Chemung County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Chemung County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Election Turnout
Early voting has kicked off in Chemung County, and lots of people are already heading to the polls to beat the Election Day rush. If you want to skip the long lines next month, you can cast your ballot right now.
Election Information
Early voting dates and locations have been released for Chemung County, so you can figure out when and where to cast your ballot before Election Day. It's time to make a plan to vote so your voice is heard.
2027 CCRC Operating Budget
The Capital Resource Corporation is keeping its 2027 budget at a balanced $10,000, funded entirely by the IDA to cover audit costs and administrative help from STAG. Because there are no bond projects planned, day-to-day operations are expected to stay very quiet.
Southport Corners Senior Housing Project Assignment
The IDA consented to assign its existing option agreement for the Southport Corners project to an entity controlled by Arbor Development. The $18 million project will bring 58 units of senior housing near Topps Plaza.
Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Update
Legislators discussed progress on the local FQHC access point, upcoming community meetings, and efforts to address local dental and medical provider shortages.
Landfill Operations and Gas Recovery System
Committee members discussed county landfill operations, noting the success of the methane gas recovery system which has eliminated odor issues and generates revenue. An upcoming landfill open house is scheduled for August 27.
Tanglewood Walkway and Tourism Development
Legislators reviewed progress on the Tanglewood walkway project, which is on track for a May 2025 completion date. Officials discussed promoting local tourist attractions such as the walkway, Civil War Camp, and John Joseph Museum through the Chamber of Commerce.
Chemung County Fairgrounds Capital Investments and Updates
Fair President Mark Watts presented an update on over $400,000 in recent investments, sweat equity, and improvements made to the county fairgrounds, noting increased vendor and livestock participation for the upcoming fair.
Southern Tier Logistics Railroad Crossing Study
The county is sponsoring a federal grant application to study reopening a closed railroad crossing on Watkins Road, which will improve safety and operational efficiency for local freight traffic.
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.
Airport Facility Tour and FBO Review
Legislators requested a coordinated tour of the county airport and fixed-base operators (FBOs) to better understand local aviation operations.
Chemung County Microenterprise Assistance Program CDBG Update
Chemung County is wrapping up a $300,000 state grant program that helped local small businesses with up to $25,000 each for equipment and working capital. The initiative successfully supported 10 businesses outside of Elmira and helped create or save 28 jobs.
Short-Term Rental Registration and Occupancy Tax
The county is opting out of a state short-term rental registration mandate to avoid redundant fees, relying instead on local occupancy tax laws and new data-tracking software to capture rental revenue.
Standing Committee Appointments
Chairman Mark Margeson appointed Joseph W. Atkinson III to the aviation, buildings and grounds, and health and human service committees.
Environmental Reviews and Site-Specific Compliance
Staff and board members discussed the complex and sometimes lengthy environmental review process required by state agencies like DEC and HCR, particularly regarding historic contamination and vapor barriers on sites like East Miller Street.
Hydroelectric Energy Exploration
Legislator Lawana Morse proposed forming an exploratory committee to study local hydroelectric energy generation as an alternative to rising electricity costs and solar limitations.
Proposal to Rename Regional Airport After Eileen Collins
Local retired teachers and community members suggested naming the Elmira Corning Regional Airport after astronaut Eileen Collins to honor her extraordinary accomplishments.
Lecom Center Redevelopment Success
The board recognized the successful transformation of the Lecom Center, which was previously a dark and vandalized facility before being taken over and revitalized by the IDA and the Stemmerman family, bringing new jobs and tax revenue to the community.
Utility Dispute for Olcott Street Construction
A dispute over water and tax assessments between the town and the landbank is currently holding up a water meter installation needed for gas and drywall work on Olcott Street.
2026 Elmira Corning Regional Airport Rates and Charges
The county proposed new airline rates and charges for the Elmira Corning Regional Airport for 2026. No members of the public offered comments during the hearing.
Highway Department Salt Supply and Manpower
The Highway Committee reviewed winter road maintenance operations, confirming that road salt supplies are stable under a new vendor while addressing concerns about staffing levels for plow routes.