Local News, July 19, 2023

- Tompkins IDA Approves Tax Break For Housing Project In Ithaca’s West End -

Developers of a new mixed-use building in Ithaca’s West End have been given a $3.7 million tax abatement. The Ithaca Voice reports the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency voted unanimously for the 10-year tax break. Visum Development Group is constructing the property at the former site of Joe’s Italian Restaurant. The building will contain 80 market rate units which will rent for $1,700 to $3,000 a month. Opponents of the project say it would lead to more gentrification and it would cost more than the average Ithaca resident could afford. Legislators say the property would bring more tax revenue into the city than what was there before. 

- City Of Ithaca Seeks Public Input On Encampment Policy -

The City of Ithaca is seeking public input on a draft policy to address homeless encampments like those in the Jungle. The proposed law was presented to the city’s Planning and Economic Development Committee last month. The policy’s goal is to provide guidelines on how the city can maintain public land without criminalizing homelessness. The committee wants feedback about which lands should be included in the policy and how to enforce violations. The committee is also seeking feedback on using the word enforcement in the final law.  The draft and how to submit comments is here