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.
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.
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.
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.
CCIDA 2027 Proposed Budget
The Chemung County Industrial Development Agency reviewed its $815,000 spending and revenue plan for the upcoming year. The budget balances conservative revenue estimates from fees and rentals with operational needs and economic development marketing.
Chemung County Airport Lease Controversy and Transparency
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.
2027 Budget Process and Sales Tax Distribution
Legislators expressed frustration over being excluded from preliminary 2027 budget discussions with the County Executive. They also raised questions regarding expiring sales tax agreements and municipal preemption options.
County Annual Financial Audit and Process Findings
Auditors presented a clean financial report for the Industrial Development Agency, though they noted a recurring issue with documentation for small purchases and a decrease in overall revenue and assets.
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.
County Employee Wages and Staffing Shortages
The IDA granted a $31 million waiver from its local labor policy due to a lack of documented regional labor within a 7-to-10 county radius, allowing non-local contractors while securing a 58.8% local labor commitment for the rest.
Incubator Works Funding Renewal
Incubator Works requested the continuation of its $100,000 annual county funding to support small business mentoring, co-working spaces, and youth entrepreneurship programs in Elmira.
New Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Elmira
County leaders highlighted an upcoming educational forum regarding the new Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Chemung County. Officials noted the center will help address local poverty and healthcare needs while reducing system costs through increased federal reimbursements.
Cornell Cooperative Extension & Energy Warriors Program
Cornell Cooperative Extension presented its 2027 outlook and requested a 4% increase in county appropriation while highlighting its community programming and the new Energy Warriors green jobs training initiative.
American Rescue Plan Fund Expenditure Status
Legislators requested an update on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and project timelines, noting that funds must be fully spent by the end of 2026.
First Arena Utility Payoff and Debt Management
The IDA officially closed the sale of First Arena to Stemmerman Sports and Entertainment, ending years of taxpayer-backed financial strain. However, the agency still faces about $210,000 in remaining wrap-up costs for items like utility bills, ice plant insulation, and scoreboard repairs.
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.
Ethics Complaint Against Legislator Brent Stermer
A resident raised a formal ethics complaint during public comment regarding Legislator Brent Stermer, alleging abuse of political influence during a private real estate dispute.
Local Labor Policy Non-Compliance at Spruce Street and Davis Street
The IDA board took steps to issue default notices to developers at 550 Spruce Street and 414 Davis Street after repeated attempts to gather local labor compliance information were ignored, alongside reported code violations.
Erie Street Plaza Emergency Demolition Costs
Residents are frustrated by a stalled demolition at Erie Plaza because the City of Elmira thought it owned the property and tried to clear it, but the county actually holds the deed. Officials are currently working on appraisals to transfer the property correctly so the demolition can finally move forward.
Election Results
Margeson won the Republican primary for Chemung County executive against Moss, setting the stage for the next big local leadership race. It's a huge step toward deciding who will actually run the county next.
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.
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.
Combined Sewer Overflow Mitigation Project
Chemung County is pursuing a $3.5 million green infrastructure pilot project in downtown Elmira to reduce sewer overflows during heavy rains by using rain gardens, permeable pavers, and bioswales.
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.
2025 Room Tax Distribution
The Multi-Services Committee paused room tax disbursements after discovering that funding recommendations for the Chamber of Commerce were left blank and total revenue figures needed verification.
Rural King Development at Former Topps Plaza
Rural King plans to invest $6.3 million to acquire and renovate the vacant former Topps supermarket in South Elmira, bringing 45 new jobs and boosting regional sales tax revenue. The project is seeking a 50% ten-year property tax exemption from the IDA.
Fourth District Legislative Vacancy
The Chemung County Legislature filled an open seat in the fourth district by passing Resolution 26-202. This ensures full representation for constituents in that district.
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.
Agricultural District Annual Open Enrollment
The county is reviewing proposed changes to real property within the agricultural district as part of its mandatory eight-year review process. This review affects local landowners who want to include or remove land from agricultural protections and district benefits.
Industrial Development Agency (IDA) PILOTs and Tax Revenue Distribution
Legislators debated the history and benefits of Payment In Lieu of Tax (PILOT) agreements, defending past projects like the CVS distribution center against recent criticisms.
Lead Rental Registry Law Implementation
Chemung County is preparing to enforce a new state-mandated lead rental registry law targeting pre-1980 rental housing in Elmira zip codes 14901 and 14904. Health officials are requesting three new positions, funded by a state grant, to handle inspections and compliance.
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.
Legislative Access to Financial Records for 150 Lake Street
Legislators expressed frustration over difficulties obtaining expense reports and cost breakdowns for the county's acquisition and renovation of 150 Lake Street.
SNAP Work Requirements and Caseload Impacts
New federal SNAP work requirements for able-bodied adults take effect March 1, impacting an estimated 800 Chemung County households out of roughly 7,700 total participating households. Social services officials explained the three-month compliance window and tracking procedures.
County Capital Improvements and Bond Authorizations
The committee approved numerous bond resolutions to fund airport upgrades, building projects, road and bridge repairs, nursing facility improvements, and a new fire training facility.
City of Elmira Tax Collection Agreement and Financial Review
Legislators discussed an intermunicipal agreement with the City of Elmira concerning delinquent tax collection, which includes a requirement for a comprehensive financial review by the Financial Restructuring Board.
Corning Community College Partnership and Workforce Alignment
College leaders presented enrollment data, workforce training initiatives, and high school concurrent enrollment programs, emphasizing close collaboration with local industries to meet skilled labor demands.
Elmira College Updates and Community Economic Impact
Elmira College President Dr. Charles Lindsay provided an upbeat report on rising enrollment, new career-oriented programs, and strong financial health before his upcoming departure. The college remains a major regional economic anchor, contributing nearly $59 million annually and generating thousands of community service and internship hours.
Agricultural Tax Exemptions and Assessment Oversight
County officials and Real Property Tax Services reviewed challenges in administering agricultural exemptions and tracking property conversions. With many town assessors working part-time, tracking multi-year commitments and collecting rollback taxes when land is converted to solar farms or development remains a persistent administrative hurdle.
Elmira Senior Center Funding and Support
Legislators discussed past-due county funding for the Elmira Senior Center and criticized email correspondence from the county executive regarding the facility. Members emphasized the center's importance as a community asset serving over 400 seniors, keeping them active and reducing medical costs.