HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-IURA-2021-08-26Approved: 10/28/21
108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-6565
MINUTES
ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
8:30 A.M., Thursday, August 26, 2021
Common Council Chambers, Third Floor, City Hall, Ithaca, NY
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 (FLD)
I. Call to Order
Chair Myrick called the meeting to order at 8:38 A.M.
II. Agenda Additions/Deletions
None.
III. Public Comments
None.
IV. Review of Meeting Minutes: June 24, 2021
Farrell moved, seconded by Rosario, to approve the meeting minutes, with no modifications.
Carried Unanimously: 5-0
V. Neighborhood Investment Committee (NIC)
A. HOME-ARP: Continuum of Care Strategic Action Plan
Graham explained the proposed resolution calls for using a portion of HOME Investment Partnerships
Program (HOME)-American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) funds awarded to the IURA to hire a consultant to work
with the Continuum of Care (CoC) on developing a Strategic Action Plan to support homeless and at-risk
populations. The Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County (HSC), which oversees CoC activities, has
been looking for a consultant for the strategic plan. The City was awarded approximately $17M in HOME-ARP
funds and the IURA was awarded $1,211,929 (of which 15% or ~$182,000 is reserved for administration and
planning activities). HSC applied to the City for a $10,000 grant to help pay for the consultant. Since the City
may not end up granting HSC’s request and HSC also needs the funds soon, the proposed resolution
authorizes the IURA to provide the $10,000 itself, using HOME-ARP funds. If the City eventually awards the
funds to HSC, the City would reimburse the IURA.
IURA Minutes
August 26, 2021
Page 2 of 14
Myrick added that HSC’s request was incorporated into the City’s annual Capital Projects funding program and
will be reviewed by the Capital Projects Review Committee, which is still reviewing all the requests.
Graham noted the reason the process needs to be expedited is that the consultant’s report will require
modification of the City’s 2021 Action Plan, which will need to be submitted by end-of-year. Tompkins County
is also being asked to award HSC $10,000 for the project. The Strategic Action Plan the consultant will
produce is intended to identify and prioritize the most impactful actions and investments in facilities and
services to address homelessness and housing instability; and ensure there are no current gaps in services.
Farrell asked if the Strategic Action Plan’s completion depends on whether the County agrees to fund it.
Graham replied he is not sure what would happen in that situation, but the IURA would address it at that
time. The currently proposed resolution is contingent on the County’s funding.
Farrell asked at what stage the IURA would become involved and be permitted to review the report.
Bohn replied the IURA Board has options in terms of whether/when it would like to be involved. The CoC will
review the consultant’s work and draft report, which may be when the IURA would choose to become
involved.
Farrell remarked she would really like to be involved in the process and review the work being done, before
the draft is even produced. This would enable the IURA sufficient opportunity to address any questions and
concerns it may have.
Bohn noted not everything listed on HSC’s project outline would necessarily be incorporated into the report,
since that would most likely involve an amount of work exceeding the $20,000 planned for the project.
Proulx asked if Bohn could periodically touch base with the IURA Board, since Bohn sits on the CoC. Bohn
replied, yes.
Farrell asked who the project’s stakeholders are. Bohn replied, the County, City, HSC, Tompkins Community
Action, DSS, St. John’s Community Services (SJCS), and other CoC members.
Farrell asked what “HMIS” stands for. Bohn replied, the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS),
which serves as the database HUD uses to tabulate unduplicated counts of individuals and families
experiencing homelessness and analyze outcomes. Farrell asked if the IURA Board could see some of that
data. Bohn replied, yes.
Myrick asked what level of analysis the report is intended to provide (e.g., produce data from the ground up;
improve inter-organizational collaboration; or educate the uninformed and policymakers). Bohn replied it is
probably a combination of all three. The project was conceived when SJCS was exploring buying a hotel to
convert into a homeless shelter, which elicited questions about whether that was the best and most effective
use of resources. HUD also requires the CoC to conduct a needs assessment and identify gaps in services,
which the report would satisfy.
IURA Minutes
August 26, 2021
Page 3 of 14
Graham moved, seconded by Farrell:
HOME-ARP: Continuum of Care Strategic Action Plan
WHEREAS, the U.S. Congress approved and President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan
Act (“ARP” or “ARPA”) on March 11, 2021 for the purpose of providing stimulus to speed America’s
recovery from the health and economic effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic, and
WHEREAS, ARPA provides $5 billion for the HOME Investment Partnership Program-American Recovery
Plan (“HOME-ARP”), to be administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) to provide funding to HOME Participating Jurisdictions to reduce homelessness and increase
housing stability, and
WHEREAS, HUD has notified the City of Ithaca of a one-time allocation of HOME-ARP funds in the
amount of $1,211,929, and
WHEREAS, the Participating Jurisdiction may utilize up to 15% of HOME-ARP funds for administration
and planning activities, and
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, the Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County (HSC) is the Lead Agency of the
Ithaca/Tompkins County Continuum of Care (CoC) that coordinates the local homeless response
system and
WHEREAS, the HSC seeks to engage consulting services to develop a CoC strategic action plan to
identify and prioritize the most impactful actions and investments in facilities and services to address
homelessness and housing instability, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has indicated interest in partnering with the City to provide funding to the
HSC to develop a CoC Strategic Action Plan, and
WHEREAS, a planning activity is an eligible use of HOME-ARP and HOME funds, and
WHEREAS, yet-to-issued final HOME-ARP implementation regulations are anticipated to require PJs to
submit a HOME-ARP allocation plan as a substantial amendment to the 2021 Action Plan, and
WHEREAS, the HOME-ARP allocation plan will require identification of unmet needs and gaps in the
homeless response system and proposed use of HOME-ARP funds to address unmet needs, and
IURA Minutes
August 26, 2021
Page 4 of 14
WHEREAS, the IURA Neighborhood Investment Committee considered this matter at its August 13,
2021 meeting and recommended the following action; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby allocates up to $10,000 to procure independent consultant services
to prepare a CoC Strategic Action Plan, and be it further
RESOLVED, that IURA Chair is hereby authorized, upon review of IURA legal counsel, to execute an
agreement with the Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County to secure professional consulting
services legal services to prepare a CoC Strategic Action Plan, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the source of such funds shall be derived from the following sources in the following
rank order of preference:
1. Funding request to City of Ithaca for ARPA Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
2. City of Ithaca HOME-ARP award
3. 2021 HOME award, and be it further,
RESOLVED, that such funding is contingent upon a match of at least $10,000 from Tompkins County
for the purpose of supporting the CoC’s strategic action plan.
Carried Unanimously: 5-0
B. Committee Chairperson Report
None.
VI. Economic Development Committee (EDC)
A. Community Lending — Request from 209 W. State Street Associates, LLC to Subordinate Mortgage
Lien on 209 W. State Street to Facilitate Refinancing (PB-LF #2: State Theatre of Ithaca, Inc.)
Proulx explained the proposed resolution is associated with the IURA’s 2009 loan to The State Theatre of
Ithaca, Inc. (STI). At that time, the IURA had collateral for both the theatre building itself and a second
mortgage lien on the property located at 209-217 W. State Street, owned by Mack Travis (the President of
the theatre’s Board at the time). 209 State Street Associates, LLC is now seeking to refinance its first
mortgage loan on 209-217 W. State Street and requests the IURA’s consent to subordinate the IURA’s
mortgage lien to the new loan, behind Tompkins Trust Company (TTC). The theatre has been making
regular loan payments over the past 10 years, with a remaining balance of $326,576.52. Over that time,
the theatre has demonstrated its financial stability, while also making various improvements to the
building, currently assessed at $1,850,000. Bohn performed a number of calculations and concluded the
IURA would remain in a fairly secure collateral position. The IURA would certainly be no worse off than it
has been and would arguably be in a slightly better position.
IURA Minutes
August 26, 2021
Page 5 of 14
Proulx moved, seconded by Rosario:
Consent to Subordinate IURA 2nd Mortgage on Property Located a
209-217 W. M.L.K., Jr./State Street (PB-LF #2, State Theatre)
WHEREAS, on January 22, 2009, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) approved a loan of $458,500
to State Theatre of Ithaca, Inc. (STI) to acquire and operate the State Theatre, and
WHEREAS, the IURA loan is secured by the following collateral:
• 1st mortgage lien on the State Theatre building property located at 117 W. State Street.
• 2nd mortgage lien on property located at 209-17 W. State Street.
WHEREAS, 209 State Street Associates, LLC seeks to refinance the first mortgage loan on 209-17 W.
State Street, and requests the IURA consent to subordinate its mortgage lien to the new loan not to
exceed the lesser of $675,000 or 75% of appraised value, and
WHEREAS, as of June 30, 2021, the outstanding principal balance of the STI loan is $326,576.52, and
WHEREAS, the assessed value of the State Theatre property at 117 W. State Street is $1,850,000, and
WHEREAS, the appraised value of the property located at 209-217 W. State St. is estimated to exceed
$900,000, and
WHEREAS, the estimated collateral value of the mortgages securing the IURA loan after proposed
refinancing is substantially more than the outstanding loan balance, and
WHEREAS, at its August 18, 2021 meeting, the Economic Development Committee reviewed this
matter and recommended the following; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby consents to subordinate its existing subordinate mortgage on the
209-217 W. State Street property (also known as the Family Medicine Associates building) to new
financing from the existing first mortgage lender Tompkins Trust Company in an amount not to exceed
$675,000, and be it further
RESOLVED, that IURA Chairperson, upon the advice of IURA legal counsel, is hereby authorized to
execute all necessary and appropriate documents to implement this resolution, including, but not
limited to, executing an intercreditor agreement.
Carried Unanimously: 5-0
B. Inlet Urban Renewal Project
1. Request for Clarification from Common Council
Proulx reported that after the IURA Board adopted its June 2021 resolution, designating Finger Lakes
Development, LLC as the preferred sponsor for its proposed Inlet Island Urban Renewal Project, Common
Council approved the resolution, but inserted the following new condition:
IURA Minutes
August 26, 2021
Page 6 of 14
“Commitment from Developer to include active ground floor uses without reducing affordable housing.”
Proulx observed that Common Council inserted the condition in a manner that suggests the IURA imposed
the condition itself, when that was not the case. During the Committee’s review of the draft Exclusive
Negotiation Agreement (ENA), it concluded the “active ground floor uses” term is too broad and the intent
is not clear. The proposed resolution therefore asks for clarification from Common Council about the
condition and recommends the following more specific language to address Common Council’s concern:
“Ground-Level Activity: The development program shall include public amenities and programming to
enhance ground-level activity and attract City residents to Inlet Island in a manner that does not result in
a reduction of the proposed affordable housing units in the project.”
The Committee believes this new language will provide the developer a far wider array of options for
designing the project.
Lewis explained that, although Common Council voted unanimously to approve the resolution, the
additional condition was inserted by a vote of 6-4, after considerable discussion. She believes the
Committee’s proposed language in the resolution satisfies Common Council’s concern.
Myrick wondered if a gym would be a possible option to include in the affordable housing component,
since it is not a typical commercial use. Bohn replied it should not be required, but a gym could certainly
be a part of the project. Other similar hybrid uses could be an option (e.g., front lobby area).
Farrell asked how much activity the Coast Guard Auxiliary building tends to produce. Bohn replied he has
not seen any activity there himself.
Flash explained FLD’s approach for activating the Coast Guard Auxiliary building would include
incorporating some kind of commercial or community use within the building, while allowing the Coast
Guard Auxiliary to continue operating. The primary method of activation would involve opening up the
Coast Guard Auxiliary’s dock for public use (e.g., fishing lessons, boating safety classes, area history
classes).
Proulx moved, seconded by Farrell:
Inlet Island Urban Renewal Project — Request for Common Council Clarification
WHEREAS, on August 4, 2021, the City of Ithaca Common Council (“Common Council”) reviewed the
IURA’s recommendation to pursue an urban renewal project based on the conceptual development
plan submitted from Finger Lakes Development, LLC, and
WHEREAS, the Common Council adopted a resolution authorizing transfer of certain City-owned lands
on Inlet Island to the IURA for the purpose of structuring a proposed urban renewal project with Finger
Lakes Development, LLC, after amending the resolution to add the following requirement:
IURA Minutes
August 26, 2021
Page 7 of 14
• Commitment by the Developer to include ground floor active use and maintain the
proposed number of affordable housing units, and
WHEREAS, the developer has raised concerns about interpretation of the amended resolution, and
WHEREAS, the developer agrees to commit to develop strategies and programming on Inlet Island to
enhance ground-level activity and attract residents to Inlet Island, but questions feasibility and
desirability of ground-floor commercial uses in the proposed affordable housing building or hometel
buildings, and
WHEREAS, introducing ground floor active use in the affordable housing building will create a financial
challenge for INHS to secure financing for their project as funding regulations require commercial uses
to be separately financed and guaranteed, and
WHEREAS, as the proposed hometel will provide managed apartments that include full kitchens for
rent on a short-term or long-term basis with minimal on-site staffing, the addition of ground floor
commercial uses will tend to increase the size of the building, increase parking demand, and
complicate financing unless a tenant can be pre-identified, and
WHEREAS, the Developer proposes to explore strategies to increase ground-level activity and create
attractions for City residents in the so-called Coast Guard Auxiliary building, public waterfront
amenities and thru programming of outdoor spaces for seasonal enterprises, and
WHEREAS, the IURA is unclear if the City of Ithaca Common Council expects ground floor active use for
the Hometel and/or affordable housing buildings as a condition for approval of an Inlet Island urban
renewal project or whether such ground floor active use is one example of a means to achieve an
objective to increase ground-level activity and attract City residents to the Island; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, the IURA hereby requests the City of Ithaca Common Council to clarify its 8/4/21 guidance
regarding the Inlet Island urban renewal project, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA prefers the following development objective for the urban renewal project:
Ground-Level Activity: The development program shall include public amenities and programming
to enhance ground-level activity and attract City residents to Inlet Island in a manner that does not
result in a reduction of the proposed affordable housing units in the project.
Carried Unanimously: 5-0
2. Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) Resolution
Proulx explained the proposed resolution permits the ENA to be executed. Bohn drafted the initial version
of the ENA, which Flash subsequently suggested changes to, most of which were clarifications. The
Committee spent some time clarifying the timeline and sequence of events, but it did not identify anything
especially controversial in the ENA. The ENA has now been approved by FLD, IURA staff, and the
Committee.
IURA Minutes
August 26, 2021
Page 8 of 14
Bohn noted that Common Council cannot approve the Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA)
until the project has gone through the Environmental Review process with the Planning and Development
Board. The ENA will guide the development process until that time (which could take as long as a year),
providing a framework with deadlines/benchmarks.
Proulx moved, seconded by Rosario:
Inlet Island Urban Renewal Project – Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA)
WHEREAS, on June 24, 2021, the IURA voted to selected Finger Lakes Development, LLC (“FLD”) as a
qualified and eligible sponsor (“Preferred Developer”) to undertake an Inlet Island urban renewal
project subject to the City of Ithaca Common Council (“Common Council”) authorization to transfer
City-owned lands to the IURA via a contingent option agreement, and
WHEREAS, on August 4, 2021, the Common Council authorized transfer of certain City-owned lands on
Inlet Island to the IURA for the purpose of structuring a proposed urban renewal project, and
WHEREAS, an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (“ENA”) will structure negotiations and responsibilities
between the IURA and Preferred Developer to develop a proposed Disposition and Development
Agreement (“DDA”) to convey real property to the Preferred Developer to undertake a specific
development project for the urban renewal project, and
WHEREAS, at its August 18, 2021 meeting, the IURA Economic Development Committee reviewed a
draft ENA and recommends the following; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby authorizes the IURA Chairperson, subject to review by IURA legal
counsel, to execute Exclusive Negotiation Agreement, dated August 23, 2021, with Finger Lakes
Development, LLC.
Carried Unanimously: 5-0
C. Committee Chairperson Report
None.
VII. Governance Committee (GC)
A. Amendments to Legal Services Contracts
Rosario explained that, even though the Governance Committee did not have the opportunity to meet in
August due to a lack of quorum, two resolutions are being proposed to amend existing IURA legal services
contracts. The IURA Board has periodically adopted resolutions that have not been formally adopted by
the Committee in the interest of time.
IURA Minutes
August 26, 2021
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1. Sharon M. Sulimowicz
Rosario explained that Richard Ruswick (Levene Gouldin & Thompson, LLP) had been reviewing all INHS
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) project contracts, but since he retired in May 2021, Sulimowicz
took over that role with the INHS Founders Way Rental Housing contract. Given the complexity of the
contract, Sulimowicz ended up billing $19,757.50 for her work. Although that amount was reimbursed to
the IURA by INHS, the contract needs to be amended to account for the additional amount.
Rosario moved, seconded by Farrell:
1st Amendment to 2021 Legal Services Contract: Sulimowicz
WHEREAS, the IURA executed a 2021 contract for independent contractor legal services with Mariette
Geldenhuys, Attorney-at-Law, at a maximum hourly rate of $175 per hour with the total amount not
to exceed $6,000, and
WHEREAS, due to the April retirement of Richard Ruswick of Levene Gouldin & Thompson, LLP, who
has previously represented the IURA on Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) transactions
involving HOME funding, Ms. Sulimowicz represented the IURA in INHS’ Founder’s Way LIHTC
transaction), and
WHEREAS, the Founders Way transaction has been completed, and
WHEREAS, the IURA legal fees on that transaction totaled $19,757.50, which was reimbursed to the
IURA by an Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. affiliate, and
WHEREAS, the IURA has received an invoice from Sulimowicz for $19,757.50; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby approves amendment #1 to the 2021 independent contractor
agreement with Sharon M. Sulimowicz to increase the total contract amount not to exceed by
$19,757.50 to $25,757.20, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA Chair, subject to review by IURA legal counsel, is authorized to execute an
amended independent contractor agreement for legal services to implement this resolution.
Carried Unanimously: 5-0
2. Mariette Geldenhuys
Rosario explained the proposed resolution amends Geldenhuys’ contract to account for her work on the
Green Street Garage Development Project’s real estate closings, which were more complex than
anticipated and also delayed from the original schedule. The $14,201 in billed hours will be reimbursed to
the IURA by the City. The contract needs to be amended to account for the additional amount.
IURA Minutes
August 26, 2021
Page 10 of 14
Bohn added that the legal work was more complicated than anticipated due a variety of factors, including:
complex urban setting; easements; deed work; wage agreement; local construction agreement; and a
prevailing wage agreement.
Rosario moved, seconded by Proulx:
1st Amendment to 2021 Legal Services Contract: Geldenhuys
WHEREAS, the IURA executed a 2021 contract for independent contractor legal services with Mariette
Geldenhuys, Attorney-at-Law, at a maximum hourly rate of $230 per hour with the total amount not
to exceed $12,000, and
WHEREAS, the annual legal services contract runs from March 1, 2021 to February 28, 2022, and
WHEREAS, real estate closings on the Green Street Garage Urban Renewal Project were more complex
than anticipated and delayed from the original schedule, and
WHEREAS, the real estate closings with two Sponsors were completed in July, and
WHEREAS, the IURA incurred $14,201 in IURA legal fees on these transactions through July 30, 2021,
and
WHEREAS, legal fees incurred on the Green Street Garage Urban Renewal Project will be reimbursed
from the City of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, current annual legal billing from Geldenhuys totals $15,166.72 through July 30, 2021, and ;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby approves Amendment #1 to the 2021 independent contractor
agreement with Mariette Geldenhuys, Attorney at Law, to increase the total contract amount not to
exceed by $10,000 to $22,000, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA Chair, subject to review by IURA legal counsel, is authorized to execute an
amended independent contractor agreement for legal services to implement this resolution.
Carried Unanimously: 5-0
B. Committee Chairperson Report
None
IURA Minutes
August 26, 2021
Page 11 of 14
VIII. Other Business
A. IURA Financials: July 2021
Bohn reported all HUD Entitlement Program grant projects are generally progressing well, with recent
progress with the Founders Way Rental Housing project, Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP),
and the Small Business Resiliency Fund (SBRF). Those high outstanding balances are now being brought
down considerably. The IURA is waiting to access its 2021 HUD Entitlement Program and additional CDBG-
CV funds. Once that occurs, all those projects will be added to the report.
Mendizabal reported on the outcomes of the ERAP program. When it was launched, there was some
concern about the difficulty of reaching people most in need. It also took a significant amount of time for
the project to be completed. But the final result has been highly encouraging, with the majority of
beneficiaries at/under 30% Area Median Income (AMI). INHS reached disproportionately affected
communities, like African Americans and Hispanics; and it also spent a significant amount of its own funds
on the program.
Characteristics of Assisted Households (Total=39)
Black/African American 13 33.33% White 22 56.41%
Asian 2 5.13% Black & White 0 0.00% American Indian/Alaska Native 0 0.00% Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander 0 0.00%
Other Multi-Racial 2 5.13%
Asian & White 0 0.00%
Hispanic 6 15.38% AMI 0-30% 28 71.79%
30-50% 10 25.64%
50-80% 1 2.56%
>80% 0 0.00%
IURA Minutes
August 26, 2021
Page 12 of 14
Bohn reported a handful of loan repayments remain past due. Liquid State Brewing Company recently
made a double payment, bringing it current.
Bohn reported all leases are current as of today, except Southside Community Center (SCC), which is one
month late.
B. IURA Chairperson Report
Myrick reported that the City is advocating to the State for permission to conduct hybrid virtual/in-person
public meetings, since there have been some problems obtaining quorums for meetings. While the State
appears to be supportive, it would require legislative action, which may take months.
C. Common Council Liaison Report
Lewis reported that Common Council member Stephen J. Smith has resigned and the process to identify
someone to hold his seat is ongoing. The Anti-Displacement/Anti-Eviction Defense Project (AADP) and
Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) projects continue to move forward, although a number of details
remain to be finalized.
Mendizabal reported the HSSP (Housing Stability Support Program) component representing the deepest
intervention will be launching soon, which is a guaranteed income-style approach to provide 12 months of
assistance ($300/mo.) for housing-unstable residents. The first cohort has been selected, with the second
one in the process of being identified. The intent is to reserve approximately half the funds for people in
eviction court, enrolling 12 people at a time, 48 people in total. The Human Services Coalition of Tompkins
County’s (HSC) 2-1-1 program has also received funding to hire two housing specialists. People calling 2-1-
1 about the State’s rental assistance program will be screened by the operators to determine if they
qualify for AADP, using a weighted index of characteristics placing people at risk of eviction (e.g., foster
care households, households with interactions in the justice system, households with a history of
homelessness, single mothers). Qualifying households will then be approached to determine if they would
like to enroll in the program. This whole process will serve as the pilot for launching the MGI program, the
details of which are still being worked out (e.g., identifying the optimum number of months of assistance,
12, 15, or 18).
Graham asked if there will be any analysis of how MGI funding assistance is actually being spent.
Mendizabal replied, yes. One of the benefits of being involved with MGI is that it produces public-facing
dashboards of how beneficiaries are spending the money. To date, the evidence clearly demonstrates that
beneficiaries are using the assistance for basic needs.
D. Staff Report
Bohn reported the Ithaca Farmers Market (IFM) is planning on major upgrades to its site, eventually
requiring action by the IURA Board, since the City leases the IFM site to the IURA, which then sub-leases it
to IFM. Any physical alterations to the site require IURA Board approval. IFM is proposing to upgrade the
parking lot, increase the size of the building, add a new building, and create a four-season portion of the
building. IFM will make a presentation to Common Council in September 2021. Bohn will meet with IFM
leadership to gather more information on the project and ensure Common Council is amenable to the
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August 26, 2021
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project, before any IURA action. The project remains very early in its development process; and many
issues remain unresolved, including how it will be funded.
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August 26, 2021
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Graham remarked he would like to see a full presentation by IFM to the IURA Board. Farrell agreed.
Bohn reported the Green Street Garage Project continues to go through the demolition of the site. One
piece of the garage fell recently and punctured an underground electric vault, which deprived the
Rothschild Building of power for a period of time.
IX. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 10:14 A.M.
— END —
Minutes prepared by C. Pyott, edited by N. Bohn.