HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-IURA-2021-06-24Approved: 8/26/21
108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-6565
MINUTES
ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
8:30 A.M., Thursday, June 24, 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: Finger Lakes Development:
Steve Flash, Finger Lakes Development of Ithaca, LLC
Joseph Bowes, Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS)
Kathryn Chesebrough, Whitham Planning, Design, & Landscape Architecture, PLLC
Steve Hugo, HOLT Architects
Strategic Elements & Waterfront Alchemy:
Lincoln Morse, Ithaca Waterworks/Waterfront Alchemy, LLC
Craig Modisher, STREAM Collaborative
Brandon Ebel, STREAM Collaborative
Noah Demarest, STREAM Collaborative
Guy Gridley, Cambria Hotels
Visum Development Group:
Patrick Braga, Visum Development Group
I. Call to Order
Chair Myrick called the meeting to order at 8:33 A.M.
II. Agenda Additions/Deletions
Bohn recommended the Board review a proposed resolution to approve a Green Street Parking Garage
Project construction-impact mitigation plan for the Cinemapolis theatre, after agenda item “V. A.” No
objections were raised.
III. Public Comments
None.
IV. Review of Meeting Minutes: May 27, 2021
Graham moved, seconded by Rosario, to approve the meeting minutes, with no modifications.
Carried Unanimously: 5-0
IURA Minutes
June 24, 2021
Page 2 of 15
V. Economic Development Committee (EDC)
A. Inlet Island Urban Renewal Project
1. Public Hearing on EDC Recommendation
On a motion by Farrell, seconded by Rosario, and unanimously approved, Chair Myrick opened the Public
Hearing.
MORSE remarked he is speaking as an Inlet Island stakeholder and property owner. He has been involved
in developing a potential project for approximately 1½ years, over which time he developed a due
diligence process (documented in the following written comments submitted prior to the meeting):
1. Finger-Lakes Boating Center (Structural Condition)
50-60% of support piles and caps have failed or are failing.
75% of the metal roof panels are perforated with decomposition (rust through).
Metal siding and interior boat slip water depth failing — Needs 30”-48” of sediment dredging.
(This work will not be provided by navigation channel dredging. It will be a FLBC expense.)
NYS Canal Corporation requires that structures occupying their property be safe and viable.
10-15 boats slips could not be used for Winter Storage 2020. The structural condition was acute.
Steve Flash called FLBC an important part of the marine/tourism economy in Ithaca. This is not supported
by the amount improvements and maintenance capital being invested. City Harbor and Finger Lakes
Marine have all invested hundreds of thousands of dollars more. They value their primary asset and its
perception in their community.
Estimated Cost to remediate above $1,850,000.00. Who will make these needed improvements? Who
will pay for them?
The condition and appearance of this marina affects all Ithacans and visitors.
Please take note of the new 110 boat slip marina at City Harbor. This facility used to have 75+ covered boat
slips. The appearance was that of FLBC — today there is a new fueling facility, new docks, new sea wall and
soon a beautiful waterfront promenade to benefit the community and its visitors.
Note: Written and visual documentation for the above is available immediately upon request.
2. Parking — The modernization and clean-up of Finger Lakes Boating Center will produce 70-80 additional
parking spaces. It will deliver the “Promise” of public access to the waterfront on Inlet Island.
3. Public Access to the Water — Our development group has studied the last 18 years on Inlet Island. The
Boatyard Grill and FLBC have not created public access to the waterfront. They have used taxpayer
improvements to support their own private business enterprises. This should no longer be allowed or be the
model for ALL businesses in Ithaca. There used to be 10 transient slips at the Boat Yard Grill and now there are
only 5. Many visitors are docking on the “publicly owned” seawall to the North of the restaurant. Public Access
is moving in the wrong direction.
4. The Proposed Flash/Rimland “Hometel”
Who is building and paying for this this?
Who operating this?
What flag supports it?
This development group identified Jeff Rimland as its hospitality developer. Will Rimland be the
Owner/operator? Where has he been?
IURA Minutes
June 24, 2021
Page 3 of 15
Jeff Rimland owns ⅓ of the Marriot Downtown Hotel. Choice Hotels & Cambria owns 7,000 hotels. They
have also pledged development capital and an Owner/Operator (Koucar Management and
development).
Why does a “Hometel” require less parking? This was stated by Steve Flash earlier this month.
5. Housing — Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services is a great organization, but it does not respond to the spirit
of the RFEI. The working middle segment of our economy receives no financial subsidies from the community
or taxpayer. They are the taxpayer!! The dollar for dollar return for our economic engine is best served here.
BRAGA remarked that Visum Development Group still believes its Inlet Island development proposal is the
most flexible and meets the greatest public need in Ithaca: affordable housing. Visum believes its proposal
of a viable public-private partnership would achieve the most benefit in terms of meeting the City’s
Comprehensive Plan and Waterfront Plan goals.
On a motion by Rosario, seconded by Proulx, and unanimously approved, Chair Myrick adjourned the
Public Hearing.
2. Select Finger Lakes Development (FLD) Proposal as Basis for Inlet Urban Renewal Project
Proulx explained the Committee reviewed three proposals to redevelop land on Inlet Island, submitted by
Finger Lakes Development, Visum Development Group, and Waterfront Alchemy, at its May meeting, at
which time it also identified a set of follow-up questions for the applicants. At its subsequent June 8, 2021
meeting, the Committee participated in further Q&A with the applicants and ranked each proposal, using a
scoring chart. The result was reasonably close, with Finger Lakes Development narrowly edging out
Waterfront Alchemy. Committee members all agreed the three proposals were solid and well thought-
through.
Farrell noted she has heard concerns about the proposed projects being too dense and placing too much
in a relatively small area of land.
IURA Minutes
June 24, 2021
Page 4 of 15
Bohn responded that particular concern was actually addressed at the recent Committee meeting. All
applicants expressed a willingness to scale down their projects if necessary, but they cautioned that would
most likely result in fewer public benefits, partly due to the cost of environmental clean-up.
Farrell noted Morse mentioned there used to be 10 transient boat slips at the Boat Yard Grill, but that only
5 remain. Flash responded he believes there are actually 20 boat slips, 10 of which are used by the Finger
Lakes Boating Center (FLBC).
Myrick asked how the proposed project’s density would compare to other parts of the city. Bohn replied it
is an approximately 2¼-acre site, incorporating parking spaces, affordable housing (50-60 units), and The
Stays ‘hometel’ (75-80 units). The remainder of the island would remain dedicated to lower-density uses.
Proulx noted, in discussing the project with Finger Lakes Development, it was suggested the affordable
housing component would be comparable to INHS’ 210 Hancock Street project. Proulx added he is not
personally so concerned with the project’s total density, but he is definitely concerned with ensuring
accessibility/connectivity to and from the island, since there is currently only one narrow point-of-access.
A crucial part of the development process would be the Planning and Development Board’s (and other City
decision-making bodies) review of the project and tying the various complex elements of the project (e.g.,
easements, sight lines, public access, waterfront trail) together.
Graham noted during the Committee meetings several comments from the local boating community were
made about the importance of FLBC and the large boatlift. He recently walked around Inlet Island and was
surprised at the number of boats parked across the street from FLBC. He asked where all those boats
would be placed under the proposal.
Flash responded FLD has a contract with the Allan H. Treman State Marine Park marina for winter storage
and another property on Willow Avenue. Since peak demand is seasonal, FLD plans to establish flexible
uses of portions of the space across the street. Additionally, he noted, the current trend is shifting to
smaller boats, which are easier to move.
Graham noted he agrees with many of the points raised in George McGonigal’s 5/31/21 e-mail to the
Committee, expressing concern with the large scale of the proposed projects and other issues (e.g., access
to Cayuga Lake, public amenities, and the park; traffic issues). He wondered to what extent it would be
practically feasible to revisit the City’s plans and zoning regulations for Inlet Island.
Myrick replied he would not be in favor of downzoning Inlet Island. He personally does not see the project
as especially overwhelming, in terms of density.
Farrell indicated she shares Graham’s concerns about density. She would not be averse to issuing a second
Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI).
Rosario noted he sympathizes with the various concerns about the project. He believes it has been a
thoughtful process with good proposals. He supports the FLD project and the Committee’s decision. His
only concern would be to make sure any public access is genuinely public. He asked when the conditions
in the resolution would need to be met.
IURA Minutes
June 24, 2021
Page 5 of 15
Bohn replied the conditions should be met by the time the project seeks Common Council approval. At
this stage, since it is a conceptual proposal, numerous details remain to be worked out.
Lewis appreciated the various concerns that have been voiced, especially about public access. She also
recalled concerns about past projects being too large, like the 210 Hancock Street apartments project;
however, that turned out to be a wonderful opportunity to design and create affordable housing on a
parcel that is only a little smaller than the proposed project’s. She believes a five-story affordable housing
building would be appropriate for the site. The City should strive to take advantage of any available space
to gain the most public benefit.
Farrell observed it is helpful to hear the project compared to the 210 Hancock Street project, which she
likes and believes is appropriately sized. It is also helpful to discuss the importance of connectivity and
accessibility. The public should feel it can walk to the site and engage in a variety of activities there.
Graham recalled when discussions took place about the Green Street Garage affordable housing project,
someone insisted Ithaca could not support so much affordable housing in one location and attract enough
low- and moderate-income (LMI) tenants; however, recent housing trends do not seem to support that
assertion. He asked what the condition in the resolution, “Commitment from the developer to share
environmental clean-up costs,” entails exactly.
Bohn replied the intent was that the developer would share in the financial costs of environmental clean-
up costs. FLD would be expected to pay for the costs of environmental clean-up, which would then be off-
set against the sale price of the land.
Myrick noted he likes the results of the Committee’s review process and having INHS as the project’s
anchor. He would certainly feel comfortable recommending the project for consideration by Common
Council.
Farrell remarked most of her initial concerns with the project have been alleviated by today’s discussion
and the prospect of the Planning and Development Board’s detailed forthcoming review of the project
design. Graham agreed.
Proulx moved, seconded by Rosario:
Inlet Island Urban Renewal Project — IURA Recommendation to Common Council
WHEREAS, the IURA and the City of Ithaca collectively own approximately 2.5 acres of underutilized
land on Inlet Island (Project Site), and
WHEREAS, an Inlet Island urban renewal project proposed by Finger Lakes Development, LLC failed to
gain Common Council endorsement in 2008, and
WHEREAS, in 2020, the IURA received two unsolicited proposals for development at the Project Site,
and
IURA Minutes
June 24, 2021
Page 6 of 15
WHEREAS, the IURA and Common Council rescinded the 2006 preferred developer and sponsor status
of Finger Lakes Development, LLC to clarify that the IURA will use a competitive process open to all
developers to propose conceptual development plans for the Project Site, and
WHEREAS, in March 2021, the IURA issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for conceptual
development proposals at the Project Site, and
WHEREAS, the objective of the RFEI process is to identify if any respondent’s schematic plan and
development program will gain conceptual approval from both the IURA and Common Council as the
basis for a proposed urban renewal project to redevelop the Project Site, and
WHEREAS, the IURA seeks an urban renewal project that will improve the physical, social, and
economic characteristics of the project site and surrounding area, and advance goals and objectives of
the 2015 City’s comprehensive plan, and its Waterfront Plan chapter adopted in 2019, and
WHEREAS, The Waterfront Plan encourages the following land use objectives:
Mixed-use development
Housing opportunities at all income levels
Public access to the waterfront
Better multi-modal connections
Vibrant waterfront, and
WHEREAS, RFEI responses were received from:
1. Waterfront Alchemy, LLC/Strategic Elements
2. Finger Lakes Development, LLC
3. Visum Development Group, LLC and
WHEREAS, translating a conceptual development plan to a proposed urban renewal project with
defined developer and public commitments requires significant predevelopment investment by the
Developer and the IURA which should only proceed upon an indication of IURA and Common Council
support for the project, and
WHEREAS, at its June 2021 meeting, the IURA Economic Development Committee considered public
comments received, compared the proposals received against evaluation criteria contained in the RFEI,
ranked the responses, and recommended the following; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency hereby finds the top-ranked conceptual
development plan for the Inlet Island urban renewal project site was submitted by FINGER LAKES
DEVELOPMENT, LLC, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA finds that the benefits and costs of the top-ranked project clearly warrants
the public and private investment necessary to structure a proposed Inlet Island urban renewal project
for consideration for Common Council endorsement, subject to the following conditions:
• Commitment from the developer to share environmental clean-up costs; and
IURA Minutes
June 24, 2021
Page 7 of 15
• Clarification of Finger Lakes Boating Center’s commitment to make improvements, in terms of
visual access and limited boat storage; and
• Commitment by the developer to address the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s need to maintain its
water access and continued operations; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby requests the City of Ithaca Common Council to indicate conceptual
support for the project by authorizing transfer of City-owned properties included in the top-ranked
conceptual development plan to the IURA, via an option agreement, for the purpose of structuring a
proposed disposition and development agreement with a preferred developer to undertake an urban
renewal project subject to approval by the Common Council, and
RESOLVED, that should the Common Council authorize an option agreement to transfer Inlet Island
properties to the IURA, the IURA hereby (A) designates Finger Lakes Development LLC as a Qualified
and Eligible Sponsor to undertake an Inlet Island urban renewal project, and (B) authorizes the IURA
Chairperson to execute an Exclusive Development Agreement with the sponsor of the IURA top-ranked
conceptual development plan.
Carried Unanimously: 5-0
B. Cinemapolis Mitigation Plan
Bohn explained the proposed resolution would approve a Green Street Parking Garage Project construction-
impact mitigation plan for the Cinemapolis theatre. Per the Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA),
a mitigation plan needs to be formalized, approved by the IURA, and in place prior to the start of
construction. The proposed resolution also authorizes Vecino Group New York, LLC to act as the IURA's
representative to discuss construction-phase impacts with the IURA lessee (Cayuga Green, LLC) of the
theatre’s lease space.
Myrick moved, seconded by Farrell:
Green Street Garage Mixed-Use Urban Renewal Project (West & Center Sections):
Construction Phase Approvals
WHEREAS, on December 13, 2018, the IURA designated Vecino Group New York, LLC (Vecino) as a
qualified and eligible sponsor, pursuant to Section 507 of General Municipal Law, to acquire the west
and center sections of the Green Street garage (part of Tax Parcel #70.-4-5.2) located at 120 E. Green
Street, Ithaca, NY for the purpose of undertaking an Urban Renewal Project, and
WHEREAS, on November 23, 2020, the IURA approved a Disposition and Development Agreement
(DDA) with Vecino subject to Common Council approval, for a redevelopment project including the
following components:
• at least 181 housing units affordable to households earning between 40%-80% of Area Median
Income (AMI);
• Approximately 356 new and refurbished public parking spaces located in the center section of the
garage;
IURA Minutes
June 24, 2021
Page 8 of 15
• A 49,000 sq. ft. conference center with street-level active use
• 2,000 sq. ft. of DPW lease space for the City of Ithaca Department of Public Works;
• retention of the Cinemapolis movie theater; and
• Retention and improvement of the public pedestrian connection between E. Green Street and The
Commons (collectively, the “Project”), and
WHEREAS, on February 3, 2021, the City of Ithaca Common Council approved the IURA-proposed DDA
with an amendment requiring the project employ local labor for a minimum of 30% of on-site work,
and
WHEREAS, lease revenue bonds to finance the Project were sold on June 2, 2021, with a closing
scheduled for June 28, 2021, and construction to commence in July 2021 on the Project, and
WHEREAS, the DDA includes a requirement for IURA approval of a Cinemapolis mitigation plan
submitted by Vecino, and
WHEREAS, the goals of the mitigation plan are:
1. to minimize the period of any temporary displacement;
2. schedule displacement-causing construction to occur at times that reasonably minimize impact on
the business;
3. provide for the lessee and tenant to be made financially whole from the direct financial impacts of
any temporary dislocation;
4. incorporate physical improvements in the Project to retain financial viability and vitality after re-
establishment of the displaced business on the Project site.
WHEREAS, no construction work is planned to take place within the cinema lease premises and no
business displacement is anticipated; and
WHEREAS, Vecino has submitted a Cinemapolis mitigation plan, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the 2007 Cayuga Green Lease Agreement the IURA leases the cinema lease
premises located at ground level of the Green Street Parking Garage to Cayuga Green, LLC, which sub-
leases to Seventh Art Corporation, Inc. (DBA Cinemapolis), whose lease requires IURA as lessor to
consult with lessee on any major renovations or improvements in or around the lease premises, and
WHEREAS, IURA correspondence to Cayuga Green, LLC, dated February 19, 2021, identified Vecino as
the IURA’s authorized non-exclusive agent to discuss construction project impacts referenced in the
Cayuga Green Lease Agreement, and
WHEREAS, Vecino has direct knowledge and control of the planned construction activities in and
around the lease premises; now, therefore, be it
IURA Minutes
June 24, 2021
Page 9 of 15
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby affirms the February 19, 2021 designation of the Vecino Group New
York, LLC as the IURA’s non-exclusive agent throughout the planning and construction phase of the
Project regarding Cayuga Green Lease Agreement, including communication with the lessee(s) of the
lease premises and all other parties about construction activities and strategies to mitigate potential
adverse impacts, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby approve the Cinemapolis mitigation plan submitted by Vecino.
Carried Unanimously: 5-0
C. Committee Chairperson Report
None.
VI. Neighborhood Investment Committee (NIC)
A. HUD Entitlement Program
1. Community-Based Development Organization (CBDO) Designation of Ithaca Neighborhood Housing
Services (INHS)
Graham remarked that IURA staff reviewed the application materials and determined INHS meets the
eligibility test.
Graham moved, seconded by Farrell:
2021 IURA Designation of Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (INHS) As
Community-Based Development Organization (CBDO)
WHEREAS, the Board of Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (INHS) seeks designation by the Ithaca
Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) as a Community-Based Development Organization (CBDO), and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has designated the IURA to administer the City’s HUD Entitlement Program
that oversees Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds awarded to the City, and
WHEREAS, an eligible category of CDBG activities is a “Special Activity by CBDO”, that offers certain
advantages, such as exemption from the 15% expenditure cap otherwise applicable to public service
activities, authorization to carry out new housing construction (normally prohibited with CDBG funds), and
discretion to allow income generated by a CDBG-funded activity to not be considered CDBG program
income, and
WHEREAS, the following four tests established at CFR Title 24 §570.204 must be met to qualify under a
category of “Special Activity by CBDOs”:
1. The entity qualifies as a CBDO, including the 51% board membership test;
2. The CBDO will undertake an eligible project;
3. That the CBDO will carry out the funded activity directly or with an entity other than the grantee;
4. That the CBDO will not carry out a prohibited activity, and
IURA Minutes
June 24, 2021
Page 10 of 15
WHEREAS, a CBDO must maintain at least 51% of its governing body’s membership to be made up of any
combination of the following:
● Low- and moderate-income residents of its area of operation
● Owners or senior officers of private establishments and other institutions located in its area of
operation
● Representatives of low- and moderate-income neighborhood organizations located in its area of
operation, and
WHEREAS, a CBDO must have as its primary purpose the improvement of the physical, economic, or social
environment of its geographic area of operation, with a particular emphasis on the needs of low- and
moderate-income persons, and
WHEREAS, the project undertaken by the CBDO must qualify as one or more of the following project types:
● neighborhood revitalization;
● community economic development;
● energy conservation project; and
WHEREAS, at its June 11, 2021 meeting, the Neighborhood Investment Committee evaluated INHS’ CBDO
application and recommended the following; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA determines that INHS meets the requirements for eligibility as a CBDO, and that
the Program Income Loan project qualifies as an eligible neighborhood revitalization CBDO activity, and be
it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby designates INHS as a Community-Based Development Organization
(CBDO) and the 2020 Funded Activity #2 “Founders Way For-Sale Townhomes” project as eligible for CDBG
funding under the category of “Special Activities by CBDOs.”
Carried Unanimously: 5-0
2. Contract Modification #1: 2019 CDBG Housing Scholarship Program — The Learning Web, Inc.
Graham reported that The Learning Web requested a contract modification to allow extensions from 18
months to 24 months for Housing Scholarship rental assistance participants. The IURA contract states that
Housing Scholarships are subject to a term of up to 18 months; however, HUD’s Tenant-Based Rental
Assistance (TBRA) regulations permit assistance of up to 24 months.
Graham moved, seconded by Farrell:
Contract Modification #1 for 2019 Action Plan Project #4: “Housing Scholarship Program”
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca’s 2019 HUD Entitlement Action Plan awarded $70,560 to Project #4,
“Housing Scholarship Program,” sponsored by The Learning Web, Inc., and
IURA Minutes
June 24, 2021
Page 11 of 15
WHEREAS, the project provides Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) to unaccompanied and/or
homeless youth identified by The Learning Web and working toward financial independence, and
WHEREAS, Housing Scholarships are subject to a term of 18 months as specified in The Learning Web’s
2019 HUD Entitlement project contract, and
WHEREAS, on June 3, 2021, The Learning Web requested a modification to allow extensions from 18 to
24 months for Housing Scholarship participants who are fully participatory in its program and have
made important self-sufficiency gains that would be jeopardized without the proposed extension, and
WHEREAS, the proposed extensions would assist Housing Scholarship participants who have been
unable to move within the 18-month timeframe due to disruptions in the rental market due to the
coronavirus global pandemic, and
WHEREAS, as of May 31, 2021, The Learning Web Housing Scholarships program had unexpended
funds totaling $32,602.98 from its 2019 HUD Entitlement contract to support this proposed extension,
and
WHEREAS, HUD’s TBRA regulations allow for provision of TBRA assistance for up to and including 24
months,
RESOLVED, that the IURA recommends Contract Modification #1 for 2019 Project #4 in order to extend
Housing Scholarships from 18 to 24 months for beneficiaries identified by The Learning Web as fully
participatory and in need of such extension, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA Community Development Director is hereby authorized to execute a contract
amendment to implement this resolution.
Carried Unanimously: 5-0
3. Contract Modification #1: 2020 CDBG-CV2 Laundry & Internet Needs — Opportunities, Alternatives,
and Resources (OAR) of Tompkins County
Graham explained that OAR requested that $3,000 in funds, originally contractually designated for funding
internet services, be reallocated to funding laundry services.
Graham moved, seconded by Farrell:
Contract Modification #1 for CDBG-CV2 2020 Allocation1
Project #1: “Laundry & Internet Needs During COVID-19”
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca’s 2020 CDBG-CV Allocation Plan awarded $11,000 to Project #1, “Laundry
& Internet Needs During COVID-19,” sponsored by Opportunities, Alternatives, and Resources (OAR) of
Tompkins County, and
1 Per HUD guidance, entered as Substantial Amendment to 2019 Action Plan.
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June 24, 2021
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WHEREAS, the project was designed at the onset of the global coronavirus pandemic to meet
emergent needs based on available information, and
WHEREAS, OAR clients continue to experience high need for assistance accessing funds for laundry,
and
WHEREAS, OAR has expended its CDBG-CV award funds for laundry assistance, and
WHEREAS, unforeseen barriers have arisen related to provision of internet for OAR client-students,
including
1) OAR’s College Initiative Upstate (CIU) program for people in reentry preparing for and/or engaged
in college coursework will not be available in Summer 2021, and
2) many OAR CIU participants live outside the City of Ithaca, while benefit for use of HUD Entitlement
funds, including CDBG-CV funds, must accrue mainly to City residents,
WHEREAS, OAR has requested that $3,000 in funds contractually designated for funding of internet to
be reallocated to funding of laundry services, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA recommends Contract Modification #1 for 2020 CDBG-CV Project #1 in order
to allocate $3,000 from internet services to laundry services, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA Community Development Director is hereby authorized to execute a contract
amendment to implement this resolution.
Carried Unanimously: 5-0
4. 2021 Action Plan: Amendment #1 — Allocation of Additional CDBG Award
Graham explained that, in its May 13, 2021 letter, HUD informed the City that as a result of a formula error
its 2021 CDBG award was adjusted upward to $690,793 — $10,032 more than the original award, giving
the City $8,025.60 in additional funds to allocate (after administrative costs are subtracted). After the
Committee discussed the best way to allocate the additional funds, it agreed to fund the Finger Lakes
ReUse “Job Training for Career Pathways” project.
Graham moved, seconded by Farrell:
2021 Action Plan — Amendment #1
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca (City) is eligible to receive an annual formula allocation of funds to address
community development needs through the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
Entitlement Program from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and the HOME
Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program funding sources, and
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June 24, 2021
Page 13 of 15
WHEREAS, the City has contracted with the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) to administer,
implement and monitor the City’s HUD Entitlement program in compliance with all applicable
regulations, and
WHEREAS, on an annual basis, an Action Plan must be submitted to HUD to access HUD Entitlement
Program funding allocated to the City, and
WHEREAS, the adopted 2021 Action Plan identifies a specific list of budgeted community development
activities to be funded from the 2021 HUD Entitlement Program allocation and associated funds
administered by the IURA, and
WHEREAS, in a letter from dated May 13, 2021, HUD notified the City of a formula error resulting in a
revision to the City’s previously allocated and announced 2021 CDBG award of $680,761.00 to
$690,793.00, an increase of $10,032.00, and
WHEREAS, according to HUD guidelines, $8,025.60 may be allocated to funded activities and $2,006.40
may be allocated to CDBG administration, and
WHEREAS, HUD grantees are required to follow their citizen participation plans to make amendments
to their Action Plans to reflect the HUD formula error and resulting increased grant allocation, and
WHEREAS, according to the City of Ithaca/Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency’s Citizen Participation Plan,
this change constitutes a Minor Amendment to the 2021 Action Plan, and
WHEREAS, at its June 11, 2021 meeting, the IURA Neighborhood Investment Committee reviewed
HUD’s May 13, 2021 error notice letter and recommended the following allocations:
2021 Funded Activity Adopted Recommended Revised
Finger Lakes ReUse “Job Training for Career Pathways” $ 90,000.00 $ 98,025.60
CDBG Administration $136,152.20 $138,158.60
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency hereby adopts the recommended changes to the 2021
City of Ithaca Action Plan, dated June 2, 2021, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Urban Renewal Plan shall be amended to include the above revisions to the
adopted 2021 Action Plan.
Carried Unanimously: 5-0
IURA Minutes
June 24, 2021
Page 14 of 15
B. Committee Chairperson Report
Graham reported the Committee plans to meet with OAR’s Executive Director at a future meeting to check
in about the “Laundry & Internet Needs During COVID-19” project.
VIII. Other Business
A. IURA Financials: May 2021
Bohn reported the IURA is in compliance with HUD’s June 1st CDBG spend-down ratio deadline. All HUD
Entitlement Program grant projects are generally progressing well, although staff will be monitoring
progress in drawing down funds for the INHS Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and
Alternatives Federal Credit Union (AFCU) Small Business Resiliency Fund (SBRF) CDBG-CV projects. Staff
will also be monitoring the IURA’s standing economic development projects (GIAC’s Hospitality
Employment Training Program (HETP); Finger Lakes ReUse’s Job Skills Training Program; and Historic
Ithaca’s Work Preserve Job Placements & Readiness Program), since all three were negatively impacted by
the COVID-19 pandemic and have understandably been delayed in submitting reimbursement requests.
Bohn reported some loan repayments remain past due, the result of some timing issues and continuing
complications associated with interest-only payment periods extended to borrowers during the COVID-19
pandemic.
Bohn reported all leases are current, as of today.
Farrell asked about the status of the Salvation Army’s CDBG-CV Emergency Assistance Program.
Mendizabal replied she will be reaching out to them once again, since they appear to be moving slowly.
B. IURA Chairperson Report
None.
C. Common Council Liaison Report
None.
D. Staff Report
Bohn reported that Mendizabal has been done some excellent work submitting the 2021 Action Plan by
the June 16th deadline. Mendizabal will now present a brief update on the Anti-Displacement Learning
Network (ADLN) project:
Mendizabal reported the project’s official name will be the Anti-Displacement/Anti-Eviction Defense
Project (AADP), which will be a fairly multi-faceted initiative with a broad spectrum of services, including:
• tenants rights hotline, which will sit within the Ithaca Tenants Union (ITU) structure
• legal advice from Cornell University Law School students
• full legal representation from Cornell University Law School’s housing law practicum (for which the
university will be providing matching funds)
IURA Minutes
June 24, 2021
Page 15 of 15
• Efforts to increase the number of local pro bono eviction court attorneys, through Legal Assistance of
Western NY (LawNY)
• Monitoring of eviction court by observer-members of the student chapter of the National Lawyers
Guild (a process that has produced more equitable outcomes for people facing eviction)
• A new local database to better understand how many evictions are taking place, which kinds of
demographic populations are at-risk of eviction, geographical areas, etc.
• Direct cash payments to housing-unstable households of $300/mo. over 18 mos.
IX. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 9:58 A.M.
— END —
Minutes prepared by C. Pyott, edited by N. Bohn.