Ithaca public meetings in 2025

Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency

The IURA Board will consider a resolution to approve a memorandum of understanding with the City for an Encampment Response Coordinator. It will also vote on a resolution to adopt minor amendments to the HUD Entitlement Program to meet CDBG timeliness requirements. The board will receive a report on the 2026 Annual Action Plan overview and draft schedule, as well as grant, loan, and lease activity reports and updates from the mayor, IURA chair, and staff. Standard procedural items such as call to order, agenda changes, public comments, and review of the November 20 minutes are also on the agenda.

• Resolution on City/IURA MOU for Encampment Response Coordinator
• Resolution on HUD Entitlement Program minor amendments for CDBG timeliness
• Report on 2026 Annual Action Plan overview and draft schedule
• IURA Grant, Loan, & Lease reports for November 2025
• Reports from Mayor/IURA Chair, Common Council Liaison, and staff

Community Police Board

The Community Police Board will approve the November meeting minutes and hear announcements and public comment. Reports will be presented by the City Council, Police Department, and City Clerk. The board will consider old business and then discuss three new business items: Use of Force Policies, NACOLE, and Reasonability.

• Approval of November meeting minutes
• Public comment period
• Report from City Council
• Discussion of Use of Force Policies
• Discussion of NACOLE and Reasonability

Planning & Development Board

The Planning & Development Board will consider final approval for a major subdivision at 614-722 S Meadow Street that would reconfigure four tax parcels into six new parcels. The board will also review site plans for a new apartment building at 602 W Buffalo Street and a modified site plan for The Hive at 132 Cherry Street.

• Final Subdivision Approval: Creekside Plaza (614-722 S Meadow Street)
• Site Plan Review: The Citizen apartment building (602 W Buffalo Street)
• Site Plan Review: The Hive modifications (132 Cherry Street)
• Sign Package Approval: 445 E State/MLK Jr Street
• Public Comments: Submitted via email or Zoom

IURA Neighborhood Investment Committee

The Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency Neighborhood Investment Committee will hold its regular meeting on December 11, 2025. The committee will discuss an organizational meeting for the 2026 Annual Action Planning Cycle and will vote on a resolution to reprogram available Public Services CDBG funds in accordance with the spenddown workout plan. Additional items include a forthcoming November IURA Grants Summary and a staff report.

• Organizational Meeting – 2026 Annual Action Planning Cycle (discussion)
• Resolution – Reprogramming Available Public Services CDBG Funds per Spenddown Workout Plan (vote)
• IURA Grants Summary – November summary to be released next month
• Staff Report
• Public Comments (if any)

Civil Service Commission

The Ithaca Civil Service Commission held a public hearing and voted to amend Appendix B of the City’s Civil Service Rules by adding four titles under the NY HELP Program. The commission also adopted new job descriptions for an Economic Development Specialist and Program Director at the Community Justice Center and classified a new Project Director for that center. Additional actions included reclassifying an Administrative Assistant in the Youth Bureau to Office Manager, reclassifying a vacant Deputy Director of Economic Development to Economic Development Specialist, and establishing eligible lists for Fiscal Manager and Motor Equipment Mechanic Supervisor. The meeting concluded with approval of various personnel transactions.

• Amendment to Appendix B adding GIAC Program Coordinators, GIAC Program Leaders, Youth Program Coordinators, Youth Program Leaders (HELP Program) to non‑competitive class
• Adoption of new job description(s) for Economic Development Specialist and Program Director – Community Justice Center
• Classification of new Project Director – Community Justice Center position
• Reclassification of Administrative Assistant (Youth Bureau) to Office Manager
• Establishment of eligible lists for Fiscal Manager (60029630, 70014180) and Motor Equipment Mechanic Supervisor (60014160) effective 12/10/2025

Sustainability & Climate Justice Commission

The commission will review updates on the $1.5 million Department of Energy grant for energy assessments, education, and workforce training. Members will discuss the state Energy Conservation & Construction Code for historic properties and plans for participatory budgeting outreach. Additional items include staffing updates, a waste‑reduction recommendation for the Climate Action Plan, and progress on the Municipal Investment Fund.

• $1.5 M DOE grant for energy assessments, education, and workforce training (ICSD and CCE‑Tompkins)
• Discussion of the Energy Conservation & Construction Code of NYS for historic properties
• Participatory Budget Education, Outreach, & Engagement proposal
• Climate Action Plan waste‑reduction recommendation (single‑use plastic reduction exploration)
• Municipal Investment Fund collaborative grant program for decarbonization projects

Common Council

The Common Council will vote to adopt the 2026 Annual Resolutions, which designate the Ithaca Journal as the official newspaper, approve a travel policy funded from existing departmental budgets, name official depositories, and authorize a $5,000,000 public employee blanket bond. The Council will also appoint eight Alderpersons as Marriage Officers for 2026 and reappoint Robert Sparks to the Examining Board of Electricians for a three‑year term ending 12/31/2028. Additional agenda items include a public comment forum, a consent agenda, and routine reports.

• Adoption of 2026 Annual Resolutions covering official newspaper, travel policy, depositories, $5,000,000 blanket bond, and council meeting schedule
• Appointment of Alderpersons DeFendini, Fabrizio, Kirby, Kuehl, Matos, Nguyen, Sewell, Shapiro, Shvets, and Trumble as Marriage Officers for 2026
• Reappointment of Robert Sparks to the Examining Board of Electricians for a three‑year term (2026‑2028)
• Public Comment Forum limited to 30 speakers with a maximum of 3 minutes per speaker
• Consent agenda items (unspecified) scheduled for approval

Common Council

The Common Council is holding a special meeting to conduct an executive session. The session concerns matters leading to the removal of a particular person.

• Executive session regarding the removal of a particular person

Planning & Development Board

The Ithaca Planning & Development Board will review agenda items, approve recent meeting minutes, and hear public comments. It will discuss a major subdivision proposal for Creekside Plaza that reconfigures four tax parcels covering about 20.5 acres on South Meadow Street. The board will also review site plan applications for new residential projects at 602 W Buffalo Street, 121‑125 Lake Street, and 722 University Avenue, and consider a sign package change for Cayuga Park.

• Creekside Plaza subdivision reconfiguration: four parcels (≈20.5 acres) on S. Meadow St., SW‑2 zoning, area variances required
• The Citizen project at 602 W Buffalo St.: new 4‑story, 75,250 SF apartment building with 59 units, 2,307 SF retail, 27 parking spaces
• Breeze Apartments at 121‑125 Lake St.: site‑plan changes including retaining wall material, dumpster relocation, and planting plan adjustments
• Grinspoon Hillel at 722 University Ave.: 3‑story, ≈23,190 SF building for educational and religious programs, U‑1 zoning, no variances needed
• Cayuga Park sign package changes: potential approval of updated signage for the park

Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency

The Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency is meeting to decide on a sublease amendment for the Ithaca Farmers Market and several time extensions for CDBG-funded projects. The board will also discuss program amendments to meet CDBG timeliness requirements.

• Proposed authorization for Ithaca Farmers Market to lease up to 75 parking spaces to Cayuga Health at Steamboat Landing
• Time extension request for Shared Kitchen Ithaca, Inc. (Project #11, 2023 CDBG) to June 30, 2026
• Time extension request for Downtown Ithaca Children’s Center ADA upgrades (Project #10, 2024 CDBG)
• Contract modification request for INHS Homeowner Rehabilitation delivery expenses (Project #2, 2022 and 2023)
• Proposed program amendments to meet CDBG timeliness

Common Council

The Common Council is meeting to discuss delaying the implementation of the Ithaca Energy Code Supplement to July 1, 2026. The body is also considering changes to the city's sign ordinance and personnel adjustments for the Youth Bureau.

• Proposed delay of Ithaca Energy Code Supplement implementation from January 1, 2026 to July 1, 2026
• Proposal to transfer sign variance reviews from the Board of Zoning Appeals to the Planning and Development Board
• Proposed amendment to Youth Bureau 2026 roster to fund one 35-hour Youth Program Leader and defund one 35-hour Youth Program Coordinator
• Public hearings on Southside Rezoning and the Site Plan Review Ordinance
• Discussion on General Fund Balance Policy and the Reparations Working Group

IURA Economic Development Committee

The IURA Economic Development Committee will consider authorizing a parking sublease for up to 75 spaces at Steamboat Landing with Cayuga Medical. It will also review a time‑extension request for the Shared Kitchen Ithaca HUD entitlement grant and discuss options for reprogramming CDBG funds. Additional items include October grant and loan reports and an executive session on a potential real‑property transaction (no action requested).

• Steamboat Landing Sublease – request to authorize a parking agreement for up to 75 spaces with Cayuga Medical
• HUD Entitlement Grant – Shared Kitchen Ithaca (project #11, 2023 CDBG) time‑extension request
• CDBG Timeliness Work Out Plan – review of options for reprogramming HUD funds
• IURA grant disbursement, loan and lease receivable reports for October 2025
• Executive session to discuss proposed acquisition, sale or lease of real property (no action requested)

Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission

The Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission meeting on November 18, 2025 will hold public hearings on two project proposals. One proposal seeks to install a public art mural on the west elevation of 314 West State Street in the Downtown West Historic District. The other proposes replacing the gravel paving of the parking area and associated access drive at 201 Highland Avenue in the Cornell Heights Historic District with asphalt. The agenda also includes old business items such as a window replacement at 102 Triphammer Road, approval of the October 2024 minutes, and discussion of a commission retreat.

• Public hearing: proposal to install a mural on 314 West State Street (Downtown West Historic District)
• Public hearing: proposal to replace gravel paving with asphalt at 201 Highland Avenue (Cornell Heights Historic District)
• Old business: proposal to replace windows at 102 Triphammer Road (Cornell Heights Historic District)
• Approval of minutes from October 2024
• Administrative matter: commission retreat

Planning & Development Board: Project Review Committee

The Project Review Committee will consider the Creekside Plaza major subdivision and parcel reconfiguration at 614‑722 S Meadow Street, which proposes to split four tax parcels into six new parcels and will require area variances. The board will hold a public hearing and conduct a CEQR determination for that project. Additional items include site‑plan change requests for the Breeze Apartments at 121‑125 Lake Street and a public hearing on The Citizen apartment project at 602 W Buffalo Street. The meeting will end with an agenda review for the November 24 meeting.

• Creekside Plaza: reconfigure four tax parcels into six new parcels; area variances required; public hearing and CEQR determination scheduled
• Breeze Apartments (121‑125 Lake St): request site‑plan changes including grading, retaining wall, dumpster relocation, and planting plan; no variances needed
• The Citizen (602 W Buffalo St): propose new 4‑story, 59‑unit apartment building with 2,307 sq ft retail and 27 parking spaces; public hearing and amended CEQR discussion
• Agenda Review for November 24, 2025

IURA Neighborhood Investment Committee

The Neighborhood Investment Committee will vote on two resolutions to modify contracts and extend deadlines for three HOME‑funded housing projects: the 215 Cleveland Avenue for‑sale home and the CHT Sears Street development units. The extensions move the contract expiration to September 30 2026 for the Cleveland project and to April 30 2026 for the Sears Street projects. The committee will also discuss reprogramming available CDBG funds in accordance with the spenddown workout plan. Routine items include reviewing draft minutes, public comments, and staff reports.

• Extend contract for 215 Cleveland Ave. for‑sale home (HOME funding $50,000) to Sept 30 2026
• Extend contracts for CHT Sears St. development (HOME funding $92,140 for 2022 project and $100,000 for 2023 project) to Apr 30 2026
• Resolution – Extension Request – 2024 Project #10 – DICC – ADA compliant doors
• Contract modification request – 2022 & 2023 CDBG/HOME Projects #2 – Homeowner Rehab – INHS
• Discussion – reprogramming available CDBG funds per spenddown workout plan

Common Council

The Common Council will meet to adopt the 2026 budget totaling $111,458,496 and the 2026 tax rate. The meeting also includes the adoption of the 2026 Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant budget and a discussion on a joint ILPC ordinance.

• Adoption of 2026 tax rate set at $12.24 per $1,000 of taxable valuation
• Adoption of 2026 Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Budget for $7,545,582
• Proposed increase of garage rates to $2.25 per hour
• Proposed $500,000 TCAT Over Target Request funded from fund balance
• Proposed $66,000 for an IPD CARE Team position

Budget Meetings

The Common Council will vote on the amended Executive Budget for fiscal year 2026, totaling $111,458,496. It will also set the 2026 general‑purpose tax rate at $12.24 per $1,000 of taxable valuation, creating a tax levy of $34,772,582. Additional items include adopting the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Joint Activity Fund budget and finalizing fee and capital‑funding adjustments.

• Adoption of the 2026 Budget – total appropriations $111,458,496
• Adoption of the 2026 Tax Rate – $12.24 per $1,000 of taxable valuation, tax levy $34,772,582
• Adoption of the 2026 Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Joint Activity Fund Budget – $7,545,582
• Stopgap Package – no changes to the City Manager’s $2,379,699 package
• Elimination of Capital Funds borrowing for Public Safety Camera ($166,000), Fleet Vehicles ($481,000) and Tractor ($63,350)

Civil Service Commission

The Civil Service Commission will approve the minutes from previous meetings and adopt several new and revised job descriptions, including a new competitive Human Resources Coordinator role. It will also re‑title the Recreation Facility Maintainer position and recommend classifications for new roles such as Assistant Fire Chief and Senior Housing Inspector. The commission will continue the suspension of residency requirements for 2026 and establish eligible lists for various civil service positions.

• Adopt new job description for Human Resources Coordinator (competitive) in the Ithaca City School District
• Re‑title Recreation Facility Maintainer to Parks and Recreation Facilities Maintainer
• Revise job descriptions for Deputy Director of Human Resources, Director of Human Resources, and Parks and Recreation Facilities Maintainer
• Recommend classification of new positions: Assistant Fire Chief, Senior Housing Inspector, and others
• Continue suspension of residency requirements for 2026

Common Council

The Common Council will hold a public hearing and vote on the proposed 2026 Budget. Members will also consider updates to electrician licensing and changes to city property license and tax penalty dates.

• 2026 Budget public hearing and council vote
• Proposed electrician license application fee increase from $100 to $150
• Proposed shift of City property license renewal date from April to July
• Proposed change to tax penalty assessment date from October 1 to July 1
• Appointments to the Ithaca Housing Authority Board

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will review a request for five freestanding signs at Cayuga Park Lane and a parking variance for a group home at 402 S. Albany St. The board will also hear a preliminary presentation regarding 402 West Court Street.

• Appeal 3295: Request for five freestanding signs (44 inches tall) at Cayuga Park Lane
• Appeal ZONE-25-7: Area variance for off-street parking at 402 S. Albany St for a St. John's Community Services group home
• Preliminary presentation for 402 West Court Street (Former Red & White Café)

Community Police Board

The Community Police Board will meet on Oct. 29, 2025 at the City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room. The agenda includes approval of September minutes, public comment, and reports from the Police Department, Council, and Clerk. New business items are a conversation with an IPD analyst and a discussion of a proposal to change the complaint form. Old business includes the Flock discussion.

• Approve September meeting minutes
• Public comment period
• Report from the Police Department
• Conversation with IPD analyst (new business)
• Discuss proposal to change complaint form (new business)

Budget Meetings

The Common Council will hold a special meeting immediately after the scheduled 2026 Budget Meeting. The agenda includes a budget review and proposed amendments. The meeting will conclude with a wrap‑up. No public comment period is provided.

• Budget Review and Proposed Amendments
• Council Discussion on 2026 Budget; Proposed Amendments

Common Council

The Common Council will hold a special meeting immediately after the scheduled budget meeting. The council will enter an executive session to discuss a personnel matter. No other agenda items are listed.

• Executive session (Item 2.1) to discuss a personnel matter

Planning & Development Board

The Planning & Development Board will review proposed site‑plan modifications for the Breeze Apartments project, including grading, retaining wall, dumpster relocation, and planting changes. The board will also hear presentations for a new four‑story apartment building at 602 W Buffalo St, and a three‑story Cornell Hillel building at 722 University Ave. Additional items include sign‑package approvals for Cayuga Park and 445 E State St.

• Breeze Apartments (121‑125 Lake St) – potential approval of grading, retaining wall, dumpster relocation, and planting plan changes
• Citizen Presentation – new 4‑story, 75,250 SF apartment building with 59 units, retail and parking at 602 W Buffalo St
• Grinspoon Hillel at Cornell – 3‑story, ~23,190 SF building with community spaces at 722 University Ave
• Cayuga Park – approval of final way‑finding sign package
• 445 E State St – approval of sign package for residential building expansion

Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency

The Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency Board will meet to discuss the 2026 administrative budget and review financial reports from August 2025. The board will also conduct an annual review of its mission statement and a board self-evaluation.

• Adoption of 2026 IURA Administrative Budget
• Annual Review of IURA Mission Statement
• Annual IURA Board Self-Evaluation Form review
• Review of August 2025 IURA Financials
• Review of August 2025 Grant, Loan, and Lease Reports

Common Council

The Common Council will hold a Committee of the Whole study session to discuss amendments to city codes regarding electrician licensing and the use of city real property. A budget meeting will follow the study session.

• Proposed ordinance to allow third-party electrician exams and increase application fees from $100 to $150
• Proposed change to electrician experience requirements from 42 to 60 months
• Proposed updates to reciprocal license fees for electrical work
• Proposed ordinance to move city real property license and permit renewal dates from April 1 to July 1
• Discussion of a Local Law for the Fiscal Year 2026 Tax Cap Override

Budget Meetings

The Common Council will hold a budget meeting to review the 2026 city budget and consider proposed amendments. The agenda includes a call to order, department reviews, and a wrap‑up. No public comment segment is scheduled for this meeting.

• Call to Order
• Department Review
• Council Discussion on 2026 Budget – Proposed Amendments
• Meeting Wrap Up

The Common Council postponed its scheduled discussions on the 2026 budget proposed amendments originally set for October 21 and October 22, 2025. The next discussion is now slated for Wednesday, October 29, 2025. No vote tally was recorded for the postponement.

• Postponed Oct 21, 2025 council discussion on 2026 budget amendments (no vote)
• Postponed Oct 22, 2025 council discussion on 2026 budget amendments (no vote)

Sustainability & Climate Justice Commission

The Sustainability & Climate Justice Commission will conduct a public hearing regarding the Ithaca Green New Deal Climate Action Plan. The body will also discuss recommendations for the Common Council concerning the Climate Action Plan and the Ithaca Energy Code Supplement.

• Public hearing on the Ithaca Green New Deal Climate Action Plan
• Discussion of $1.5M in Congressionally Directed Spending for ICSD energy assessments with a $250K local funding gap
• Review of proposed amendments to the Ithaca Energy Code Supplement (IECS)
• Update on Community Choice Aggregation (T-GEN) administrator contracts and 90-day outreach period
• Report on Sustainability Planner hiring process

Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission

The Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission will hold a public hearing on a retroactive request to approve replacement of wood sash windows at 523 East State Street in the East Hill Historic District. The commission will also review old‑business proposals to replace windows at 102 Triphammer Road and to construct an addition at 230 Wait Avenue, both in the Cornell Heights Historic District. Minutes from the September 16, 2025 meeting will be approved, and administrative items such as staff‑level Certificate of Appropriateness reviews and member reappointments will be addressed.

• Retroactive Certificate of Appropriateness request for window replacement at 523 East State St.
• Proposal to replace windows at 102 Triphammer Rd., Cornell Heights Historic District.
• Proposal to construct an addition at 230 Wait Ave., Cornell Heights Historic District.
• Approval of minutes from the September 16, 2025 ILPC meeting.
• Administrative matters: staff‑level Certificate of Appropriateness reviews and ILPC member reappointment.

IURA Governance Committee

The committee will review a proposed 2026 administrative budget of $465,312. Staff reports that stagnant federal grant funding and inflation are creating a revenue challenge, requiring the use of bank reserves to cover a projected operating shortfall.

• Proposed 2026 Administrative Budget of $465,312
• Projected net operating deficit of $36,114
• Proposed 3% salary increase for 3.63 FTE staff
• $10,000 budgeted for professional services for the Inlet Island Urban Renewal project
• Proposed $30,000 in revenue from a City/IURA MOU for staff reimbursement

Budget Meetings

The Common Council will hold Public Hearing #2 for the 2026 budget on October 15, 2025. Attendees may give brief comments on the budget, with time limits based on group size. The meeting will also include department budget reviews for Public Information & Technology, GIAC, Capital Projects (final review), Funding Outside Agencies, and the Conference Center/Room Tax.

• Public Hearing #2 – budget comments from the public
• Department budget review: Public Information & Technology
• Department budget review: GIAC
• Capital Projects – final review
• Funding Outside Agencies and Conference Center/Room Tax

Common Council

The Ithaca Common Council will hold a public hearing and then vote on a resolution and a local law that confirm the 2026 Sidewalk Improvement District assessments, budget, and work schedule. The items are presented as Item 2.2 (Resolution) and Item 2.3 (Local Law). The meeting is a special voting session following the budget meeting.

• Public hearing on the 2026 Sidewalk Improvement District – comments limited to the subject
• Resolution (Item 2.2) approving the 2026 SID assessments, budget, and work plan
• Local Law (Item 2.3) confirming the 2026 SID assessments, budget, and schedule of work

Budget Meetings

The Common Council is conducting department reviews as part of the 2026 budget process. This meeting focuses on the budgets for DPW, the Controller, Human Resources, and the City Manager.

• Budget review for Department of Public Works (DPW)
• Budget review for Controller
• Budget review for Human Resources
• Budget review for City Manager

Planning & Development Board: Project Review Committee

The Project Review Committee will consider the Creekside Plaza major subdivision, which proposes to reconfigure four tax parcels into six new parcels on South Meadow Street and will require area variances and environmental review. Other items include a preliminary and final SPR approval for the Grinspoon Hillel building at 722 University Avenue, a mixed‑use Waters Edge development with 200 residential units at 683 Third Street, and signage design updates for the Cayuga Park project. The board will also note projects slated for review at the October 28 meeting, such as a sign package for 445 E State Street.

• Creekside Plaza: reconfiguration of four parcels (≈20.5 acres) into six parcels in SW‑2 zone, area variances required
• Grinspoon Hillel at Cornell: 3‑story, ~23,190 SF building on 0.47‑acre site in U‑1 zone, no variances
• Waters Edge: mixed‑use development with 200 residential units and ~1,000 SF micro‑retail on 8+‑acre MD‑zone site
• Cayuga Park: final approval sought for way‑finding signage updates
• 445 E State/MLK Jr St: sign package approval request (not reviewed this meeting)

IURA Neighborhood Investment Committee

The October 9, 2025 meeting of the IURA Neighborhood Investment Committee was cancelled due to a lack of quorum. The next meeting is scheduled for November 13, 2025.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of quorum
• Next meeting scheduled for November 13, 2025

Budget Meetings

The Common Council will conduct Public Hearing #1 regarding the 2026 budget. The meeting includes budget reviews for the Police Department, City Attorney, and Planning and Economic Development.

• Public Hearing #1 on the 2026 Budget
• Budget review: Police Department
• Budget review: City Attorney
• Budget review: Planning and Economic Development

Common Council

The Common Council will vote on personnel roster amendments and a Planning Board appointment. Following the regular meeting, the body will hold a budget meeting and the first public hearing to receive comments on the City Manager’s proposed 2026 Budget.

• Public Hearing #1 on the City Manager’s proposed 2026 Budget
• Funding for two permanent, 20-hour per week Youth Medical Care Provider positions at GIAC
• Youth Bureau roster changes: defunding one Administrative Assistant to fund one Office Manager
• Youth Bureau roster changes: defunding one Youth Program Coordinator to fund one Senior Youth Program Coordinator
• Mayoral appointment to the Planning Board

Civil Service Commission

The Civil Service Commission is meeting to approve exam rosters and establish eligible lists for various municipal roles. The body will also consider revisions to the Director of Information and Community Engagement job description and a position reclassification for the Ithaca City School District.

• Establishment of eligible lists for Fire Lieutenant (11 candidates), Executive Assistant to the City Manager (3 candidates), and Geographic Information System Specialist (5 candidates)
• Approval of exam rosters for Custodian, Deputy Director of Planning and Development, Typist, and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee
• Proposed revision of the job description for Director of Information and Community Engagement
• Proposed reclassification of a Senior Typist position in the Ithaca City School District to Administrative Assistant
• Approval of personnel transactions

Community Police Board

The Ithaca Community Police Board will consider approval of the May and August meeting minutes. Members will elect a chair and receive reports from the Police Department, City Council, and City Clerk. The board will discuss the pending "Flock" item under old business and consider a motion to enter executive session.

• Approval of May and August meeting minutes
• Election of chair
• Report from the Police Department
• Report from City Council and City Clerk
• Old Business – Flock discussion and motion to enter executive session

Budget Meetings

The Common Council is initiating a series of budget meetings to review department spending and capital projects. The September 24 meeting focuses on a municipal fee study, capital projects, and the development of a Community Responder Program.

• Presentation of a Municipal Fee Study identifying over 500 different city fees
• Capital Projects Presentation
• Community Responder Program Development
• Scheduled 2026 Proposed Budget presentation on October 6
• Three scheduled public hearings on October 8, October 15, and November 5

Planning & Development Board

The Planning & Development Board will hear presentations and discuss approvals for the Waters Edge subdivision and site‑plan, the 215 College Avenue redevelopment, the Grinspoon Hillel project, and two sign‑package requests. It will also consider draft housing and sign ordinances and an update on the current housing pipeline.

• Waters Edge subdivision and site‑plan at 683 Third Street: 200 residential units and about 1,000 SF of micro‑retail space
• 215 College Avenue redevelopment: 7‑story, 91 residential units (64,236 GSF) requiring area variances
• Grinspoon Hillel at Cornell, 722 University Avenue: 3‑story, ~23,190 SF building in U‑1 district
• Sign package request for 445 E State/MLK Jr Street (formerly 401): approval of signage for expanded 376‑unit building
• Sign package request for Collegetown Dispensary at 105 Dryden Rd

Common Council

The Common Council will discuss the Sidewalk Improvement District budget and work plan and consider a program amendment to the 2024 HUD Action Plan. The amendment would reallocate $70,000 from the Economic Development Loan Fund to construct about 664 linear feet of ADA‑compliant sidewalk on the 100 block of Cherry Street. Council approval is required after a public hearing held on September 10, 2025.

• Program Amendment #1: reprogram $70,000 from the Economic Development Loan Fund to add 664 linear feet of sidewalk on Cherry Street (100 block).
• Presentation of the Sidewalk Improvement Plan and budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
• Amendment to the 2024 HUD Action Plan to increase CDBG funding for the Cherry Street sidewalk project.
• Discussion of funding sources, including the Economic Development Loan Fund balance of $300,900 and remaining $230,000 after reallocation.
• Requirement of a public hearing (held September 10, 2025) before Council approval of the amendment.

Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission

The Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission will consider a proposal to construct a 539 sqft addition at 230 Wait Avenue. The meeting includes approval of previous minutes and a commission retreat.

• Public hearing: 230 Wait Avenue addition
• Approval of June and August 2025 minutes
• Commission retreat scheduled
• Remote participation and public comment registration

Planning & Development Board: Project Review Committee

The Project Review Committee will consider preliminary and final SPR approval for the 215 College Avenue redevelopment, a 7‑story building with 91 residential units and 64,236 GSF. It will also receive presentations and updates on the Waters Edge mixed‑use development and its minor subdivision of the 8.16‑acre site. The board will review a CEQR determination for the Grinspoon Hillel project at 722 University Avenue and a potential sign‑package approval for 445 E State/MLK Jr Street. The meeting concludes with an agenda review and adjournment.

• 215 College Avenue – 7‑story, 91‑unit residential tower, 64,236 GSF, preliminary & final SPR approval
• Waters Edge – 200‑unit mixed‑use development with ~1,000 SF micro‑retail, presentation & updates
• Waters Edge Minor Subdivision – split 8.16‑acre site into two parcels (3.7 acres & 4.46 acres)
• Grinspoon Hillel at Cornell – 3‑story, 23,190 SF building on 0.47‑acre parcel, CEQR determination
• 445 E State/MLK Jr Street – sign‑package approval request for existing apartment building

Special Joint Committee - IAWWTP

The Special Joint Committee will review the August financials and the draft 2026 budget for the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility. The group will also discuss long-term staffing, NYSDEC permit modifications, and capital improvement projects.

• Review of 2026 Draft Budget
• NYSDEC permit modification update
• Capital Improvement Project Update
• Operations & Engineering Report
• Nitrite sampling results

Common Council

The Common Council will hold public hearings regarding a proposed $70,000 reallocation of HUD funding for pedestrian improvements and the assessment roll for the Fiscal Year 2026 Sidewalk Improvement Districts.

• Proposed reallocation of $70,000 from the Economic Development Loan Fund to pedestrian improvements on the 200 block of Cecil A. Malone Dr.
• Public hearing for the FY 2026 Sidewalk Improvement District Assessment Roll totaling $1,162,897.80.
• Discussion of the 2026 Sidewalk Improvement District work plan including repairs on Utica St, Queens St, and W Lincoln St.
• Introduction to the Climate Action Plan.
• FEMA Grant for Dam Rehab and Dredging.

Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency

The Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency board will review minutes, discuss economic development loans, and consider HUD grant amendments and contract extensions. The meeting is a rescheduled session for September 4, 2025.

• Request for HoDAG Loan Assistance for 115-123 S. Cayuga St. rehabilitation
• Reallocate $70,000 in CDBG funds to Cherry Street Sidewalks
• Time Extension for CHT Sears Street Redevelopment contract
• Time Extension for Cleveland Avenue For-Sale Home contract
• 1st Amendment to Minute-Taking Agreement

Common Council

The Common Council is meeting for a Committee of the Whole study session to discuss administrative updates and planning. Key items include a proposal to restructure Finance Department roles and the establishment of a capital project for a city-wide zoning rewrite.

• Establishment of a capital project for a zoning rewrite funded by a $257,250 Smart Growth Communities grant
• Proposal to defund one 35-hour Deputy Controller position and fund one 40-hour Staff Accountant position
• Proposal to defund one 40-hour Payroll Coordinator position and fund one 40-hour Payroll Administrator position
• Technical correction to the Short-Term Rental Ordinance
• Legislative reorganization of the Department of Information and Technology

Special Joint Committee - IAWWTP

The Special Joint Committee for the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility will review financial and operations reports. Members will discuss preliminary 2026 budget projections and updates regarding NYSDEC permit modifications.

• Preliminary 2026 budget projections
• NYSDEC permit modification update
• Capital Improvement Project update
• Water meter replacement status
• Flow meter status update

IURA Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee will review a loan request for the rehabilitation of 115-123 S. Cayuga St. and a plan to reallocate HUD funds for sidewalk improvements. The body will also review a CDBG Timeliness Work Out Plan.

• Resolution for $300,000 HoDAG loan to Urban Encore, LLC for 18 residential rental units at 115-123 S. Cayuga St.
• Resolution to reallocate $70,000 from ED Loan Fund to Cherry Street Sidewalks
• Review of CDBG Timeliness Work Out Plan
• Review of June 2025 grant disbursement, loan and lease receivable reports

IURA Neighborhood Investment Committee

The committee will consider resolutions for housing projects at 215 Cleveland Ave. and the CHT Sears St. Development. Members will also discuss CDBG spenddown remediation and receive a presentation on the Cherry St. sidewalk extension.

• Resolution for 2022 Project #1: 215 Cleveland Ave. For-Sale Home
• Resolution for 2022 Project #5 and 2023 Project #4: CHT Sears St. Development
• Discussion on CDBG Spenddown Remediation
• Presentation on Cherry St. Sidewalk Extension by Ari Hama
• Review of IURA Grants Summary