NORWICH – Having been tabled in November, an appeal for funding to update the Town of Bainbridge comprehensive plan was again put on hold by the Chenango County Planning and Economic Development Committee last week.
The Town of Bainbridge first sought financial assistance from the county in August, 2014, citing the potential for an up-to-date plan to help rebuild its economic base. In order to do that, the town needs a new roadmap for future development, said Town Supervisor Dolores Nabinger. The comprehensive plan currently referenced by town officials has not been updated since 2003, she said.
But the town is on a tight budget and estimated costs of having the plan updated range from $11,500 to $20,000 over a two year period of time, said Nabinger. The Bainbridge Town Board initially sought between $7,000 and $10,000 from the county to help front those costs.
While committee members agreed that updating the town’s comprehensive plan does align with their purpose to enhance economic development, some argued it is the responsibility of every town to budget for their own comprehensive plan and that it would be unfair to use county funds.
Townships are not required to have a comprehensive plan; however, one must be in place in order to qualify for state and federal funds for economic development. The New York Department of State recommends that municipalities update their 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 An outdated plan makes it nearly impossible for a municipality to be awarded state and federal grants for large-scale development projects.
The concern, said Town of Smithville Supervisor Fred Heisler, is addressing how county funds to update the town’s comprehensive plan will “be fair” to other townships.
“Every town is supposed to have a comprehensive plan and it’s the responsibility of each town to update it. So my question is, why is Bainbridge dipping into the pool of money for their comprehensive plan and the other 22 (municipalities) don’t? Does this mean each town should belly up to the trough and ask for money?” said Heisler.
He added, “All I’m trying to do is get to fairness across the board. We are all in the same boat and we shouldn’t give to one town without being prepared for the next.”
“I think offering money for any comprehensive plan to any town is a stretch,” said Norwich Supervisor James McNeil.
McNeil encouraged Nabinger to consider alternatives for economic development funds for uses other than the town’s comprehensive plan. Subsequently, Nabinger said the restrooms of General Clinton Park, a public park, are in need of restoration – a project that would require the amount of funds requested from the county.
General Clinton Park also hosts the annual Canoe Regatta, a weekend event in May that attracts more than 1,500 people to the county to participate in 50 canoe races on the Susquehanna River.
Nabinger agreed to discuss the alternative with members of the Bainbridge Town Board this month. Requests for funding were tabled and are likely to be revisited during the committees February meeting.