HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-IURA-2021-04-01Approved: 4/15/21
108 E. Green St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-6565
MINUTES
ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
8:30 A.M., Thursday, April 1, 2021
Members: Mayor Svante Myrick, Chair; Karl Graham; Chris Proulx; Eric Rosario; Laura Lewis, Common
Council Liaison; Tracy Farrell, Vice‐Chair
Excused: None.
Staff: Nels Bohn; Anisa Mendizabal; Charles Pyott
Guests: None.
I. Call to Order
Chair Myrick called the meeting to order at 8:35 A.M.
II. Agenda Additions/Deletions
None.
III. Public Comments
None.
IV. 2021 HUD Entitlement Grant & CDBG‐CV ― AdministraƟve MaƩers
A. Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest
Bohn disclosed he is member of Ithaca Community Gardens (ICG), so he will abstain from any discussion
regarding that project.
Mendizabal, Myrick, Rosario, and Lewis disclosed they or their households have memberships with Buffalo
Street Books.
Lewis disclosed that she sits on the board of Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Inc. (TCAT).
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V. 2021 HUD Entitlement Grant Action Plan & CDBG‐CV: PUBLIC HEARING #1
On a motion by Rosario, seconded by Graham, and unanimously approved, Chair Myrick re‐opened the
Public Hearing.
― ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS ―
1. PROJECT #7: REUSE JOB TRAINING FOR CAREER PATHWAYS ― FINGER LAKES REUSE, INC. (FLRU)
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Diane Cohen Finger Lakes
ReUse, Inc.
(FLRU)
FLRU is still navigating challenges due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, but
the program continued to operate during that time, working with 17
trainees in 2020. She expects demand for job skills training and
employment support programs to increase in 2021‐22. IURA funding
is critical for the program to continue growing.
Aloja Airewele Cornell
Cooperative
Extension (CCE)
In running the program, FLRU decided to follow the Path to Success
program, which is a leading resource for educational and workforce
programs to prepare youth and adults with barriers to employment
for careers in the green economy. A number of community‐based
organizations and local businesses have participated, including
WorkforceNY and BOCES. FLRU is encouraged by the City’s adoption
of its Green New Deal, which complements FLRU’s mission and
programs.
Robin Elliott Finger Lakes
ReUse, Inc.
(FLRU)
IURA funding would facilitate increased numbers of paid training
experiences to better meet the needs of the diversity of people FLRU
serves. Thanks to new partnerships, FLRU is working to offer more in‐
demand skills in 2021‐22, including green energy training currently
being piloted. FLRU is working to offer more holistic training to its
trainees, especially those with the highest barriers to employment. If
forced to prioritize which program components to fund, FLRU would
choose stipends for apprenticeships and professional fees for
trainings. The program budget assumes receipt of additional
government funding sources currently being explored, including
Department of Labor funds.
Proulx observed one of the unsecured funding sources in the application is the estimate of merchandise
sales. He asked how confident FLRU is with that figure. Cohen replied 2020 was FLRU’s best sales year to
date, with approximately 70‐75% of its revenue coming from retail sales, so she is highly confident.
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Proulx observed a rent charge is listed on the application. He asked if that was an allocation, or if additional
space would be needed for the project. Elliott replied it is simply an allocation.
Graham asked how the stipend system works. Elliott replied FLRU offers stipends from day one for certain
populations, including Re‐Entry participants. Stipends are based on the number of hours, depending on the
curriculum track. For example, the Pathways Project’s green energy skills curriculum offers a Living Wage
with rudimentary fringe benefits.
2. PROJECT #8: WORK PRESERVE JOB TRAINING: JOB PLACEMENTS ― HISTORIC ITHACA, INC.
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Susan Holland Historic Ithaca,
Inc.
During the pandemic, Historic Ithaca has adapted and taken
advantage of opportunities within the marketplace. The organization
never stopped working, remotely at first and then reopening in early
April 2020, thanks to its size and structure and its diverse mix of
funding, which helped maintain cash flow. It also took advantage of
every Federal and State CARES grant it could. If funding reductions
need to be made, it could operate with 10% less funding and would
seek out new Federal funding opportunities. The organization was
able to increase in‐house contributions to the program through
Significant Elements retail sales with its best year ever in 2020: slightly
more than 17% over previous year sales.
Sara Johnson Historic Ithaca,
Inc.
She feels pride in the program when she goes to TOPS and runs into a
program graduate employed there. When he started the program, he
was in his early 50s, with a disability, and hadn’t worked in 14 years.
His Work Preserve experience built his job skills and renewed his
confidence and feeling of connection to others, which empowered
him to apply for work during the pandemic. While Historic Ithaca
could adapt to less IURA funding, it would come at a cost to program
activities. Everything from recruitment to daily training is time/labor‐
intensive, because staff serve individuals with a wide range of barriers
to employment: planning for each day and participant requires
thoughtful project planning and scheduling.
Suzanne
Onodera
Historic Ithaca,
Inc.
She shared a recent story about a participant called James, illustrating
the value of the hard work and individualized care the program
provides. James was initially forced to leave the program during the
shutdown, but suddenly reappeared at the site, desperate to find
employment. He remembered Significant Elements as a place he felt
safe. They immediately offered to help by connecting him to
Tompkins County WorkforceNY. James has a reading/writing disability
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Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
and speech impediment, which made it difficult for him to navigate
basic skills. Just two days ago, he was offered a position and is now
employed with one of the program’s employment partners.
Proulx remarked the Economic Development Committee (EDC) noted that Historic Ithaca’s funding requests
have remained flat for years, which speaks to its diversity of funding and creative resources.
3. PROJECT #9: HOSPITALITY EMPLOYMENT TRAINING PROGRAM (HETP) ― GREATER ITHACA ACTIVITIES CENTER,
INC. (GIAC)
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Sabrina Baez Greater Ithaca
Activities Center
(GIAC)
HETP has demonstrated its success this past year, with permanent
employment placement of 4 participants at the height of the global
pandemic. One was placed at Kendal, one at Chase Bank, another at
Ithaca College, and another at Quick Shoppe. She is actively working
with 10 participants. Although the Spring cohort was structured
differently, the program never reduced the quality of the services it
provides. It will also offer a third cohort in June 2021, working with
individuals who will be guaranteed jobs with Cornell Dining. She
shared a success story of a program graduate, Deborah Campos, who
received a paid internship at Rasa Spa, attended massage therapy
school, met influential professional therapists, and is now a practicing
licensed therapist with her own practice. IURA funding has been
pivotal to the program’s ongoing success. If necessary, HETP could
operate with less funding and would simply reduce the number of
beneficiaries served, without affecting quality of service.
Leslyn McBean‐
Clairborne
Greater Ithaca
Activities Center
(GIAC)
Myrick asked about the presenters/trainers. Baez replied, one presenter, Reginald White, works for Cornell
and conducts cultural competency training. Another, a professional stylist, works individually with
participants, showing them how to measure themselves, what type of clothing to wear, and how to buy
clothing. This allows each person to dress better with more form‐fitting clothing and appear as presentable
as possible for interviews, thereby increasing the likelihood of employment.
Proulx asked how many people apply vs. how many are accepted to the program. McBean‐Clairborne
replied, there are typically approximately 25 applicants, with 10‐15 individuals enrolled.
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4. PROJECT #10: ITHACA IS BOOKS ― BUFFALO STREET BOOKS (BSB)
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Lisa Swayze Buffalo Street
Books
She watched the Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting
and will answer some of those questions. This is the first time BSB has
applied for this kind of funding. It is highly motivated to think outside
the box to make the project a success. BSB became a cooperative
bookstore in March 2011, when the previous owner decided to close,
after losing money for years. Community members saved the
bookstore by purchasing individual shares to cover the cost of buying
the store. In subsequent years, the bookstore continued to lose
money. Since that time, BSB has made enormous progress. Before
the pandemic, the bookstore showed a small profit in 2019 for the
first time in its 10‐year history, by focusing on budgeting and cost‐
cutting. It also prioritized implementing best practices learned from
other bookstores, primarily through the American Booksellers
Association. BSB has spent enormous time and energy to strengthen
and expand the bookstore’s relationships in the community. It
became clear relying solely on retail sales is unsustainable for an
independent bookstore, so it sought to expand its programming. IURA
funds would allow BSB to amplify what it is already doing and bring it
to the next level of sustainability, by offering affordable/free programs
to reach a broader audience. BSB would create an expanded
events/outreach position to launch the new programming and create
a new revenue stream. By year 3, it conservatively expects the
programming to add $21,000 in income from participation fees alone.
BSB currently spends about $16,000/year employing a Cornell student
as a part‐time event coordinator, which will be folded into the new
position. The 4% payroll tax figure on page three of the application
was not correct. The new 35‐hour/week position would earn
$17/hour with 15% allocated for payroll tax and additional expenses.
In terms of allocation of county room tax revenues, as far as she know,
BSB is not eligible, although she will explore that. BSB is, however,
actively involved with the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce
and Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA).
Amy Reading Buffalo Street
Books
Rosario asked for more information about what is meant by underserved populations in the application.
Swayze replied, for example, BSB would like to launch a lot more programming for youth, like its
partnership with Southside Community Center (SCC), targeting young African‐American women.
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Rosario suggested BSB reach out to establish other partnerships with community organizations, like the
Latino Civic Association.
Bohn asked if BSB could get to its full‐time position without the full $35,000 requested. Swayze replied,
yes, partial funding would still help it reach its goal.
― PUBLIC FACILITIES APPLICATIONS ―
5. PROJECT #11: GREAT NEIGHBOR & ESSENTIAL RESOURCE ― ITHACA COMMUNITY GARDENS, INC. (ICG)
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Kristen Streahle Ithaca
Community
Gardens (ICG)
For over 44 years, ICG has provided space, tools, and expertise to
allow local gardeners to grow food for their households and local food
banks. The Carpenter Circle Planned Unit Development (PUD) will
require ICG to reconfigure the gardens and create a sustainable
design. The cost for the reconfiguration is high compared to ICG’s
ordinary needs and is far more than ICG can fund alone. ICG recently
became a 501 (c)(3) organization, which will allow it to continue to
expand its service in the community. In 2020, ICG had its longest
waitlist ever and experienced very low turnover. 64% of ICG
gardeners fall within the LMI threshold of 80% of AMI.
ICG will provide the IURA with updated information on its
membership within the next two weeks.
Megan Mosher Ithaca
Community
Gardens (ICG)
There are several updates to the project since the application was
submitted. Construction costs have increased substantially over the
past year, which has driven up expected project costs. Cayuga
Medical Center (CMC) has donated an additional $75,000 to ICG and
the project is moving forward. In response to the IURA request for
ICG to prioritize its needs, the most important components would be
stone dust pathways and raised beds. ICG could decrease its raised
beds request from 20 to 10.
Farrell asked for ICG to reiterate its priority needs. Mosher replied the stone dust pathways and 10 raised
beds.
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6. PROJECT #12: URBAN BUS STOP UPGRADE PROJECT ― TCAT
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Megan Pulver Tompkins
Consolidated
Area Transit, Inc.
(TCAT)
The application is relatively straightforward and has become simpler
since it was submitted. IURA funding would be used to install solar
powered lighting at 12 bus shelter locations in the city that currently
have very poor or no lighting. The application listed 13 locations, but
should have listed only 12. The project is part of TCAT’s ongoing effort
to improve services and make the system easier to use, safer, and
more convenient for passengers. The number of trips that originated
at the 12 shelters in the 11 months prior to COVID‐19 was roughly
146,000. In the 11 months since COVID‐19, it was about 46,000 trips.
After removing the lighting for the Green Street and Albany Street
locations from the application, the total funding request is reduced to
$17,100 (from original request of $19,950).
Graham asked if the cost per shelter is the same. Pulver replied, yes.
7. PROJECT #13: NEW GYM RENOVATION ― GREATER ITHACA ACTIVITIES CENTER, INC. (GIAC)
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Leslyn McBean‐
Clairborne
Greater Ithaca
Activities Center
(GIAC)
The cost of the project has more than doubled since its initial
inception. The gym space would be expanded to accommodate
GIAC’s entire teen and job training programs. Teens have been forced
outside the current facility, because there is no room for them inside.
The youth program usually serves about 120 young people throughout
the school year.
Farrell asked if any value‐engineering had been conducted for the project. McBean‐Clairborne replied, yes.
They have been meeting with Taitem Engineering, PC and STREAM Collaborative to explore all potential
ways to cut costs.
Graham observed the budget lists $900,000 in unsecured “Other Grants.” McBean‐Clairborne replied,
GIAC has contacted its Federal legislative representatives who are helping to find grant opportunities, as
well as State opportunities. GIAC is also exploring a large grant opportunity through the McArthur
Foundation.
Bohn asked if the project budget is based on the renovation of the existing facility, or its expansion.
McBean‐Clairborne replied, it would be a renovation with the exception of the east wall, which would be
expanded five feet for safety reasons.
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Bohn noted the City is required to spend down CDBG funds in a timely manner. He asked if the project
could be implemented on a phased basis. McBean‐Clairborne replied that is something GIAC has explored
(e.g., postpone renovation of the second floor to accommodate staffing spaces).
8. PROJECT #17: LARGER SHELTER & EXPANDED PSH ― ST. JOHN'S COMMUNITY SERVICES (SJCS)
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Rich Bennett
St. John’s
Community
Services (SJCS)
Tompkins County has seen a significant increase in shelter needs over
the past five years, with an average of 80‐120 people per night
needing shelter in winter. SJCS has been looking for a new space that
would be convenient for people and served by bus routes within the
city. SJCS was approached by a hotel in the city to either lease‐to‐own
or purchase the facility, although a final decision has not been made.
The first floor of the larger shelter would continue to serve as the
Friendship Center, with a separate shelter for family and children. The
second floor would house the main shelter space. The second floor is
also expected to accommodate an expanded low‐barrier permanent
supportive housing space. The total project cost is expected to be $8‐
12M. Over the next four weeks, a final budget should be completed.
The second‐floor kitchen would be employed for safe and separate
food storage with 24‐hour access for the permanent supportive
housing unit.
Roy Murdough St. John’s
Community
Services (SJCS)
Farrell asked what would happen with the current shelter. Bennett replied, if SJCS could purchase the
hotel, it would maintain that current location and expand low‐barrier permanent supportive housing there.
Farrell noted many details of the project appear to be in flux at this time. She asked when the final
decisions would need to be made. Bennett replied SJCS continues to search for a permanent solution.
Over next 30 days, he believes the funding plan should be in place.
Graham noted the budget in the application is $3M, but it now appears it is actually $8‐12M. Bennett
replied, when SJCS first designed the project it was exploring it as a lease‐to‐own model, so the budget was
calculated based on how much is being spent on the current lease and what is being spent annually in hotel
fees.
Bohn asked for a range of the number of emergency shelter beds. Bennett replied, 120 shelter beds and 30
supportive housing beds.
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― PUBLIC SERVICES APPLICATIONS ―
9. PROJECT #14: 2‐1‐1 INFORMATION & REFERRAL ― HUMAN SERVICES COALITION OF TOMPKINS COUNTY (HSC)
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
John Mazzello Human Services
Coalition of
Tompkins County
(HSC)
The past year has demonstrated just how important it is to have
caring, helpful, and knowledgeable staff to assist thousands of LMI city
residents experiencing difficult times. In 2020, the program received
21,000 calls, a 42% increase over the prior year (more than half of
which were from within the city). HSC anticipates seeing a higher
baseline of calls, now that so many more people know about the
service. HSC has been working with the Tompkins County Health
Department to serve as a primary point‐of‐contact for COVID‐19‐
related calls. HSC also worked with United Way to provide financial
assistance of up to $500 per household for important needs not being
be met by any other programs. HSC will be acting as lead agency for
the Anti‐Displacement Learning Network (ADLN) anti‐eviction program
to provide support to renters in the city.
Nicole Roulstin Human Services
Coalition of
Tompkins County
(HSC)
2‐1‐1’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provided
virtual services in 2020. The Friends in Service Helping (FISH)
transportation program resumed, after being temporarily suspended
due to the pandemic. HSC launched a program with the Food Bank of
the Southern Tier program to register people for mobile food pantries
in Tompkins County, including West Village Apartments.
Carol Mallison Human Services
Coalition of
Tompkins County
(HSC)
In the 1970s, she worked in a crisis center maintaining lists of
resources for people to refer to. As a result, she became very familiar
with all kinds of services, agencies, and organizations available to
people in need. Tompkins County is rich in human services
organizations and other resources. 2‐1‐1 has been a perfect fit for her
in terms of developing volunteer experience. She has been working to
assist people COVID‐19‐related inquiries. It has been enormously
satisfying to help people in need.
Bohn wondered if the program would qualify for CDBG‐CV funding, given its COVID‐19‐related services. He
asked if HSC has a separate funding source for its COVID‐19 work, or if it is a part of its general budget.
Mazzello replied HSC’s COVID‐19‐related services are made possible through funding from the Tompkins
County Health Department.
(Farrell departed at 10:20 a.m.)
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10. PROJECT #15: WORK PRESERVE JOB TRAINING: JOB READINESS ― HISTORIC ITHACA, INC.
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Susan Holland Historic Ithaca,
Inc.
In terms of the program’s funding scalability, it could operate with up
to a 10% reduction. Historic Ithaca continues to seek out other grant
sources. It will also use some of its own funds, since it increased its
retail sales, which its new online sales presence significantly
contributed to.
Sara Johnson Historic Ithaca,
Inc.
In 2020, Significant Elements saw an increase of slightly more than
17%, over prior year retail sales, which was exceptional. At the end of
2019, the organization implemented a new business plan with the
goal of a 5% increase in revenue each year for the next three years. It
worked hard to establish and maximize online sales, with a growing
social media engagement initiative.
Suzanne
Onodera
Historic Ithaca,
Inc.
The pandemic presented Historic Ithaca with the opportunity to test
its resilience and problem‐solving ability. It stayed in touch with each
of its participants during the COVID‐19 shut down, helping write
resumes, initiate job searches, and complete unemployment
applications, while maintaining social distancing and other public
health precautions.
11. PROJECT #16: IMMIGRANT SERVICES PROGRAM (ISP) ― CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF TOMPKINS/TIOGA
COUNTIES (CCTT)
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Sue Chaffee Catholic Charities
of
Tompkins/Tioga
Counties
In 2019‐20, the program assisted 117 individuals, 100 of whom were
≤50% AMI and 71% were City residents. The program is designed to
assist clients who are unable to access community resources or find
viable employment, because of language and/or cultural barriers. ISP
continued to offer immigration legal services to ensure the immigrant
community could access pro bono or low‐cost legal advocacy. In
2020, ISP received funding through the New York State Census Equity
Fund (NYSCEF) to assist 38 Tompkins County immigrant households
(156 people) in completing the U.S. Census form. Since the funding
application was submitted, ISP subsequently received $20,000 from
the Park Foundation and $22,500 from the Human Services Coalition
of Tompkins County (HSC).
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Page 11 of 12
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Paige Cross Catholic Charities
of
Tompkins/Tioga
Counties
In 2020, ISP mobilized its case‐management services to respond to
COVID‐19‐related needs. ISP partnered with the League of Women
Voters to present a workshop on voting. The comprehensive support
ISP provides its clients is unique to the program, which serves a
pressing need in the community. ISP clients, many of whom are
essential workers, were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
Rosario noted the Latino Civic Association has been meeting with the County about COVID‐19‐related
needs, like translation services, vaccine rollout, and testing. He suggested ISP consider joining those
conversations.
12. PROJECT #18: A PLACE TO STAY (APTS) ― CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF TOMPKINS/TIOGA COUNTIES (CCTT)
Speaker Affiliation Comments‐in‐Brief
Michaela
Cortright
Catholic Charities
of
Tompkins/Tioga
Counties
APTS is a unique transitional supportive housing program located in a
four‐bedroom housing unit, specifically designed to support women in
recovery as they exit homelessness. The short‐term housing provides
residents with a stable environment and acts as a safety net, while
they work towards building self‐sufficiency and transition into
permanent housing. The program offers flexibility with discharge
planning and can provide extensions up to 12 months, if necessary.
Determining the length of stay is highly dependent on individual cases
and progress in securing housing. The average length of stay in 2020
was 4½ months. Over the program’s history, it has served 39
residents, 75% of whom have transitioned to their own permanent
housing. Evenings provide the ideal time for case‐management,
rapport building, and teaching a variety of skills (e.g., social skills,
accessing community resources, financial education and budgeting,
job searching). A new drug and alcohol counselor has allowed the
program to move one step further and develop a more focused
therapeutic model. APTS has actively sought to secure Federal, State,
and local funding resources.
On a motion by Rosario, seconded by Graham, and unanimously approved, Chair Myrick closed the Public
Hearing.
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VI. Review of Meeting Minutes: March 25, 2021
Rosario moved, seconded by Proulx, to approve the meeting minutes, with no modifications.
Carried Unanimously: 4‐0
VII. Other Business
None.
VIII. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10:55 A.M.
— END —
Minutes prepared by C. Pyott, edited by N. Bohn.