County Approves Public Hearing for Hotel Occupancy Tax and Infrastructure Grants

A pivotal discussion on housing and infrastructure funding took place during the Tompkins County Housing and Economic Development Committee meeting on July 16, 2025. The committee unanimously approved a public hearing for a proposed law requiring property owners to attest compliance with safety regulations, including the provision of fire extinguishers and emergency plans. This law aims to enhance safety standards across the county, with property owners required to re-register every two years.

In a significant move for local development, the committee also addressed funding requests from three municipalities, all exceeding the $20,000 budget allocated for the Affordable and Supportive Infrastructure Grant Program. The city of Ithaca is seeking $10,000 to hire a consultant for developing preapproved designs for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), following recent legislation supporting ADU development. The town of Danby is requesting $10,000 to further its sewer and water plans, while the town of Dryden aims to study development options in a key area, requesting $9,900 for their project.

The committee faces a decision on how to allocate the limited funds, with discussions highlighting the importance of responding to these applications promptly to avoid leaving potential projects unfunded. The outcome of these funding requests could significantly impact local housing and infrastructure development, addressing critical needs in the community.