Welcome to Community Development
Office Information
| City Hall Third Floor 317 E. Church Street Elmira, New York 14901 |
Regular Office Hours M-F: 8:30am to 4:30pm Except Holidays - Handicap Accessible |
Tel: (607)737-5691 Fax: (607)737-5696 |
The Department of Community Development administers the federal Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Grant for the City of Elmira. An annual entitlement of Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds are received to promote development in City neighborhoods, which include programs that address housing, economic and human service needs of low and moderate income residents and neighborhoods.
The City of Elmira envisions a Community Development Program that provides residents with a high quality of life in neighborhoods which are safe, clean and friendly. The focus of the Department is on providing a healthy supply of affordable, accessible and decent housing for low and moderate income homeowners and renters. The City's vision also includes investing in community and economic development projects that will revitalize and enhance our local commercial and industrial economy. The Department works with many agencies and operates several programs to accomplish this goal.
The City of Elmira's Community Development Office is committed to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status under the Federal Fair Housing Act. In addition to the classifications covered under federal law, the City recognizes the following protected classes which are also covered under New York State Human Rights Law: age, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, domestic violence victim status, arrest or conviction record, or predisposing genetic characteristics.Hearing impaired persons can reach this office through the New York Relay Center at 1-800-662-1220.
Community Development Staff Directory
Jennifer Miller - Interim Director
Rebecca Wheeler - Consumer Loans/Grants
Gary Sokolowski - Construction Inspector
Richard Shook - Finance Director
Zsuzsi Kadar - Citizen Coordinator
Current Information
Notice of Availability of 2012-2013 CDBG Applications
The City of Elmira's annual entitlement for Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership Program funds are the primary sources of funding for housing and community development projects in the City. The programs share the same goal of providing decent housing, creating a suitable living environment and expanding economic development opportunities for low income people.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development implemented the Consolidated Planning Process which allows the City of Elmira a better way to shape programs by developing partnerships with citizens and community leaders to establish a coordinated future direction for the City as a whole. Through this process, a Strategic plan was developed to establish the needs, priorities, objectives for housing and economic development. The Strategic plan is used in determining funding priorities.
Applications for Community Development Block Grant Funds are generally accepted in February of each year and submitted with the Annual Plan to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on or before May 15th . Not-for-profit agencies are encouraged to apply if they meet a HUD National Objective and a priority from the Strategic Plan.
2012-2013 CDBG Application (Microsoft Word)
2012-2013 CDBG Applications are due February 17, 2012 at 4:00pm.
Owner-Occupied Housing Grant/Loan Programs
Subject to funding availability, the City of Elmira offers low to moderate income individuals or families grants and loans to make home improvements. Funding for the City's housing programs is provided through the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME programs and through New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The City of Elmira is particularly interested in making homes lead safe and energy efficient. For more information about these programs and to make an appointment, please call the Department of Community Development at (607) 737-5695.
| Family Size | Income Limit |
| 1 | $31,850 |
| 2 | $36,400 |
| 3 | $40,950 |
| 4 | $45,500 |
| 5 | $49,150 |
| 6 | $52,800 |
| 7 | $56,450 |
| 8 | $60,100 |
*Income Limits are set annually by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. These limits are effective December 1, 2011.
Outreach to Minority and Women- Owned Businesses
The City of Elmira encourages the use of minority and women owned businesses (MWBEs). The Department of Community Development is always looking to add certified and insured MWBEs to our list of contractors which is provided to homeowners who participate in our housing rehabilitation programs.
For more information on how to obtain certification as a MWBE, please visit the New York State Division of Minority & Women Owned Business Development website at http://www.nylovesbiz.com/MWBE.html.
First Time Homebuyer Program
This program is designed to assist income eligible, low to moderate income individuals or families with down payment and closing cost assistance in purchasing their first home in the City of Elmira by offering a grant in the amount of $10,000 that is gradually forgiven. The City of Elmira contracts with Catholic Charities to administer this program. For more information contact Catholic Charities at (607)734-9784 x2132.
Catholic Charities Website
Economic Development
The City of Elmira contracts will Southern Tier Economic Growth (STEG) to administer a Commercial Loan Program and to concentrate on business recruitment and retention. New or expanding businesses are encouraged to call STEG at (607) 733-6513.
STEG Website
Elmira Downtown is a not-for-profit corporation whose mission is the administration of the city's 52-block Business Improvement District (BID). EDD's main objectives are to provide the downtown business area with the resources to develop strong marketing campaigns, increase public awareness of downtown Elmira through special events, and beautification projects in partnership with the City of Elmira and the downtown community.
EDD Website
Public Service Programs
Community Development Block Grant funds help support the operations of public service activities such as youth programs, public safety, programs for senior citizens, homeless persons, and fair housing initiatives to name a few. Every January, the City of Elmira seeks CDBG funding applications from non-profit organizations.
Community Development Links & Resources
HUD Website
EPA Website about lead
NYSERDA Home Energy Programs
Chemung County Health Department
EPA Website about Energy Efficiency
