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Committee unanimously approves HHAP application for 80‑bed Cherry Street shelter
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Summary
The Tompkins County Budget, Capital and Personnel Committee voted unanimously to authorize a Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP) application for an 80‑bed adult shelter at 227 Cherry Street and to back county-level funding if needed; staff said they will submit the application on day one of the RFP.
Tompkins County’s Budget, Capital and Personnel Committee on April 13 approved a resolution authorizing the county to apply for Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP) funds to build an 80‑bed adult shelter at 227 Cherry Street and approved related county support.
Corsa, who presented the proposal, said the county previously purchased the Cherry Street property and intends to apply to HHAP as soon as the state opens the RFP. "The maximum amount we can apply for is $50,000,000," Corsa said, and staff shared a project estimate and the intention that the county would provide local funding if the grant does not fully cover costs.
Corsa described the present project cost in the application packet and said the county has already paid roughly $1.2 million for the land. She told the committee the current project estimate in the materials is approximately $18,041,642 (transcript formatting unclear) and that the county would likely contribute a local share to finish the facility; she framed exact local obligations as contingent on the final grant outcome and bidding. "We are hopeful we stand a good chance based on the program we have put together," Corsa said.
Committee members asked operational and budget questions. Randy urged a long‑term strategy on homelessness, saying repeated, reactive spending has been costly and suggesting a broader plan to guide shelter investments. Veronica and Christie emphasized the need for boots‑on‑the‑ground input and recommended that Health and Human Services weigh in before major policy shifts. Veronica said the Cherry Street shelter concept had been part of county planning since the property purchase and that an HHAP application matched earlier commitments.
The resolution was moved, seconded and adopted unanimously. The item will proceed to Health and Human Services for further review before it reaches the full legislature; staff said they will complete a final concept paper with the state before submission.
What happens next: Staff will complete the state concept review and submit the HHAP application when the RFP opens; the project will return to committee and additional legislative committees as required for capital planning and budget approvals.
