HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-IURA-2021-12-16Approved: 1/27/22
108 E. Green St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-6565
MINUTES
ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY
8:30 A.M., Thursday, December 16, 2021
Members: Mayor Svante Myrick, Chair; Karl Graham; Chris Proulx; Tracy Farrell, Vice-Chair; Laura
Lewis, Common Council Liaison
Excused: Eric Rosario
Staff: Nels Bohn; Anisa Mendizabal; Charles Pyott; Lisa Nicholas
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. Review of Meeting Minutes: October 28, 2021
Farrell moved, seconded by Proulx, to approve the meeting minutes, with no modifications.
Carried Unanimously: 4-0
V. Economic Development Committee (EDC)
A. Technical Assistance Funding Request: Buffalo Street Cooperative, Inc. (BSB)
Proulx explained that the Committee and BSB discussed the prospect of hiring a business consultant to
further develop and broaden BSB’s business plan. After considerable work/research, BSB identified a
consultant with significant experience with food co-ops; so BSB is exploring the possibility of establishing a
book café and further developing its co-op ownership model. BSB plans to submit four separate types of
potential business models to the consultant, Seven Roots, to help it best determine how BSB can move
forward. The proposed technical assistance grant of $4,400 would come from Urban Development Action
Grant (UDAG) funds, which are more flexible than standard HUD Entitlement Program funds in terms of
how they are used. BSB will share the outcomes of the consultant’s report with the IURA.
IURA Minutes
December 16, 2021
Page 2 of 12
Proulx moved, seconded by Farrell:
Technical Assistance to Buffalo Street Cooperative, Inc. (BSB)
WHEREAS, Buffalo Street Cooperative Inc., dba Buffalo Street Books (BSB), applied for loan
assistance in the 2021 HUD Entitlement Grant funding process to fund an events and community
outreach coordinator as a means to improve financial operations, and
WHEREAS, BSB is a long-standing, bookstore business located at 215 N. Cayuga St. that was purchased
by community members in 2011, and
WHEREAS, the IURA raised questions about the BSB’s proposed approach to achieve financial
sustainability and satisfy job creation requirements, did not recommend the project for funding in the
2021 Action Plan, and encouraged continued consultation regarding the business model, and
WHEREAS, in October 2021, BSB management consulted with the IURA Economic Development
Committee (EDC) resulting in the EDC encouraging BSB to submit a funding request for technical
assistance to hire a qualified business consultant to review BSB’s business model to expand revenues
in a manner consistent with their mission, and
WHEREAS, BSB has selected a qualified business consultant who has submitted a proposal for
technical assistance services, and
WHEREAS, retention and growth of an independent bookstores is critical to the health and success of
downtown and contributes to the physical, social, economic, and cultural life of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, at their December 14, 2021, meeting the EDC reviewed this matter and recommends the
following action; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby approves a technical assistance grant in an amount not to exceed
$4,400 to Buffalo Street Cooperative, Inc. to hire Seven Roots to conduct an operational review of
Buffalo Street Books, including an analysis of growth opportunities for feasibility and to determine the
best path forward for financial feasibility, and be it further
RESOLVED, that funding shall derive in the first instance from miscellaneous revenues held in the
Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) account, which fund had a balance of $143,831 as of
12/10/21, and be it further
RESOLVED, if the IURA issues a future loan to BSB to implement the business plan, then the funding
shall derive from the CD-RLF account, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA Chair, subject to review by IURA legal counsel, is authorized to execute an
agreement to implement this resolution.
Carried Unanimously: 4-0
IURA Minutes
December 16, 2021
Page 3 of 12
B. Loan Application: Finger Lakes ReUse, Inc. (FLRU)
Proulx explained that FLRU, a long-time IURA grant recipient, recently requested additional financial
assistance from the IURA for job retention to enable it to weather the challenges of the past 1½ years. While
it has benefited from a massive influx of donated materials over that time, it also needs sufficient staff to
process and inventory the materials. Bohn’s 12/15/21 memorandum to the IURA Board provides a good
summary of the issues involved with the funding request, as excerpted below:
The Economic Development Committee (EDC) met on December 14th and reviewed a $150,000 request from
Finger Lakes ReUse Inc. (FLRU) for a forgivable loan to retain 5 FTE jobs. The EDC did not adopt any resolution
on the matter and plans to continue discussion in January after FLRU has adopted a 2022 operating budget.
No action on this item is recommended at the 12/16/21 IURA meeting.
In many ways, FLRU is a community economic development dynamo. They now have 80 employees who each
earn a living wage. FLRU has a long history of hiring people facing barriers to stable employment. 25% of their
workforce were receiving public assistance prior to being hired. FLRU diverts over 700 tons of materials
annually away from the waste stream. FLRU also works with several service agencies to provide furnishings
and household goods to outfit apartments for persons lacking household goods and furnishings.
Through the pandemic they have continued to increase sales by 20%/year at reuse stores and the volume of
materials received has soared. The pandemic restrictions and health warnings also resulted in the loss of
much of their volunteer workforce that was critical to receiving, sorting, and processing recyclables.
Volunteer workers were replaced with new employees that increased the payroll of FLRU. Without increased
financial support, FLRU will need to make staff reductions in 2022.
Complicating matters is a CDBG prohibition on loans to non-profits except for property acquisition and
construction activities, so FLRU is not eligible for a loan from the ED loan fund to retain jobs. However, FLRU
is eligible for CDBG assistance to a Community Based Development Organization (CBDO) to carry out a
community economic development project. In 2020 and 2021 the IURA funded FLRU to carry out job
training/placement programs as a CBDO.
Approximately $70K-$100K is potentially available to reprogram from job training to job retention without
disrupting delivery of job training services as the COVID pandemic slowed implementation of job training
activities.
It will assist the EDC if the IURA provides general guidance on how to approach the FLRU funding request.
Following are options for IURA consideration moving forward on the funding request based upon the
following common financial assistance framework:
Amount: $150,000
Form of Assistance: Forgivable Loan
CDBG Eligibility: CBDO special activity carrying out a community economic development project resulting
in job retention of low/mod income persons at no more than $35K/job
Funding Sources: Reprogram $75K from 2020 FLRU job training award plus $75K reprogrammed from ED
loan fund (current ED loan balance is $230K)
Outcomes/Goal: Job retention of 5 FTEs held by low/mod persons and achievement of $2.3M in 2022
earned revenues
Interest Rate: 0%
Term: 2 years
IURA Minutes
December 16, 2021
Page 4 of 12
Repayment: No repayment due if 5 FTE jobs retained for 18 months. If jobs not retained, full
repayment of 1/5 of loan for every job not retained is due at the end of the loan term.
Collateral/Security: None
Proulx remarked the Committee expressed three primary reservations about the funding assistance:
(1) FLRU does not want a loan (even if forgivable), but a grant, due to the current state of its balance sheet
and concerns about how additional debt would appear to other prospective funders;
(2) IURA’s loan fund is a valuable resource and FLRU’s financial projections do not show adequate positive
cashflow by the end of 2022, so the funding assistance would come with a not inconsiderable amount of risk
to the IURA;
(3) funding assistance to FLRU from the loan fund also involves an opportunity cost, using funds that would
otherwise be used to earn additional income to fund another future project and stimulate new economic
activity.
Proulx added the Committee had limited time at its last meeting to fully discuss the best possible funding
option; so it was mutually agreed to resume discussion in January 2022, which also enabled the proposal to be
discussed beforehand by the full IURA Board and provide guidance to the Committee.
Farrell asked if the minimum timeframe for the retention of the jobs is one year. Bohn replied the IURA
usually requires evidence of sustained job-creation/retention over two consecutive quarters. In this case, the
intent would be for FLRU retain the jobs for at least one year, although FLRU asked that it be for the shortest
possible period, due to the balance sheet issue mentioned earlier. (Bohn had initially proposed 1½ years.)
Proulx noted FLRU appears to be exploring alternative staffing structures and efficiencies, but that process has
not been completed, complicating the situation from the IURA’s perspective, if other jobs could potentially be
impacted.
Nicholas asked how unusual the current proposal is in comparison to how the IURA normally operates.
Bohn replied there are some common components to it, as well as some components unique to this
particular situation. Typically, job-retention activities are associated with funding assistance designed for a
specific economic development purpose (e.g., assistance to Cinemapolis to purchase digital film
equipment). It is not common for it to simply be used for staff salaries. In this case, FLRU is making the
argument that it would achieve long-term sustainability after the positions are retained.
Proulx observed FLRU is in large part a victim of its own success, with its enormous and increasing influx of
donated materials, but it is difficult to determine from FLRU’s financial statements the extent to which its
retail operations are genuinely sustainable. FLRU is essentially asking the IURA to plug a whole in its
operating costs, which is due to some degree of inefficiency and not the lack of capital investment.
Farrell wondered if FLRU’s use of volunteers would be part of its staffing structure study. Bohn replied he
knows FLRU has been focusing on examining the volunteer coordinator position and clarifying which
management structure would best support the volunteers.
IURA Minutes
December 16, 2021
Page 5 of 12
Lewis observed FLRU also received funding from the County to produce a business operations assessment,
which seems positive. She asked if the IURA knows any more about that initiative. Bohn replied FLRU will
do not have access to that funding until 2022 and it constitutes the final payment from the County.
Graham asked if FLRU is being compensated for the deconstruction work it has been doing recently. Bohn
replied he does not believe there is any form of cash compensation. FLRU simply wants to harvest
salvageable materials.
Graham asked if the job-retention requirement would be specifically tied to the five staff positions. Bohn
replied, yes; it would be tied to the five positions (as required by CDBG) and the IURA would need to
identify the positions before providing any funding assistance.
Myrick indicated he would be willing to risk some funding assistance, at some level.
Graham remarked he is leaning towards providing funding assistance, since FLRU’s sales are projected to
continue increasing and the five positions are essential for processing materials and increase sales. In his
view, the risk seems relatively low for the IURA, so he would support providing the entire amount as
proposed.
Farrell noted she would lean closer to providing half the requested assistance.
Proulx remarked he is probably the most pessimistic about the proposal. He would really like to
understand from FLRU in greater detail precisely what would be required to get through this pinch-point
to a sustained level of growth. He would also like to know which aspects of FLRU’s operations are not
sustainable. The Committee will continue to discuss the proposal at its next meeting.
Proposed Resolution
Loan Assistance to Finger Lakes ReUse, Inc. to
Carry Out Community Economic Development Project
WHEREAS, on December 8, 2021, Finger Lakes ReUse, Inc. (FLRU) applied for $150,000 in loan assistance from
the IURA to retain 5 jobs held by low- and moderate-income persons at their recycling and retail facility located
at 214 Elmira Rd., Ithaca, NY and meet their $2.3M revenue sales target in 2022 to continue sustainability and
growth of FLRU operations, and
WHEREAS, FLRU requests the IURA to repurpose $75,000 of 2020 CDBG funds awarded to FLRU for job
training/placement activity to a job retention forgivable loan to retain at least 2 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) jobs
at the Ithaca ReUse Center located in Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, FLRU further requests an additional $75,000 in loan funds as a forgivable loan to retain three
additional jobs, and
WHEREAS, FLRU is a non-profit corporation employing over 40 persons whose mission is to enhance
community, economy and the environment through reuse, and
WHEREAS, FLRU activities divert over 700 tons of materials from landfills through their reuse operations and
retail stores, and provides job skill training and experience to under-employed, low-income persons
experiencing barriers to employment, and
IURA Minutes
December 16, 2021
Page 6 of 12
WHEREAS, FLRU is an IURA-designated Community Based Development Organization (CBDO), and WHEREAS,
eligible CDBG activities must be both a listed eligible activity and meet a national objective, and
WHEREAS, retention of jobs held by low- and moderate-income persons meets a national objective when job
loss would occur but for provision of CDBG assistance, and
WHEREAS, CDBG economic development loan assistance to non-profit subrecipients under 24 CFR 570.203 is
limited to acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation activities, therefore FLRU’s proposed activity is not an
eligible use of economic development loan funds, and
WHEREAS, FLRU’s proposed use of funds is eligible as a Special Activity carried out by a Community-Based
Development Organization (CBDO) authorized at 24 CFR 570.204 to implement a community economic
development project if the FLRU board continues to meet CBDO composition requirements, and
WHEREAS, a project that “increases economic opportunity, principally for low- and moderate-income persons,
or that are expected to create or retain businesses or permanent jobs within the community” qualifies as an
eligible community economic development project, and
WHEREAS, FLRU’s project will retain jobs essential for achieving FLRU’s goal to increase earned revenues to
$2.3M in 2022 as a means to sustain and grow FLRU operations and jobs, and
WHEREAS, the applicant has provided financial information in the draft 2022 budget that reasonably
documents the job positions to be retained will be terminated without financial assistance, and
WHEREAS, it is prudent to use public funds for job retention activities only when jobs retained are projected to
remain financially sustainable, and
WHEREAS, the following jobs are projected to be retained as a result of requested financial assistance:
If $75,000 loan (2 jobs) If $150,000 loan (5 jobs)
• Building Materials Specialist • Building Materials Specialist
• Assistant Manager • Assistant Manager
• Warehouse Assistant (2)
• Project Coordinator
WHEREAS, each of the above positions is held by low- and moderate-income persons, and
WHEREAS, the proposed uses of project funds are:
$218,332 Salary/Wages & Benefits
$218,332 Total, and
WHEREAS, the proposed sources of project funds are:
$68,332 FLRU revenues
$150,000 IURA
$218,332 Total, and
WHEREAS, the applicable CDBG public benefit standard for economic development projects requires at least
one FTE job be retained for every $35,000 of loan assistance, and
WHEREAS, if the project will retain two FTE jobs, then the maximum loan assistance available is $70,000, and
WHEREAS, FLRU is a certified living wage employer, and
IURA Minutes
December 16, 2021
Page 7 of 12
WHEREAS, FLRU has secured funding from Tompkins County to complete a business operations assessment in
early 2022 to improve business efficiencies, and
WHEREAS, job positions to be retained appear to be sustainable if 2022 earned revenues of $2.3 million are
achieved and 2022 expenses before depreciation do not exceed $2.85 million, and
WHEREAS, as an economic activity not associated with new construction the activity qualifies at 58.35(b)(4) as
a Categorically Excluded from the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), but is subject to Federal flood
hazard regulations, and
WHEREAS, at its December 14, 2021 meeting, the IURA Economic Development Committee reviewed the loan
application and recommends the following action; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby approves a community economic project to be carried out by a CBDO
pursuant to 24 CFR 570.204 in accordance with the loan application and supplemental submissions, subject to
the following terms:
Borrowers: Finger Lakes ReUse, Inc. as a Community-Based Development Organization
Loan Amount: Up to $70,000
Project: Carry out a community economic development project resulting in job retention of at least
two (2) FTE jobs held by low- and moderate-income persons at the Ithaca ReUse Center
located in the City of Ithaca to sustain and grow job opportunities.
Total Project Cost: $101,500
Projected Use of IURA Funds: Wages and Salaries.
Interest Rate: 0.0%
Term: 2 years
Repayment: No repayment due and loan forgiven provided borrower complies with quarterly job
reporting documenting the job retention goal has been achieved for two consecutive
quarters and the positions remain filled through June 2023. If the job retention goal is not
achieved, then the full loan balance is due and payable at the end of the loan period.
Loan Collateral: None
Personal Guarantor(s): Personal guarantee required from an individual or individuals determined by the
IURA to possess sufficient net worth and liquidity to secure the loan.
Job Creation/Retention: Retention of at least two (2) FTE employment positions held by low- and moderate-
income persons.
Loan Conditions
1. Submission of adopted FLRU 2022 budget with a positive net ordinary income based on earned revenues of
approximately $2.3 million.
2. Confirmation that the FLRU Board satisfies CBDO composition requirements.
3. Submission of personal financial statement of a personal guarantor possessing sufficient net worth and
liquidity to secure the loan.
IURA Minutes
December 16, 2021
Page 8 of 12
4. Common Council approval of a substantial amendment to the 2020 HUD Entitlement Action Plan to
reallocate funds from the FLRU ReUse Job Skills Training and Employment Connections activity to fund this
loan.
Reporting:
1. Annual company Federal tax returns and annual internally prepared financial statements.
2. Job retention/creation reporting.
3. Documentation of project Match Funding.
And be it further,
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby approves a substantial amendment to the 2020 Action Plan to reprogram
funding from the ReUse Job Skills Training & Employment Connections activity to the FLRU community
economic development project resulting in job retention , and
RESOLVED, that the Director of Community Development for the IURA is authorized to issue a loan
Commitment Letter in accordance with this resolution, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA Chairperson, upon the advice of IURA legal counsel, is hereby authorized to execute
all necessary and appropriate documents to implement this resolution.
C. Committee Chairperson Report
Proulx reported the Committee continued its discussion with the Inlet Island project developer about
activation of the project’s ground-level components. Overall, it was a good discussion. The developer
changed the traffic flow design; and there was considerable discussion about integrating the Cayuga
Waterfront Trail (CWT) with the project’s various components. The developer seems committed to designing
the project to comply with Common Council’s ground-level activation request.
VI. Neighborhood Investment Committee (NIC)
A. Salvation Army CDBG-CV Emergency Assistance Program: Contract Extension
Graham explained the proposed resolution provides a contract extension for the mortgage payment
assistance program. This is the first IURA-funded project the Salvation Army has undertaken. It is currently
working with at least one LMI household and marketing its program to identify more homeowners. The
Salvation Army is hopeful it would be able to meet its goals. The Committee was satisfied it has been taking
the appropriate steps to meet the goals.
Lewis asked how confident the Committee is that the new May 28th, 2022 deadline is realistic. Graham
replied it believes the Salvation Army is taking the correct steps to complete the program, but there
remain several unknown factors that could delay the program.
IURA Minutes
December 16, 2021
Page 9 of 12
Graham moved, seconded by Farrell:
Salvation Army CDBG-CV Emergency Assistance Program: Contract Extension
WHEREAS, as part of the amended 2019 HUD Entitlement Annual Action Plan for the City of Ithaca, the
Salvation Army was awarded $20,000 for the “COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Program,” to provide
mortgage assistance to four LMI homeowners suffering from impacts of the coronavirus global
pandemic, and
WHEREAS, in a letter dated July 5, 2021, the Salvation Army requested a 120-day extension, and
WHEREAS, the Director of Community Development granted a 120-day extension to November 28, 2021,
and
WHEREAS, to date, the Salvation Army is working with partner agencies to market their program and
identified one homeowner seeking mortgage assistance, and
WHEREAS, Salvation Army has hired an outreach worker whose duties will include identifying three more
LMI homeowners in need, and
WHEREAS , in a letter dated November 3, 2021, the Salvation Army requested a further extension of 180
days to May 28, 2022 to expend or return funds, and
WHEREAS, the IURA Neighborhood Investment Committee reviewed this matter and recommends the
following; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby authorizes a time extension to May 28, 2022 of the funding agreement
with the Salvation Army for the “COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Program”, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA Chair is authorized to execute a contract amendment(s) to implement
this resolution.
Carried Unanimously: 4-0
B. Committee Chairperson Report
Graham reported the Committee continues to search for someone to fill the new Committee vacancy.
VII. Other Business
A. Standardize Security Deposit Assistance Programs: Catholic Charities (CCTT)
Bohn explained the proposed resolution was not reviewed by the Neighborhood Investment Committee
(NIC), due to time limitations, although Mendizabal did discuss it with each of the Committee members.
IURA Minutes
December 16, 2021
Page 10 of 12
Mendizabal explained that CCTT currently has four active security deposit assistance contracts with the
IURA, each with its own specific set of requirements, which can make it challenging to operate them. The
Federal and State eviction moratoria delayed expenditures of funds. In order to expedite expending the
funds and maintain a certain degree of uniformity across the programs, CCTT proposed converting all its
contracts to permit providing full security deposits to all applicants, which would also provide a greater
level of financial assistance to those households.
Graham moved, seconded by Proulx:
Standardize Security Deposit Assistance Programs Operated by Catholic Charities
WHEREAS, Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga Counties (CCTT) has four (4) active City of Ithaca HUD
Entitlement Awards for tenant-based security deposit assistance programs:
YEAR SOURCE
FUNDS REMAINING
as of 11/30/21
(and % of total
contract amount)
Portion of Household’s
Security Deposit Funded by
Contract
Exceptions
2019 HOME $5,174.70
(8% of $64,000)
Partial ($500; $750 if 3-
bedroom or larger)
5 full deposits to Housing
for School Success families
2019 CDBG-CV $9,672.00
(39% of $25,000)
Full security deposits for
COVID-affected applicants
n/a
2020 HOME $66,821.42
(13% of $76,416.48)
Partial ($500; $750 if 3-
bedroom or larger)
5 full deposits to Housing
for School Success families
and OAR Re-Entry referrals
2021* HOME $74,000
(0% of $74,000)
Full security deposit for
every applicant
5 full deposits for Housing
for School Success families
will continue to be set aside
*2021 contract has not been executed; would need project modification to extend contract date rather than
contract extension.
and,
WHEREAS, State and Federal eviction moratoria prompted by the coronavirus global pandemic
resulted in slower than anticipated expenditure of CCTT’s various security deposit awards, and
WHEREAS, CCTT’s 2019, 2019 CDBG-CV, and 2020 contracts have needed, or will need, by December
31, 2021, extensions to accommodate slowed demand, and
WHEREAS, CCTT has requested necessary extensions and contract modifications to continue
distribution of security deposits to those in need, and
WHEREAS, CCTT requests the amount of assistance provided to tenants be set at the full security
deposit for all CCTT-administered security deposit programs, and
IURA Minutes
December 16, 2021
Page 11 of 12
WHEREAS, CCTT’s CDBG-CV and 2021 projects specify full security deposits; changing all security
deposit programs to be full deposits will improve equity among beneficiaries, assist the most
vulnerable households secure housing, and promote administrative efficiency, and
WHEREAS, extending CCTT’s 2020 and 2021 contract expirations to June 30, 2023, is appropriate to
address temporary reduced demand for security deposits during eviction moratoria; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby approves CCTT’s request to unify the amount of security deposit
assistance provided across all IURA-assisted CCTT security deposit assistance programs to permit full
payment of the security deposit, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the number of projected beneficiary households be revised for the 2019 and 2020
security deposit programs to reflect higher assistance per household beneficiary, and be it further
RESOLVED, in recognition of eviction moratoria, termination dates for completion of the 2020 and
2021 security deposit programs be extended to June 30, 2023, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the IURA Chair, upon review IURA legal counsel, is authorized to execute agreements
to implement this resolution.
Carried Unanimously: 4-0
B. IURA Financials: November 2021
Bohn reported all HUD Entitlement Program grant projects are generally progressing well. The Grant
Summary now includes the IURA’s 2021 HUD Entitlement Program activities. There has been some
concern the IURA will not be able to meet the June 1st, 2022 CDBG spend-down ratio deadline. As of
today, the IURA needs to expend $309,368.23 to meet satisfy the requirement, so this is something staff
will be monitoring closely. CDBG-CV funds do not count towards the spend-down ratio.
Bohn reported all loan repayments are now current, with one minor exception: The Canopy Hotel.
Bohn reported all leases are current, as of today, except for the Ithaca Farmers Market (IFM), which is one
payment late.
C. IURA Chairperson Report
None.
D. Common Council Liaison Report
Lewis reported four Common Council members will be retiring at the end of the month, so next year will
represent an adjustment for both new members and the Council as a whole.
IURA Minutes
December 16, 2021
Page 12 of 12
Lewis reported that 110 low- and moderate-income (LMI) caregivers who qualify will be randomly selected
to participate in the Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) program and receive $450 per month for one
year. Applicants must be primary unpaid caregivers, defined broadly to include people who spend
significant unpaid time caring for children (including parents) or caring for an aging or disabled adult.
Mendizabal has been working very hard to develop the program.
E. Staff Report
Bohn reported NYS announced its Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) awards and the Ithaca Farmers
Market (IFM) received $339,150 to develop the site (e.g., enhanced pavilion and grounds; ADA access;
bus/shuttle services) to transform the market into a year-round waterfront destination. $500,000 was also
awarded to the Friends of Stewart Park to redevelop the splash park.
The County has been working on its facilities planning and recently agreed to sell its Sears Street
properties to Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) for affordable housing.
VIII. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 10:10 A.M.
— END —
Minutes prepared by C. Pyott, edited by N. Bohn.