What will make your life better? Steuben County wants input for its comprehensive plan

Chris Potter, The Evening Tribune
·2 min read

Steuben County wants help in charting its course for the next 15 years.

Steuben is in the midst of developing the first countywide comprehensive plan in its history, and it is seeking input from residents on a host of topics to inform and guide the document.

“Think about what is important to you,” said Legislature Chairman Scott Van Etten (R-Caton). “Talk to your older children and ask them for their thoughts, talk to your parents and grandparents and find out their needs. Please speak up and please listen to others’ ideas. If you don’t speak up, you can’t be heard.”

Here’s what you need to know.

Why is the comprehensive plan important to Steuben County residents?

Public workshops on Steuben County's first-ever countywide comprehensive plan have been held in-person at sites in Bath, Corning, Hornell and Wayland this winter to solicit public feedback.
Public workshops on Steuben County's first-ever countywide comprehensive plan have been held in-person at sites in Bath, Corning, Hornell and Wayland this winter to solicit public feedback.

The comprehensive plan ultimately adopted by the county will guide policy recommendations and the investment of public resources for the next 15 years.

The plan is centered around nine focus areas critical to county residents:

  • Broadband

  • Infrastructure (water, sewer, electric, gas, roads and bridges)

  • Workforce development

  • Economic development

  • Housing

  • Agriculture, Farmland Preservation, and Food Systems

  • Transportation (air, rail, and public transit)

  • Recreation, Parks, Trails, and Tourism

  • Sustainability and Resilience

“The importance of the comprehensive plan as a document and process is that it will tie together all of the recent and extensive planning and studies that have taken place in the county,” said Deputy County Manager Christopher Brewer. “We need everyone to be involved in developing this plan.”

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How can you make your voice heard?

Public workshops on Steuben County's first-ever countywide comprehensive plan have been held in-person at sites in Bath, Corning, Hornell and Wayland this winter to solicit public feedback.
Public workshops on Steuben County's first-ever countywide comprehensive plan have been held in-person at sites in Bath, Corning, Hornell and Wayland this winter to solicit public feedback.

The comprehensive planning effort is being guided by a committee of county legislators, staff and other community stakeholders. Public workshops have been held in person at sites in Bath, Corning, Hornell and Wayland this winter to solicit public feedback.

A virtual meeting is set for 7-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 16. It can be accessed via Zoom at https://tinyurl.com/Steuben-Public-Input-Meeting.

Written comments can also be submitted online at steubencountyny.gov/688/Comprehensive-Plan-Project.

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What challenges face the county in crafting a plan?

Public workshops on Steuben County's first-ever countywide comprehensive plan have been held in-person at sites in Bath, Corning, Hornell and Wayland this winter to solicit public feedback.
Public workshops on Steuben County's first-ever countywide comprehensive plan have been held in-person at sites in Bath, Corning, Hornell and Wayland this winter to solicit public feedback.

Roughly the size of Rhode Island, Steuben County contains 48 municipalities spread out over 1,404 square miles. It is home to 93,600 residents. Steuben’s cities, Corning and Hornell, features a diverse population anchored by companies with international footprints in Corning, Inc. and Alstom. The county is also home to many rural family farms and small businesses.

The comprehensive plan will seek to address the needs of every constituency while tackling problems like poverty, substance abuse, infrastructure, lack of internet, declining school enrollments and an aging population.

The planning process is expected to take approximately 18 months. The county Legislature will then be asked to adopt strategies to advance recommendations put forth in the comprehensive plan.

This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Steuben County wants public input for 15-year comprehensive plan