(Outside left: Lawrence Bocage – Project Inspector, Second left: Linda Sowers- Project Coordinator, Middle Left: Emma Miran- Executive Director, Middle Right: Suzanne Rundell - Grant Administrator, Second right: Mitra Pratt - Lead Program Manager, Outside right, Amanda Wandell - Finance Director)
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
Emma Miran - Director
Amanda Wandell - Finance Director
Suzanne Rundell - Grant Administrator
Mitra Pratt - Program Manager
Linda Sowers - Program Coordinator
Lawrence Bocage - Inspector
- CARES Act Program Administrator
Current Information
The City of Elmira is receiving a total of $1,118,725 in HOME ARP funding. The American Rescue Plan (ARP) provides $5 billion to assist individuals or households who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, and other vulnerable populations, by providing housing, rental assistance, supportive services, and non-congregate shelter, to reduce homelessness and increase housing stability across the country. These grant funds will be administered through HUD’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). The range of allowable uses include: Administration and Planning, Rental Housing, Tenant-Based Rental Assistance, Supportive Services, Acquisition and Development of Non-Congregate Shelter, and Nonprofit Operation and Capacity Building.
A 30-day public comment period will be observed from January 2nd – January 31st. Citizens are invited to submit written comments on the draft HOME- ARP Plan. Comments should be sent to the Department of Community Development, ATT: Emma Miran, City Hall, 317 E. Church Street, Elmira, New York 14901. Written comments will be accepted until 4:00pm on Tuesday, January 31st.
A public hearing to be held on Monday, January 30, 2023. The public hearing will be held at City Hall, 3017 E. Church St, Elmira, NY, City Council Chambers (2nd Floor) which is a handicapped accessible location.
FUNDING AVAILABLE
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) provides $5 billion to assist individuals or households who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, and other vulnerable populations, by providing housing, rental assistance, supportive services, and non-congregate shelter, to reduce homelessness and increase housing stability across the country. These grant funds will be administered through HUD’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME).
Community Development is receiving a total of $1,118,725 in HOME ARP funding. The funds must be used to serve residents of the City of Elmira. Two applications are currently available at this time for the following activities:
- Non-congregative shelter (Capital)
- Supportive Service (Public Services)
It is highly recommended that interested applicants review the attached HUD Notice CPD-21-10 for specific HOME- ARP requirements and standards, prior to applying for funding. All awarded agencies will be required to comply with these HUD guidelines.
The deadline for both of these applications is Friday, February, 3rd 2023.
For the non-congregative shelter application, a technical assistance workshop is scheduled for Friday, December 16th, 2023 from 10AM- 11AM Via Zoom (Link is on page 14 of the application)
For the Supportive Services application, a technical assistance workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, December 20th, 2023 from 10AM- 11AM Via Zoom (Link can be found on page 8 of the application)
Please be aware that this is a one time funding opportunity, so great consideration will be given to how applicants can continue programs or facility maintenance beyond the HOME-ARP funding.
HOME ARP Application -NCS
HOME ARP Application - Supportive Services
HUD HOME ARP GUIDELINE NOTICE
City of Elmira - Low-Mod Income Areas
If you have any questions you may contact Emma Miran at 737-5691 or send an email to emiran@cityofelmira.net
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.
The City of Elmira contracts with 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
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.
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 forgiven after five years. The City of Elmira contracts with Catholic Charities to administer this program. For more information contact Catholic Charities at (607)734-9784 x2132.
Link to Catholic Charities
Would you be interested in joining our Active Contractor's list? You must meet the qualifications listed in the attachment or in the PDF included in the link below.
Please click here if you have trouble viewing the attachment!
Click here to make sure you or your firm is not on HUD's listing for debarred and suspended participants.