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Committee affirms three resolutions including expanding IDA seats and a call for greater federal accountability
Summary
The Tompkins County Housing & Economic Development Committee unanimously approved three member motions: reaffirming the request to expand TCIDA board seats, a member‑filed call for federal investment (amended to emphasize measurable results and affordability), and an $80,000 award for a Habitat modular home under the Community Housing Development Fund.
The Housing & Economic Development Committee voted unanimously on three formal items during its May 6 meeting.
Resolution 14043: expand TCIDA membership — Legislator Greg Mezy moved and Adam Vincent seconded reaffirming the legislature’s request for home‑rule action in Albany to increase Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency (TCIDA) board seats from seven to nine, with the intent to reserve or consider a seat for a local school district. Committee members discussed how IDA incentives (tax abatements, phased tax revenue) can accelerate development while phasing in revenues for school districts. The motion passed by roll call; recorded yes votes included Mike Sigler, Greg Mezy, John Hunt and Adam Vincent.
Resolution 14061: federal investment call (amended) — A member‑filed resolution from Legislator Messi urging greater federal investment in housing, infrastructure and economic development was presented. After discussion an amendment to change the language to call for "timely action, measurable results, and affordability issues" (striking the word "domestic") was proposed and adopted as friendly to the mover; the amended resolution then passed on a unanimous roll‑call vote.
Resolution 14055: CHDF award to 610 West Court Street — Staff presented a recommendation from the program oversight committee to disperse $80,000 in Workforce Housing Policy funds to the Community Housing Development Fund (Round 25) for a Habitat for Humanity modular home at 610 West Court Street. Staff explained the funding model: developers receiving pilot agreements pay $5,500 per affordable unit equivalent into the fund, and CHDF awards braid multiple funding sources. The committee discussed buyer income targets (roughly 60% of area median income), mortgage arrangements and long‑term resale controls (community land trust/limited equity). The motion to authorize dispersal passed unanimously on roll call.
Votes at a glance: - Resolution 14043 (TCIDA expansion): mover Greg Mezy; second Adam Vincent; outcome: approved (unanimous roll call). - Resolution 14061 (federal investment, amended): mover Legislator Messi; second Adam Vincent; amendment adopted; outcome: approved (unanimous roll call). - Resolution 14055 (CHDF Round 25 award to 610 West Court St., Habitat): mover Greg Mezy; second John Hunt; outcome: approved (unanimous roll call).
Why it matters: the TCIDA expansion is a legislative request that must proceed through Albany for home‑rule approval; the federal investment resolution is a formal local statement of priorities intended for higher‑level elected officials; and the CHDF award directs county funds toward an affordable home with long‑term resale limits to preserve affordability. All decisions were procedural and advisory where applicable; no binding state or federal policy changes were enacted by the committee.
