Ithaca URA committee opens review of 2025 Action Plan; flags possible zero HUD funding and probes major housing and job-training proposals

The Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency Neighborhood Investment Committee opened its review of 22 applications for the 2025 Action Plan, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME requests, and signaled plans to expand contingency planning after staff warned of the “distinct possibility” the city could receive zero HUD funding this year.

Staff told the committee the preliminary funding picture includes an anticipated HUD CDBG allocation of about $662,000 and estimated CDBG program income of approximately $170,000, producing roughly $806,000 available for CDBG‑eligible activities; HOME program income returning from prior projects was discussed at about $12,000 with an anticipated HOME award of roughly $244,000. Staff said these figures will be used for initial planning but emphasized the committee must prepare contingency resolutions for outcomes ranging from full awards to no HUD funds.

Committee members then reviewed individual housing and economic‑development proposals and asked applicants for specific clarifications to include in applicant presentations or the public hearing. Major discussion points included:

INHS senior housing and daycare (209 West State/Geneva block): Staff and committee members discussed whether the proposed acquisition request covered a city‑owned parking lot or a privately owned building. Staff said the county…