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Tompkins County submits concept paper to OTDA for Cherry Street emergency shelter; RFQ for nonprofit operator due May 12
Summary
County administration said Tompkins County submitted an initial concept paper to New York State OTDA for a proposed emergency shelter on Cherry Street and scheduled a follow-up OTDA meeting to advance design and an HHF funding application. The county has issued an RFQ for a nonprofit partner; responses were due May 12.
Tompkins County administration told the Housing & Economic Development Committee on May 21 that the county has moved the Cherry Street emergency-shelter proposal into the state review phase and is seeking a nonprofit partner to develop and operate the facility.
County Administrator Bridget reported that the county submitted an initial concept paper to the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and that a meeting with OTDA is scheduled for early next week to discuss the concept and advance more detailed design work needed for an application to the state's HHF funding program. Bridget also said the county has issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) to identify a nonprofit partner to develop and operate the shelter; responses were due May 12 and the county expects to review them and pursue a partnership.
Why it matters: An operational shelter in county ownership or partnership is a key element of Tompkins County's strategy to address homelessness and to pursue state HHF (Homeless Housing and Prevention) funding. The RFQ and state discussions mark early but important steps in moving the Cherry Street concept toward final design and an HHF application.
What was said in the meeting: "We did submit to OTDA at New York State our initial concept paper through our work with our consultant," Bridget told the committee, and the county "have a meeting scheduled with OTDA early next week to start to talk through that initial concept, and that will allow us to move into more concrete design, and in anticipation of submitting an application for the HHF funding." She added that the RFQ for a nonprofit operator closed on May 12; the county will review submissions and hopes to enter into a partnership for operation.
Decisions and next steps: No formal vote was required. The county reported it will proceed to the OTDA meeting and evaluate RFQ responses; staff will return with progress updates. Funding through the HHF program remains contingent on state review and the county's final application.
What was not specified: The county did not state a target capacity for the proposed Cherry Street shelter, construction costs, or an estimated project schedule. Bridget said the RFQ responses are under review but did not name potential nonprofit partners at the meeting.
