling the Committee vacancies that were discussed at the last
meeting. Bohn replied he contacted the Mayor about the vacancies and would expect to hear back.
VII. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 4:48 P.M.
— END —
Minutes prepared by C. Pyott, edited by N. Bohn.