Chemung County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Chemung County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Sewer District Scale of Charges and Debt Repayment
Legislators scrutinized major change orders and overall progress on the $275 million sewer consolidation project, discussing ratepayer impacts and financing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Proposed Junkyard Near Ernie Davis Legends Hall
Legislators expressed alarm over an out-of-town developer's proposal to open a commercial junkyard with multiple dumpsters directly across the street from the planned Ernie Davis Legends Hall, Head Start program, and veteran housing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New York State Budget and Local Fiscal Impacts
Lawmakers debated the financial crisis facing the City of Elmira, including a 12% city tax increase, a high proportion of tax-exempt properties, and the risk of hitting constitutional tax limits. A proposal was made to hire an independent consultant to study how city financial distress could impact the entire county.
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.
Gas-Electric Tax Relief Extension
Legislators discussed capping the county sales tax on gasoline and diesel at a three-dollar valuation per gallon. Officials noted that consumers might not immediately see noticeable changes at the pump because taxes are baked into total displayed prices, but the county will see a drop in collected revenue.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Project Milo (Amazon) Site Access and Development
Developers for the Amazon project at Airport Corporate Park South received approval for early site access to begin moving dirt while final legal and regulatory requirements are finalized.
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.
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.
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.
Utility Rate Increases and Energy Supply Costs
Committee members reviewed skyrocketing utility bills and discussed a proposed county sales tax exemption on utility services, with suggestions to extend the relief period from six months to a full year.
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.