Corning's master plan transformed parts of the city. Now they're building on that success.
The City of Corning is looking ahead and is on track to create new plans for the city's future.
City Manager Mark Ryckman said the city was able to secure an $80,000 grant from New York State’s Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan to hire a consulting firm to update the city’s master plan for the first time in two decades. The city has also reserved $30,000 of local money in case needed.
“The plan will be multifaceted and include such topics as sustainability, neighborhood revitalization and the reuse of larger vacant properties such as the former Steuben County Court House site on First Street,” Ryckman said. “This project will be a significant undertaking and will likely take one to two years to complete.”
Ryckman said the city will be collecting input from every neighborhood to gain consensus about shaping the community for another 20 years.
Jennifer Miller, city planning and economic development director, said a steering committee, appointed by the Corning City Council, will meet June 14 at City Hall.
“At that meeting, me and Ryckman will walk the committee through the process,” Miller said. “We anticipate getting a consultant on board in the summer and the bulk of the committee engagement will really kick off in the late summer or early fall.”
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Corning’s initial Master Plan was adopted in 2002
Ryckman said the 2002 comprehensive master plan, which has become outdated, has been successful and had resulted in numerous improvements to housing, historic preservation, infrastructure, pedestrian safety, and property conditions.
“We are beginning the process to update the plan to make it more relevant to changes in the community,” Ryckman said.
Jack Benjamin, who was president of Three Rivers Development Corp. for more than 40 years and is now retired, said if you look at all the projects that were completed thanks in part to the 2002 city master plan you would have to say the plan has created an environment for investment in the city.
“Everybody wants to be part of success,” Benjamin said. “When you see that kind of success that brings more opportunities. I’m sure the city’s updated plan they’re putting together, with a new master plan, will concentrate on just that.”
Miller said a portion of funding used on several city projects came from the New York Main Street program or Restore New York Communities Initiative funding.
“Anytime the city or developers go after funding for those projects we need to reference to a comprehensive plan,” Miller said. “Without having a strong comprehensive plan, it really hampers our ability to be successful with getting funding.”
Accomplishments of the 2002 master plan
Converted upper floor space on Market Street to residential use.
Completed redevelopment of former Meadowbrook Apartments for affordable housing.
Redeveloped the Northside Blodgett Middle School site for housing.
Converted the War Memorial Library into apartments.
Hired an additional Code Officer to help address nuisance properties. Develop Commercial Districts Design Guidelines which have approved the appearance of properties along Denison Parkway.
Rehabilitated the Centerway pedestrian bridge.
Implemented traffic calming improvements on Pulteney and Bridge Streets to provide better pedestrian safety.
Improved crosswalk safety throughout the city.
Constructed the Corning Transportation Center.
Replacement of 100-year-old stone water reservoir with new concrete tank.
Increased investment into street paving.
Created the Historic Preservation Commission and established the Historic Tax Exemption.
Second level Market Street apartments and upgrades on Denison Parkway
“There is no doubt that the second level apartments on Market Street have really been a big success,” said former Corning City Mayor Al Lewis, who was in office when the 2002 master plan was adopted. “It’s been a success of keeping feet on the street which has improved shopping and eating on Market Street.”
Coleen Fabrizi, executive director of Corning’s Gaffer District, said several projects have been completed in the past couple decades developing upper floors into living space. Having more people living on Market Street has been positive for the business district, Fabrizi said.
“It definitely brings life to the street 24 hours a day, versus just during business hours,” she said.
Lewis said he is also pleased with the impact the master plan has had on Denison Parkway.
Upgrades on Denison Parkway since the master plan was adopted include the Alternative School of Math and Science, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, Corning Community College’s Health Education Center, 176 Denison Apartments and a new First Heritage Federal Credit Union at the former Corning Hospital site.
“We started construction at the school in 2003 and we opened in January of 2004,” said Kim Frock, executive head of school at Alternative School for Math & Science.
Frock said ASMS originally opened at a building on First Street, which Corning Inc., earlier renovated to be a recruiting center.
“We were attracted to that building because it had been maintained with all the interior structure,” Frock said. “It still had classrooms which is what you need if you're going to start a school. It was perfect.”
Frock said ASMS was surrounded an old, abandoned Catholic school and cathedral and other buildings on Denison Parkway.
“They were all in disrepair and we're also being vandalized. There was broken glass everywhere. It was bad,” Frock said. “It was an eyesore. So, in 2010 ASMS was full, and we had a waiting list, and we needed more space.”
Frock said the decision was made to work with the city to take over that alley, purchase the property, tear all the buildings down and upgrade the block as an expansion to the school.
“We can take a lot of pride at what's happened with the master plan,” Lewis said. “It’s been successful. I’m happy to hear the plan will be upgraded. It’s the right thing to do. I can’t wait to see the results.”
This article originally appeared on The Leader: Corning to upgrade master plan, drawing on transformative past success
