Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA)

The IURA works to improve the economic, social, and physical characteristics of low-to-moderate-income neighborhoods in the City and is responsible for: (1) administration of City's HUD Entitlement Grant; (2) issuing loans for affordable housing and job-creating businesses; (3) sale of land for public/private-partnership urban renewal projects; (4) management of Cherry Street Industrial Park; and (5) development of grant applications.

MISSION STATEMENT

The IURA secures and manages resources to improve the social, physical, and economic characteristics of the City of Ithaca by expanding access to quality affordable housing, strengthening neighborhoods and the local economy, and supporting other community development activities. Complete Mission Statement: IURA Mission Statement (PDF).

2022 IURA Call for Proposals 
& Notice of Public Input Meetings 

On behalf of the City of Ithaca, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) seeks proposals for projects to be included in the City’s draft 2022 Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Entitlement Action Plan. Approximately $668,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program funds and $330,000 in HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds are anticipated for projects in the areas of affordable housing, public facilities/infrastructure, economic development, and public services. Projects must principally benefit low- and moderate-income (LMI) people, or remove slum or blighting conditions in the City of Ithaca. Community groups, businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals are invited to submit proposals for projects to be funded through these programs. Interested individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations are urged to submit a funding proposal. Links to application forms and additional information can be found listed further below. Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, access to IURA offices (Third Floor, City Hall, 108 E. Green St.) is limited. The public is encouraged to contact staff at amendizabal@cityofithaca.org to receive information electronically, or, if intending to come to the office, call ahead to the IURA at 274-6565.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 12:00 P.M./NOON, MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 2022

2022 ACTION PLAN SCHEDULE

Public Information & Input Meetings: Further information will be provided at the Public Information & Input Meetings listed below. All meetings will occur via the IURA’s Zoom platform for public meetings. The public is invited to attend to give input and ask questions. Persons needing special accommodation to participate in these meetings should contact the IURA at 274-6565 at least 72 hours prior to the meeting, if at all possible.

Public Information & Input Meeting #1: Tuesday, December 7, 2021, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84308950403?pwd=NXc2ODRzNVlLZkZpZFZtZEwyM0FhZz09

Public Information & Input Meeting #2: Thursday, December 9, 2021, 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83853968661?pwd=cmgxR2lVR04vVVpOT0hKdkFyTHVNdz09

Public Information & Input Meeting #3: Friday, December 17, 2021, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89714835812?pwd=UjMxUGk4cVIzeEZkL1Jmb1BraHJHZz09

Public Information & Input Meeting #4: Saturday, December 18, 2021, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82821185638?pwd=Z25Pa3diUHVGOVdGQytKck9VOS8xQT09

Application Instructions & Forms:
2022 IURA Application INSTRUCTIONS
2022 IURA Application: Economic Development - Uses and Sources Table (FILLABLE)
2022 IURA Application: Economic Development (FILLABLE)
2022 IURA Economic Development Application: Excel Budget Form
2022 IURA Application: Housing (FILLABLE)
2022 IURA Housing Application: Excel Budget Form
2022 IURA Public Facilities/Infrastructure Application: Excel Budget Form
2022 IURA Application: Public Facilities/Infrastructure (FILLABLE)
2022 IURA Application: Public Services (FILLABLE)
2022 IURA Public Services Application: Excel Budget Form
2022 IURA Application: Funding Application Addendum - Fundraising (FILLABLE)
2022 IURA Application CHECKLISTS

Application References:
City of Ithaca 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan
IURA Assessment of Fair Housing: Contributing Factors Explanation & Table
2019-2023 Consolidated Plan: Priority Needs Table
2021-22 CDBG Income Limits
2021-22 HOME Income Limits
Census Tract Map

2022 IURA Adopted Annual Budget (10/28/21)

INLET ISLAND REDEVELOPMENT

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (RFEI)

Deadline Expired

 

The IURA sought conceptual proposals to redevelop underutilized public lands on Inlet Island.  An approximately 2.65-acre waterfront project site is available for potential acquisition and development.  The IURA sought urban renewal projects that improve the physical, social and economic characteristics of the project site and surrounding area, and advance goals and objectives of PlanIthaca, the City’s comprehensive plan and its Waterfront Plan chapter. These plans encourage the following land use objectives: Mixed-use development; housing opportunities at all income levels; public access to the waterfront; better multi-modal connections; and vibrant waterfront.  The goal of the RFEI process was to identify if any respondent’s schematic plan and development program would gain conceptual approval from both the IURA and Common Council as the basis for a proposed urban renewal project to redevelop the site.  The complete RFEI can be viewed via the following link: Inlet Island: Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) (3/3/21). The  Proposals Received, Scoring Sheet, & Meeting Schedule can also be viewed below:


Finger Lakes Development
Visum Development Group
Waterfront Alchemy

Proposals Scoring Sheet

Proposed Meeting Schedule 


On June 24, 2021, the IURA Board unanimously concluded that the top-ranked conceptual development plan for site was submitted by Finger Lakes Development, LLC.

Program Year 2021
HUD Entitlement Grant Program

2021 Action Plan & 

2021 CARES Act CDBG-CV-3 (COVID-19-specific) Activities 

 

The City of Ithaca’s adopted 2021 HUD Entitlement Program Action Plan summary chart and plan for CARES Act CDBG-CV-3 (COVID-19-specific) activities can be viewed below. A more detailed chart is also accessible using the following link: 2021 IURA Action Plan & CDBG-CV Funding Chart (PDF). The complete fully-detailed version of the adopted 2021 HUD Entitlement Program Action Plan can be accessed via the following link: 2021 HUD Entitlement Program Action Plan (PDF).  


IURA Resolution: 2021 Action Plan Amendment #1

 

2021 ACTION PLAN

Project

Sponsor

Amount

HOUSING

110 Auburn St. Homeownership Project*

Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (INHS)

 $24,999.00 

Homeowner Rehab

Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (INHS)

 $100,020.80 

Minor Repair Program

Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (INHS)

 $33,475.00 

State Street Apartments

Visum Develop. Group & Providence Housing Develop. Corp.

 $100,000.00 

511 S. Plain St. For-Sale Duplex*

Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (INHS)

 $77,850.00 

Housing Scholarship Program

The Learning Web

 $75,600.00 

Security Deposit Assistance for Vulnerable Households 

Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga Counties

 $74,000.00 

Security Deposit Assistance Delivery

Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga Counties

 $2,500.00 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ReUse Job Training for Career Pathways

Finger Lakes ReUse, Inc. (FLRU)

 $98,025.60 

Work Preserve Job Training: Job Placements

Historic Ithaca, Inc.

 $67,500.00 

Hospitality Employment Training Program (HETP)

Greater Ithaca Activities Center, Inc. (GIAC)

 $100,643.06 

Economic Development Loan Fund

IURA

 $160,000.00 

PUBLIC FACILITIES

Great Neighbor & Essential Resource

Ithaca Community Gardens, Inc.

 $41,200.00 

Urban Bus Stop Upgrade Project

TCAT

 $17,100.00 

New Gym Renovation

Greater Ithaca Activities Center, Inc. (GIAC)

 $100,000.00 

PUBLIC SERVICES

2-1-1 Information & Referral

Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County, Inc. (HSC)

 $25,000.00 

Work Preserve Job Training: Job Readiness

Historic Ithaca, Inc.

 $20,000.00 

Immigrant Services Program (ISP)

Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga Counties

 $30,000.00 

A Place to Stay

Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga Counties

 $15,000.00 

ADMINISTRATION

CDBG Administration (20%)

IURA

$138,158.60 

HOME Administration (10%)

IURA

$33,471.50 

2021 DRAFT PLAN FOR CARES Act CDBG-CV Activities

Health & Wellness: Smoothies, Food Services, & Yoga

Black Hands Universal, Inc.

 $18,001.60 

On Call Office Subdivision 

Advocacy Center of Tompkins County 

 $5,720.00 

Online Market Discounts for LMI/SNAP Customers 

Ithaca Farmers Market

 $19,068.00 

HVAC Upgrade

St. John's Community Services

 $20,300.00 

TOTAL:

$1,387,601.16

 

This list includes the allocation of anticipated CDBG, CDBG-CV, and HOME awards in the amounts of $680,761, $63,089.60 and $334,715, respectively, and allocation of $309,035.56 from anticipated repayments of prior-year economic development loans and other funds. Questions can be submitted via e-mail at: amendizabal@cityofithaca.org or 108 E. Green St., Ithaca, NY 14850. 


BACKGROUND


The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Entitlement Programs provide Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to more than 1,100 localities and state governments. These flexible sources of funding offer local governments, with citizen participation, the opportunity to fund certain projects, programs, and public services that meet specified national objectives. The City of Ithaca became an Entitlement Community in 2004 and has since provided financial support to dozens of local projects that principally benefit low- and moderate-income (LMI) people by providing decent housing, suitable living environments, and/or expanded economic opportunities. The Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) administers the City of Ithaca’s Entitlement Grant program, on behalf of the City. The IURA invited interested organizations, agencies, businesses, community groups, and individuals to submit applications for projects to be funded for the 2021 Program Year. A chart listing all the applications received can be viewed at the following link as well as schedule information:


2021 IURA Funding Applications Chart

Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH)

The AFH is an updated approach to looking at the fair housing landscape in order to set locally determined fair housing priorities and goals (e.g., are Ithaca residents able to achieve their housing goals; have Ithaca residents ever been treated unfairly in regard to housing; what could improve Ithaca residents' housing situations). The Assessment of Fair Housing is available for review via the following link: http://www.cityofithaca.org/DocumentCenter/View/6952. You can also view the Assessment of Fair Housing Goal Summary Table via the following link: http://www.cityofithaca.org/DocumentCenter/View/7134. Please contact the following person with any questions:

Anisa Mendizabal
Community Development Planner
AMendizabal@cityofithaca.org

Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Data & Mapping Tool


The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule requires cities and towns receiving HUD funding to examine their housing patterns for evidence of housing discrimination. To facilitate this process, HUD created the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Data and Mapping Tool (AFFHT), a publicly accessible interactive web site for conducting the fair housing analyses required by AFFH. AFFHT is a public-facing application, so there are no user registration or access requirements. All users have the same basic permission to use the site. You can access the AFFHT by clicking on the following link:

https://egis.hud.gov/affht

Once you land on the AFFHT web site, you’ll see an introductory pop-up window, where you'll be asked to select the state and jurisdiction you’re looking for, and whether you want to view just that specific jurisdiction’s map, or a map of the entire region. You will then be taken to a subsequent screen where you'll be asked to select a type of map (e.g., "Race/Ethnicity," "Housing Choice Vouchers & Race/Ethnicity," "Demographics & Job Proximity, "Demographics & Environmental Health"). Once you find the type of map you're looking for, click on the "Go to Map" button located at the bottom-right of the application wizard. Depending on the type of map you select, you may then be asked to choose a specific data set for the map (e.g., "Race/Ethnicity Trends, 1990" or "Race/Ethnicity Trends, 2000"). For more detailed information about each map, including illustrated instructions on how to use the mapping tool, please refer to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) User Guide at the following link: https://www.hudexchange.info/resources/documents/AFFH-Data-and-Mapping-Tool-User-Guide.pdf.

You can also click on the following link to go to a page containing tools, guidance, training, data/mapping, and other resources related to the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule: https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/affh/resources/#tools-for-fair-housing-planning-under-the-affh-rule.

Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) Data Tables

  1. AFH Data Table: Table 1 - Demographics (5/31/17)
  2. AFH Data Table: Table 2 - Demographic Trends (5/31/17)
  3. AFH Data Table: Table 3 - Racial/Ethnic Dissimilarity Trends (5/31/17)
  4. AFH Data Table: Table 4 - Racially/Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty (RECAPs) (5/31/17)
  5. AFH Data Table: Table 5 - Publicly Supported Hsng. Units by Program Category (5/31/17)
  6. AFH Data Table: Table 6 - Publicly Supported Households by Race/Ethnicity (5/31/17)
  7. AFH Data Table: Table 7 - RECAP/Non-RECAP Demographics by Publicly Supported Hsng. Prg. (5/31/17)
  8. AFH Data Table: Table 8 - Demographics of Publicly Supported Hsng. Develpts. by Prgm. (5/31/17)
  9. AFH Data Table: Table 9 - Demographics of Households w. Disproportionate Housing Needs (5/31/17)
  10. AFH Data Table: Table 10 - Demographics of Households with Severe Housing Cost Burden (5/31/17)
  11. AFH Data Table: Table 11 - Publ. Supp. Hsng. by Prgrm. Cat. - Units by No. Bdrms.-Child. (5/31/17)
  12. AFH Data Table: Table 12 - Opportunity Indicators by Race/Ethnicity (5/31/17)
  13. AFH Data Table: Table 13 - Disability by Type (5/31/17)
  14. AFH Data Table: Table 14 - Disability by Age Group (5/31/17)
  15. AFH Data Table: Table 15 - Disability by Publicly Supported Housing Program Category (5/31/17)
  16. AFH Data Table: Table 16 - Homeownership/Rental Rates by Race/Ethnicity (5/31/17)