Chemung County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Chemung County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Elmira Corning Regional Airport Runway Rehabilitation
The county is preparing for an $11.4 million project to rehabilitate the main runway at the Elmira Corning Regional Airport in August 2027, which will require a 37-day airport closure and temporary suspension of commercial flights.
Property Disposition and Rehabilitation Projects
Developers are converting the historic Booth Elementary School into 58 market-rate apartments and commercial space, seeking tax and mortgage exemptions.
Owner-Occupied Critical Repair Program
The land bank is reviewing how to evaluate applicant assets, such as retirement accounts, when determining eligibility for home repair grants. They are considering adopting standardized HUD guidelines to ensure fair and consistent treatment for all applicants.
Downtown Mixed-Use Building Redevelopment & Pilot
Walgreens representatives asked the IDA for a 10-year tax agreement to keep the 402 North Main Street store open. The company cites steep losses driven by pharmacy benefit managers reimbursing far below operating costs.
Recurrent Energy HB1 Solar Project & Big Flats Impact Fee
The IDA is reviewing a preliminary request from a public entity to study a solar project on agency-owned land on Fyler Road.
Permanently Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption
Local officials discussed a new New York State law taking effect October 1, 2026, that exempts 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans from property taxes, though counties must opt in and tracking eligible residents poses a challenge.
Proposed Chemung County Comprehensive Plan
The legislature adopted the county comprehensive plan, with members noting it primarily serves as a necessary checklist to secure state and federal funding.
Reedman-Edger Housing Project Tax Abatement
Residents in Big Flats strongly objected to a 30-year tax abatement for a major housing development, citing strains on school capacity, local infrastructure, and traffic while bringing only four permanent jobs. IDA officials defended the agreement by pointing to an upfront $300,000 impact payment and the pressing regional need for housing.
Amazon Distribution Center Mineral Rights Transfer
The county is transferring subsurface mineral rights on the Amazon distribution center parcels to the IDA so Amazon can secure a clean title for the project.
325 Weber Street Listing Price and Improvements
The land bank lowered the price on 325 Weber Street and approved funding for an asphalt driveway to make the home more competitive on the real estate market.
Proposed 30-Year PILOT for Edger Apartment Project
Town officials and residents of Big Flats strongly pushed back against a proposed 30-year tax break for an apartment project, arguing it sets a bad precedent and shifts tax burdens onto local fixed-income residents. While most speakers welcomed the housing development itself, they urged the IDA to shorten the abatement period and adjust tax revenue splits.
Hammocks at Big Flats Housing Development
A 300-unit market-rate housing project by Edger Enterprises and Reedman is moving forward, bringing $55 million in investment and much-needed housing to Chemung County.
Homelessness and Housing Programs
Legislators reviewed winter sheltering efforts, noting that the Catholic Charities High Street dormitory shelter is nearing its 47-person capacity while hotel overflow numbers remain low. Officials also highlighted a $1.9 million land bank grant for housing rehabilitation and demolitions.
Homebuyer Development and New Construction Programs
The land bank is actively managing multiple home construction and rehabilitation projects across Chemung County, utilizing state grants and credit lines to build affordable housing. Recent awards on Folk and Oak streets, along with near-completion homes on Underwood and Olcott, are expanding local housing stock and returning properties to the tax rolls.
300 Daniels Anchor Drive Housing Project
Edgar Development is moving forward with a major 300-unit housing project in Big Flats, receiving IDA approval for an option and license on a small entrance strip of land.