The IURA Neighborhoods & Housing Committee expressed support for adding a Cherry Street sidewalk extension to an existing Cecil A. Malone Drive contract, and moved to ask the economic development committee and Common Council to advance approximately $70,000 in reprogrammed funds for the work.

Ari, Sidewalk Program Manager in the city engineering department, described the stretch near the Ithaca Art House and Tabor Street as a “dangerous” pedestrian gap used by residents of nearby affordable housing. “This will be not only benefit, the Ithaca Art House Compass is gonna benefit all West Hill and low income or affordable housing apartments in that area,” Ari said, arguing the extension would improve accessibility, equity and safety.

Ari reported a line‑item estimate of $69,842.74 to add the two short Cherry Street segments and noted the sidewalk would be five feet wide and ADA‑accessible. Staff and committee members discussed maintenance responsibility (city engineering/bridge program likely to clarify), construction sequencing with adjacent lots, and the risk of damage if a private developer begins construction on adjacent parcels. Engineering staff said the city can require contractors to sequence projects to prioritize pedestrian safety by making the project an early item in the contractor’s schedule.

Procurement and funding path: Committee members were briefed that using the economic development loan fund balance would require a formal reprogramming of CDBG funds (a change of use from loans to public facilities), which is a substantial amendment because it exceeds the agency’s minor amendment threshold. Staff explained substantial reprogramming requires public notice, a hearing and Common Council approval before HUD review; that process can take several weeks. Committee members expressed interest in moving quickly and asked staff to notify the economic development committee and Common Council about the proposal immediately.

Committee action: The committee voted to express support for using economic development funds to complete the Cherry Street sidewalk up to the Cecil A. Malone Drive intersection and to request that the economic development committee advance the reprogramming process expeditiously. The motion was seconded and recorded as carried unanimously at the committee meeting.

Why it matters: The work would close a documented pedestrian gap adjacent to affordable housing and provide an ADA‑compliant walking connection to downtown, reducing safety risks for residents who walk or use mobility devices.

Next steps: Staff will convey committee support to the economic development committee, clarify maintenance responsibility with engineering, and outline the public‑process timeline for reprogramming funds and submitting a substantial amendment to HUD.