Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA)

The IURA works to improve the economic, social, and physical characteristics of the low-to-moderate-income neighborhoods in the City and is responsible for the following activities: (1) administration of City's HUD Entitlement Grant; (2) issuance of 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 Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency 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.

IURA Mission Statement & Performance Goals (PDF)

― PUBLIC HEARING ―

City of Ithaca Proposed Disposition of Property

Green Street Parking Garage Urban Renewal Project

Western & Center Sections ― 120 E. Green St., Ithaca, NY

A Public Hearing will be held remotely at 6:00 P.M., Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at the Planning and Economic Development Committee (PEDC) of the City of Ithaca Common Council on a proposed Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) to sell real property located at the western and center sections of the Green Street parking garage to undertake an urban renewal project in accordance with section 507 of New York General Municipal Law. City of Ithaca Common Council approval is required to approve the above referenced real property conveyance.

The meeting will be conducted remotely via online platform Zoom and live-streamed on the City of Ithaca Public Meeting YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RtJN1P_RFaFW2IVCnTrDg

Type of Disposition: Purchase agreement for fee simple ownership

Seller: Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency Purchaser: Vecino Group New York, LLC

Property: An approximately 54,600 sq. ft. parcel located at the western sections of the Green Street Garage project site, 120 E. Green Street, Ithaca, NY (part of tax parcel #70.-4-5.2).

Purchase Price: $1

Project Summary: A mixed-use redevelopment including 181 affordable housing units, 356 new and refurbished public parking spaces, an approximately 50,000 sq. ft. conference center, and retention of the Cinemapolis cinema.

Seller Contingencies:

A. Compliance with all terms of the Disposition and Development Agreement

B. Issuance of a building permit for the project

C. Proof of project financing secured to complete the project

D. Executed parking lease agreement with City of Ithaca

The full Disposition and Development Agreement is available below:

Green St. Garage: DDA (executed by Vecino) with Attachments (11/5/20)

http://www.cityofithaca.org/DocumentCenter/View/12151/Green-St-Garage-DDA-executed-by-Vecino-with-Attachments-11520

Green St. Garage: Final Subdivision Plat (1/5/21)

http://www.cityofithaca.org/DocumentCenter/View/12152/Green-St-Garage-Final-Subdivision-Plat-1521

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Directions for submitting written or oral comments will be described in the PEDC meeting notice posted to the Agenda Center: http://www.cityofithaca.org/AgendaCenter.

For more information, please contact Nels Bohn at nbohn@cityofithaca.org.

Program Year 2021
HUD Entitlement Grant Program
Call for Proposals & Funding Applications

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.

Program Year 2021 HUD Entitlement Program award amounts have not yet been released by HUD. The City estimates approximately $668,000 in CDBG funding and $297,000 in HOME funding will be available. Additionally, there is approximately $60,000 in CDBG-CV funds available for projects that specifically prevent, prepare for, and/or respond to the spread of COVID-19. The IURA invites interested organizations, agencies, businesses, community groups, and individuals to submit applications for projects to be funded for the 2021 Program Year. Completed applications are due by: 12:00 p.m. (noon), Friday, February 26, 2021. See submission requirements and procedures on the last page of your application form.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, access to IURA offices may be 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 in advance: (607) 274-6565. Further information will be provided at Public Input Meetings on Thursday, January 14, 2021, 5:00-6:00 p.m. and Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 12:00-1:30 p.m. One-on-one technical assistance is available upon request (IURA staff schedule permitting) to anyone considering applying. Please make appointment requests as soon as possible by contacting: Anisa Mendizabal, amendizabal@cityofithaca.org, (607) 274-6565.

PUBLIC INFORMATION & INPUT MEETINGS

PUBLIC INFORMATION & INPUT MEETING #1

Thursday, January 14, 2021, 5:00-6:00 p.m. Staff will review program guidelines and answer any questions you may have about your specific project. The meeting will be conducted remotely via online platform Zoom. To participate directly via Zoom, use one of the following links: https://tinyurl.com/y9qox3w6 or https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89536994877?pwd=RXk0R3JIdFk2bldrSnlEVFh1VmtCUT09.

Live-Stream Video: A non-interactive YouTube live-stream of the meeting can also be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RtJN1P_RFaFW2IVCnTrDg.

PUBLIC INFORMATION & INPUT MEETING #2

Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 12:00-1:30 p.m. Staff will review program guidelines and answer any questions you may have about your specific project. The meeting will be conducted remotely via online platform Zoom. To participate directly via Zoom, use one of the following links: https://tinyurl.com/y9qox3w6 or https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89536994877?pwd=RXk0R3JIdFk2bldrSnlEVFh1VmtCUT09.

Live-Stream Video: A non-interactive YouTube live-stream of the meeting can also be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RtJN1P_RFaFW2IVCnTrDg.

IURA PUBLIC HEARING

IURA BOARD MEETING #1: PUBLIC HEARING #1

8:30-11:30 A.M., Thursday, March 25, 2021

The meeting will be conducted remotely via online platform Zoom. To participate directly via Zoom, use one of the following links:

https://tinyurl.com/yy6xdqrr or

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87436506132?pwd=aVMrQ3ZjcUEvU3ZYRXNEcC9kM2Y4UT09

Live-Stream Video: A non-interactive YouTube live-stream of the meeting can also be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RtJN1P_RFaFW2IVCnTrDg.

IURA BOARD MEETING #2: PUBLIC HEARING #1 (CONT.)

8:30-11:30 A.M., Thursday, April 1, 2021

The meeting will be conducted remotely via online platform Zoom. To participate directly via Zoom, use one of the following links:

https://tinyurl.com/yy6xdqrr or

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87436506132?pwd=aVMrQ3ZjcUEvU3ZYRXNEcC9kM2Y4UT09

Live-Stream Video: A non-interactive YouTube live-stream of the meeting can also be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RtJN1P_RFaFW2IVCnTrDg.

Application Forms, Instructions, & Resources

2021 City of Ithaca/IURA HUD Action Plan Schedule
http://www.cityofithaca.org/DocumentCenter/View/12102/2021-City-of-Ithaca-IURA-HUD-Action-Plan-Schedule

City of Ithaca 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan
http://www.cityofithaca.org/documentcenter/view/10148/draft-2019-2023-consolidated-plan-5819

City of Ithaca 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan: Priority Needs Table
https://www.cityofithaca.org/documentcenter/view/10903/2019-2023-consolidated-plan-priority-needs

Census Tract Map
www.cityofithaca.org/documentcenter/view/1424

2020 CDBG-CV IURA Application Form Instructions (PDF)
https://www.cityofithaca.org/DocumentCenter/View/11411/2020-CDBG-CV-IURA-Application-Form-Instructions-PDF

2020 CDBG-CV IURA Application Form (fillable PDF)
https://www.cityofithaca.org/DocumentCenter/View/11402/2020-CDBG-CV-IURA-Application-Form-fillable-PDF

CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE & EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER)

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

The City of Ithaca is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to report annually on its progress in implementing its Consolidated Plan. The report, known as the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER), will be submitted to HUD on January 27, 2021. Covering the 2019 Program Year, the report is being made available for public comment (via the link below) from January 12, 2021 until 4:00 p.m., January 27, 2021. Hardcopies may be requested by contacting: Charles Pyott, cpyott@cityofithaca.org, (607) 274-6565, Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA), 108 E. Green St., Ithaca, NY 14850. The public may submit written comments to the IURA at the address above or e-mail comments to: cpyott@cityofithaca.org. Public comments will be attached to the CAPER and forwarded to HUD.

2019 Consolidated Annual Performance & Evaluation Report (CAPER)

Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Program (CDBG-CV) / Coronavirus Aid, Relief, & Economic
Security Act (CARES Act)

As part of The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, & Economic Security Act (CARES Act), additional CDBG funding (“CDBG-CV”) was awarded to the City of Ithaca from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The City was allocated $401,624.00, of which $321,299.20 is available to fund projects. The CARES Act adds additional flexibility for the CDBG-CV grant in these unprecedented times. The Public Comment period was reduced to not less than 5 days. Waivers and alternative requirements can be granted when necessary to expedite and facilitate the use of funds to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. CDBG-CV grants are subject to oversight, reporting, and requirements that each grantee has adequate procedures to prevent the duplication of benefits. The IURA Board determined it would follow a two-pronged approach to identify recommended uses of CDBG-CV funding:
• Directed activities to address priority needs where a capable sponsor is pre-identified.
• Activities selected through an open competitive process.

The IURA Board also preliminarily identified the following priority community needs:
1. Renter households whose ability to pay rent has been reduced by COVID-19 impacts.
2. COVID-related relief, prevention, or recovery of persons experiencing homelessness.
3. Small businesses adversely impacted by public health mandates and guidelines.
4. Anchor non-profits entities with at least 51% earned income adversely impacted by public health mandates and guidelines.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
The first allocation of CDBG-CV funds was awarded to Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) to assist renter households by providing $190,000 towards the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), leaving $131,299.20 unallocated.

Program Launch Dates by County
June 8: Schuyler & Seneca Counties
June 15: Tioga & Tompkins Counties

INHS Q&A Video Presentation Excerpt

Please click on the following link to go to the INHS application web page:

INHS COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program

CDBG-CV Funding Proposals
The IURA also issued a Call for Funding Proposals for uses of CDBG-CV funds, with a May 26, 2020 deadline. It received 17 applications (accessible further below) and initially reviewed them at the 5/28/20 IURA Board meeting, a video recording of which can be view via the following link: 5/28/20 IURA Board Meeting Video Recording. The IURA Board subsequently scheduled a special meeting for 6/4/20 (link to YouTube recording), at which it made the following funding recommendations:

2020 CDBG-CV All Applications Received (5/26/20)

2020 CDBG-CV Funding Schedule

CDBG-CV & 2020 Action Plan: Virtual Public Hearing Participation Instructions

2020 HUD Entitlement Program
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program

City of Ithaca/IURA 2020 Action Plan

The Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) received 23 funding applications for projects to be included in the City of Ithaca’s draft 2020 Annual Action Plan. Approximately $682,732 in CDBG and $335,173 in HOME funds are expected to be available from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for affordable housing, public facilities/infrastructure, economic development, and public services projects. Projects must principally benefit low- and moderate-income (LMI) people, or remove slum/blighting conditions in the City. Community groups, businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals were all invited to submit proposals for projects to be funded through these programs. Eligible types of projects include: AFFORDABLE HOUSING; ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT; PUBLIC SERVICES; & PUBLIC FACILITIES. The 2020 HUD Entitlement Program two-part Public Hearing (8:30-11:30 A.M., Thursday, March 26, 2020 and 8:30-11:30 A.M., Thursday, April 2, 2020) was conducted remotely, using the online video conferencing service provider: Zoom. Links to the Public Hearing recordings have been posted below.

Public Hearing #1: 8:30-11:30 A.M., Thursday, March 26, 2020
- Link to Zoom Video Recording (MP4 File) (570 MB)
Public Hearing #1 (cont.): 8:30-11:30 A.M., Thursday, April 2, 2020
- Link to Zoom Video Recording (MP4 File) (421 MB)

2020 Adopted Action Plan
2020 Adopted Action Plan Summary Table

List of 2020 Funded Activities

Activity	Sponsor	Amount
Small Repair Program	Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS)	$32,500.00
Founder’s Way For-Sale Townhomes	Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS)	$200,000.00
Northside Apartments	Cayuga Housing Development Corporation	$90,877.94
Security Deposit Assistance for Vulnerable Households	Catholic Charities	$76,416.48
Security Deposit Assistance Delivery	Catholic Charities	$2,500.00
ReUse Job Skills Training & Employment Connections	Finger Lakes ReUse	$75,000.00
Work Preserve Job Training: Job Placements	Historic Ithaca	$67,500.00
Hospitality Employment Training Program (HETP)	Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC)	$75,000.00
Reimagining Ithaca Community Gardens	Project Growing Hope	$25,150.00
Food Pantry Mechanical Dock Leveler	Tompkins Community Action	$14,470.00
ADA Curb Ramps at West Village/Elm St. Bus Stop	IURA	$11,000.00
GO ITHACA Low-Income Support	Center for Community Transportation	$12,200.00
2-1-1 Information & Referral	Human Services Coalition	$20,000.00
Work Preserve Job Training: Job Readiness	Historic Ithaca	$20,000.00
Immigrant Services Program	Catholic Charities	$30,000.00
Economic Development Loan Fund	IURA	$255,917.61
CDBG Administration	IURA	$136,546.40
HOME Administration	IURA	$33,517.30
	TOTAL:	$1,178,595.73

This list includes allocation of anticipated CDBG and HOME awards of $682,732 and $335,173, respectively, and allocation of $160,690.73 from anticipated repayments of prior-year economic development loans and other funds.

More Information: Please contact Anisa Mendizabal, Community Development Planner: amendizabal@cityofithaca.org.

Disposition & Development Agreement (DDA) w. Attachments (9/5/19)

The Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) solicited proposals to redevelop the Green Street Parking Garage site for a project that increases housing choices and retains sufficient parking to meet current parking utilization, as well as additional parking demand created by the project. Other preferred uses include ground-level active uses on Green Street and a conference center. The IURA is authorized to negotiate the property sales price and the development program, subject to final City of Ithaca Common Council approval. The IURA seeks fair market value for the property, but expects deductions in consideration of community benefits provided by the project (e.g., below-market housing; reconstruction of public parking at developer’s expense). At its April 26, 2018 meeting, the IURA Board voted to re-open the original RFP process with a June 1, 2018 deadline for the submission of applicant qualifications. The following three such applications were received: Visum Development Group; Harold's Holdings; Vecino Group. The following four complete applications were subsequently received by the July 31, 2018 deadline. The RFP and all associated documents can be viewed at the following link: http://www.cityofithaca.org/bids.aspx?bidID=71.

RFP APPLICATIONS RECEIVED:

McKinley Development Proposal (3/1/18)

Visum Development Group Proposal (7/31/18)

Vecino Group Proposal (7/31/18)

Harold's Holdings Proposal (7/31/18)

IURA QUESTIONS & APPLICANT/STAFF RESPONSES:

Green St. Garage: Harold's Holdings - Response to IURA Questions (9/10/18)
Green St. Garage: Ithaca-Peak Development - Clarifications to Response to IURA Questions (9/11/18)
Green St. Garage: Ithaca-Peak Development - Response to IURA Questions (9/11/18)
Green St. Garage: Vecino Group - Response to IURA Questions (9/7/18)
Green St. Garage: Visum-Newman - Response to IURA Questions (9/7/18)

Green St. Garage: IURA Questions to Developers (10/5/18)
Green St. Garage: IURA Staff Responses to 10/5/18 IURA Questions
Green St. Garage: Responses to IURA Questions - Harold's Holdings (10/19/18)
Green St. Garage: Responses to IURA Questions - Newman-Visum (10/19/18)
Green St. Garage: Responses to IURA Questions - Vecino Group (Oct. 2018)
Green St. Garage: Report - Economic Benefit of Conference Center

Green St. Garage: IURA Questions to Top Two Applicants (11/5/18)

CURRENT PROGRESS STATUS:

The IURA Economic Development Committee (EDC) initially reviewed and discussed the applications at its August 21, 2018 meeting. On September 14, 2018, the Committee reviewed and numerically ranked the four applications, which formed the basis of its recommendation to the IURA Board. The IURA Board reviewed and discussed the rankings at its September 27th, 2018 meeting (including a Public Hearing), and subsequently ranked the four applications on October 25, 2018 (see image of table further below), recommending the top two projects to Common Council for discussion: Vecino Group New York, LLC and Newman Development Group, LLC. A joint Common Council-IURA Board meeting was held on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 to discuss the project and the two top-ranked proposals. A variety of additional questions and concerns were brought up at the meeting, which both applicants addressed in the following two documents:

Green Street Garage: Vecino Group - Final Proposal/Responses with Addendum (11/30/18)
Green Street Garage: Visum Development Group - Final Proposal/Responses (11/30/18)

On December 13, 2018, the IURA Board met, reviewed additional documents from the applicants, listened to additional public comments, and unanimously adopted a resolution designating Vecino Group New York, LLC as the preferred developer and “qualified and eligible sponsor,” authorizing entry into an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) period with the sponsor for the purpose of structuring a proposed Disposition and Development Agreement. The Disposition and Development Agreement shall be subject to approval by both the IURA Board and the Common Council:

Disposition & Development Agreement (DDA) w. Attachments (9/5/19)

Green St. Garage Redevelopment: Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) (4/11/19)

ENA Submission for AsteriIthaca (Vecino Group) (6/21/19)

Assessment of Fair Housing

The Assessment of Fair Housing is available for review via the link below:

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

WHAT IS THE 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).

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.

Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA)