IURA approves short HUD extensions for Learning Web and Habitat projects and reduces REACH supportive-housing units

The Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency on July 23 unanimously approved short time extensions for two HUD-funded projects and a modification to the REACH rehabilitation project that reduces the number of permanent supportive housing (PSH) units.

Staff summarized the requests, saying both the Learning Web and Habitat for Humanity projects are close to completion but need extra time to finalize paperwork before HUD deadlines. “They are both extremely close,” the staff presenter said, describing one project’s tragic lease disruption and both projects’ proximity to final expenditures. The board moved and the Chair called the motions carried unanimously.

On REACH, staff explained that because the project is a rehab (not a demolition) and because state requirements for medical-respite units affect room sizes, the project team revised floor plans and reduced PSH from 10 units proposed in January to 8 in the updated design. Board members approved the modification without recorded opposition.

Votes at a glance

• Learning Web — motion to approve a 120-day extension for the project modification; moved by Donna, seconded by Cheyenne; outcome: approved unanimously.

• Habitat for Humanity — motion to approve a short extension of the project’s 120-day timeline to allow final bank and closing paperwork for two homes; moved by Cheyenne, seconded by Carl; outcome: approved unanimously.

• REACH project modification — motion to approve revised floor plans reducing permanent supportive housing units from 10 to 8 due to footprint and state medical-respite size constraints; moved (motion noted in meeting); outcome: approved unanimously.

Why it matters

The short extensions preserve developers’ ability to close and spend HUD funds without forcing projects to forfeit awards because of timing or a single delayed lease or bank document. The REACH modification formalizes a reduction in PSH capacity driven by physical constraints and state unit-size rules, which affects the project’s final service capacity.

What board members noted

Board members encouraged community outreach to recruit applicants for board and committee vacancies and reaffirmed the agency’s intent to support projects that are close to completion. The Chair and staff emphasized coordinating communications so eligible projects are not disadvantaged by calendar and approval timing.

Next steps

Staff will implement the time extensions and proceed with the REACH project under the revised floor plans. The agency did not record individual roll-call votes in the minutes beyond noting that motions “carried unanimously.”