Bainbridge request for funding tabled by County Planning Committee
BAINBRIDGE – After hearing a plea from the Town of Bainbridge for financial help to update its outdated comprehensive plan, Chenango County leaders have opted to table the request until after the new year.
The Town of Bainbridge first sought financial assistance from the Chenango County Planning and Economic Development Committee in August, citing potential for the town to rebuild its economic base that’s being restricted by a comprehensive plan that hasn’t been updated since 2003. According to Bainbridge representatives, new vision is needed to keep the township on track.
It’s also recommended by the New York Department of State that municipalities update their comprehensive plan every three to five years. An outdated plan makes it nearly impossible for a municipality to be awarded state and federal grants for large-scale development projects.
But the town survives on a tight budget, said Bainbridge Supervisor Dolores Nabinger, which presents challenges to foot the estimated cost of having its plan updated. Newest estimates range from $11,500 to $20,000 over a two-year period. Upon request of the Chenango County Planning and Economic Development Committee, the town presented those estimates to committee members last week.
“It’s been a very difficult process,” said Nabinger, explaining that the town contacted ten consultants, including those recommended by the county planning board. “Not too many companies are willing to give estimates without going too deep into the project.”
While the township is currently seeking help from the county, it has $7,000 of its own funds earmarked for the project, said Nabinger. A letter addressed to the committee from Bainbridge Councilwoman Kelly Hromada-Johnson also explains the township’s plan to set aside funds every year to prevent a similar request in the future.
“The Town of Bainbridge took a look at the upcoming 2015 budget and has included $1,000 per year to be set aside for future updates,” said Hromada-Johnson. “The Town of Bainbridge would like to request $10,000 (from the county) so that we can begin the process of updating our comprehensive plan. We will make every effort to set aside money needed to keep our plan updated regularly in future years.”
Bainbridge has seen a drastic change in its business climate since the comprehensive plan was last updated 11 years ago, said Nabinger. Despite a loss of industry in the town and Village of Bainbridge, she said the town still has promise for economic development with its railroad access, interstate access, and potential opportunity for natural gas via the Constitution Pipeline proposed to run through the south-eastern portion of the township.
The need for a comprehensive plan is also drawing attention of the Bainbridge Development Corporation, which has said the plan serves a three-fold purpose: attract industry, become eligible for state and federal grants, and address the issue of natural gas development.
Bainbridge is eligible for county funding under new guidelines established by the Chenango County Department of Planning and Development. The Planning and Economic Development Committee may hear the proposal again as early as January.
The Town of Bainbridge first sought financial assistance from the Chenango County Planning and Economic Development Committee in August, citing potential for the town to rebuild its economic base that’s being restricted by a comprehensive plan that hasn’t been updated since 2003. According to Bainbridge representatives, new vision is needed to keep the township on track.
It’s also recommended by the New York Department of State that municipalities update their comprehensive plan every three to five years. An outdated plan makes it nearly impossible for a municipality to be awarded state and federal grants for large-scale development projects.
But the town survives on a tight budget, said Bainbridge Supervisor Dolores Nabinger, which presents challenges to foot the estimated cost of having its plan updated. Newest estimates range from $11,500 to $20,000 over a two-year period. Upon request of the Chenango County Planning and Economic Development Committee, the town presented those estimates to committee members last week.
“It’s been a very difficult process,” said Nabinger, explaining that the town contacted ten consultants, including those recommended by the county planning board. “Not too many companies are willing to give estimates without going too deep into the project.”
While the township is currently seeking help from the county, it has $7,000 of its own funds earmarked for the project, said Nabinger. A letter addressed to the committee from Bainbridge Councilwoman Kelly Hromada-Johnson also explains the township’s plan to set aside funds every year to prevent a similar request in the future.
“The Town of Bainbridge took a look at the upcoming 2015 budget and has included $1,000 per year to be set aside for future updates,” said Hromada-Johnson. “The Town of Bainbridge would like to request $10,000 (from the county) so that we can begin the process of updating our comprehensive plan. We will make every effort to set aside money needed to keep our plan updated regularly in future years.”
Bainbridge has seen a drastic change in its business climate since the comprehensive plan was last updated 11 years ago, said Nabinger. Despite a loss of industry in the town and Village of Bainbridge, she said the town still has promise for economic development with its railroad access, interstate access, and potential opportunity for natural gas via the Constitution Pipeline proposed to run through the south-eastern portion of the township.
The need for a comprehensive plan is also drawing attention of the Bainbridge Development Corporation, which has said the plan serves a three-fold purpose: attract industry, become eligible for state and federal grants, and address the issue of natural gas development.
Bainbridge is eligible for county funding under new guidelines established by the Chenango County Department of Planning and Development. The Planning and Economic Development Committee may hear the proposal again as early as January.
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