Chemung County Airport Lease Controversy and Transparency
Chemung County
Summary
Legislators discussed delays in finalizing a county land lease for Carrington Aviation at the former warplane museum site, potentially stalling economic growth and tax revenue.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 9
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 13, 2026.
Impact analysis
The land lease would generate roughly $65,000 annually for the airport and county, while returning a valuable property to the tax rolls.
County taxpayers and the regional airport will benefit from increased revenues and economic activity.
Atlantic Aviation, given ongoing disputes regarding airport presence and historical offers.
Mentions & discussions (9)
Legislative Full Board - Oct 13, 2026
Legislators debated the ongoing lease dispute involving Atlantic Aviation at the Elmira Corning Regional Airport. Lawmakers argued that with the federal customs facility project officially dead, the county should renew Atlantic's lease to protect vital aviation services and recurring county revenue.
Legislative Full Board - Jun 8, 2026
Legislators raised alarms over an executive-backed attempt to buy out Atlantic Aviation's lease at the county airport for $1.4 million, allegedly favoring a major campaign donor, Premier Aviation. Lawmakers also protested a cancelled airport tour and broader administrative restrictions blocking legislators from accessing county facilities and department information.
Legislative Standing Committees - May 26, 2026
Legislators raised concerns over the potential displacement of Atlantic Aviation at the Elmira Corning Regional Airport and debated the financial feasibility of establishing a federal customs inspection station.
Legislative Full Board - May 11, 2026
Atlantic Aviation representatives spoke regarding their lease renewal options and disagreement with county attorney communications, while legislators questioned the county's handling of airport operations and customs facility plans.
Legislative Standing Committees - Apr 27, 2026
Legislators discussed recent correspondence from Atlantic Aviation regarding past buyout offers and county airport relations, as well as the pending purchase and land lease for Carrington Aviation at the airport facility.
Chemung County IDA/CRC - Apr 15, 2026
The IDA expressed deep frustration over prolonged delays by the county executive in finalizing the land lease for Carrington Aviation at 17 Aviation Drive. The $2.5 million deal has been stalled since December, even though the company has already invested heavily in the property.
Legislative Standing Budget Committee - Apr 6, 2026
Lawmakers discussed ongoing questions and demands sent to the IDA regarding the Carrington Aviation deal at the county airport, including requests for a backdated land lease.
Legislative Standing Committees - Mar 23, 2026
Legislators discussed delays in finalizing a county land lease for Carrington Aviation at the former warplane museum site, potentially stalling economic growth and tax revenue.
Legislative Full Board - Mar 9, 2026
Legislators raised serious concerns over whether taxpayer funds are being used to finance the County Executive's upcoming re-election campaign-style State of the County address at the Clemens Center. Questions were raised about printing, postage, venue rentals, live streaming, and a post-event reception.
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