Ithaca aims for another shot at $10 million: What's ahead in process

Think of what you could buy for $10 million. While for some a yacht may come to mind, for the City of Ithaca, downtrodden streets, sidewalks, and its under-loved West End are most in need of a funding boost.

In April, the city’s common council voted to hire a grant writing consultant to aid the city in applying and securing a grant from New York's annual $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), something that’s eluded the city through six application processes and eight years.

Ithaca city officials announced Wednesday that the city will host an informational webinar at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 19. The Zoom link to participate is on the application website, and the webinar will be recorded and posted for those unable to attend.

City officials will also hold an in-person public meeting at 5:30 p.m. August 19 at the Tompkins County Public Library. The city and consulting team are expected to present the direction of the application and the eligible projects submitted during the open call for projects at the meeting.

Those in attendance will then have an opportunity to provide input and feedback to guide the finalization of the application and the projects to be included.

If you can't attend to comment on the plans in person, the city is also accepting input on the application website throughout the process. Several polls and surveys will be launched through the site, and comments can be submitted at any time.

Ithaca has launched an open call for DRI projects. Organizations, businesses, and other entities planning investments within the designated DRI boundary are encouraged to submit an Ithaca DRI Project Form by 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5 for consideration.

What is the DRI and what about previous rounds?

The DRI program has awarded $800 million to 79 communities across the state in the first seven rounds, kickstarting a wave of revitalization that residents hope will breathe new life into the communities.

During the latest round of the initiative, state officials announced in February $10 million in DRI funding for 44 potential projects in Aurora, Cayuga, and Union Springs, and that the village of Waterloo would also receive $10 million.

Development:Two Ithaca housing projects to receive $12.7M from state; 45 supportive units proposed

Education:Which NY colleges offer the best value? See where your alma mater ranks

Strategy five years in the making

If awarded the $10 million in funding, Ithaca would support projects in the city’s downtown intended to spur revitalization and community vibrancy, according to preliminary goals laid out by city officials in Wednesday's statement.

Ithaca created a Downtown Neighborhood Plan in 2019 to aid in securing DRI funds and plot out potential projects, but like many other applicants during this time, the plan was largely delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. City officials have created updated drafts of the plan in recent months to coincide with DRI planning efforts.

With support from the consulting firm MRB Group, the city will draft a new DRI application using the vision and goals of the draft downtown plan, which “reflects the needs and future vision for downtown Ithaca,” with a focus on the West State Street and Martin Luther King Junior Street area, and Ithaca’s West End, “to strengthen connectivity between the waterfront, the Ithaca Commons, and other areas throughout the downtown.”