Ruth Aslanis

The Project Review Committee Meeting agenda includes discussions and anticipated actions for several projects. The review of 'The Hive' project involves revisiting preliminary and final site plan approvals granted in previous years due to proposed changes necessitated by newly adopted FEMA floodplain maps, including building relocation, amenity changes, and unit count adjustments, which may require variances. The 'Finger Lakes Reuse Site Improvements' project proposes site enhancements and the installation of two awnings, including changes to paving, drainage, and parking space allocation, anticipated to proceed without variances. Finally, the '309 College Avenue Apartments' project, involving the demolition of a fire station for a new mixed-use building, is slated for CEQR review concerning transportation, construction, noise, odor, and light impacts. The agenda also includes a review of the subsequent meeting agenda for March 24, 2026.

The agenda for the IURA Economic Development Committee meeting includes a review of the minutes from the February 10, 2025 meeting. New business focuses on the 2026 HUD Entitlement Program, specifically reviewing funding applications such as the Coordinated Pathways to Permanent Local Employment by Finger Lakes ReUse, Inc., and the Hospitality Employment Training Program by GIAC, Inc., alongside the IURA Economic Development Loan Fund. A possible executive session is scheduled to discuss matters concerning the acquisition, sale, or lease of real property, or the acquisition or exchange of securities, where publicity could affect their value.

The agenda for the IURA Economic Development Committee meeting primarily centers on the 2026 HUD Entitlement Program. Key new business items include the review of the 2026 HUD Entitlement Program applications, specifically focusing on funding applications from Finger Lakes ReUse, Inc. for the "Coordinated Pathways to Permanent Local Employment" and GIAC, Inc. for the "Hospitality Employment Training Program," as well as review of the IURA Economic Development Loan Fund. The committee also planned for a possible executive session to discuss matters regarding real property transactions or securities where publicity would affect value.

The agenda for the meeting includes a call to order, review of minutes from January and February 2026, and new business focusing on the review and discussion of 2026 HUD Annual Action Plan Applications related to Economic Development and Public Services. Other business involves an IURA Grants Summary and a Staff Report. The document also contains related draft minutes from meetings held in January and February 2026, which discuss Continuum of Care updates, adjustments to 2025 Project #15 "Work Preserve: Job Readiness," Common Council Legislative Policies updates, IURA Grants Summaries for November 2025, and the renewal of Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc.'s designation as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) and Community Based Development Organization (CBDO). Discussions also covered the 2026 Annual Action Plan application review, focusing on Public Facilities applications, and an overview of the latest Tompkins County Housing Snapshot.

The agenda for the Common Council meeting included several key items across multiple orders of business. Discussions were scheduled for Sustainability; Finance & Administration; Quality of Life and Human Service; Public Safety; Housing; and further Finance & Administration matters. Specific items included a 2026 SEQR Lead Agency Concurrence for the Planning and Development Board, establishing the City of Ithaca as lead agency for the Raw Water Transmission Main improvements project, and approving an amendment to the 2026 Authorized Personnel Roster to transfer a vacant Maintainer position from Public Works to the Ithaca Youth Bureau. Additionally, a bond authorization was sought for an additional $474,000 for the "Green Hydrogen as a Non-Wires Alternative" Project. The agenda also reserved time for Proclamations and Awards, Petitions and Hearings of Persons Before Council, Mayor Appointments, the City Manager Monthly Report, and a potential Executive Session.