Elmira, New York Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
8/12/2013

Lead Agency: Chemung County Department of Aging and Long Term Care Services

Government Agency

Action Plan Download

An action plan is based on the results of community surveys identifying needs within the 8 Domains of Livability that influence the health and quality of life of older adults. While there is flexibility in how a plan is created and what it will do, every action plan includes a statement about what can be achieved, target dates for goal completion, identification of participating organizations and indicators to measure progress. The action plan is an "active" rather than static document. Revisions and amendments are a sign of program improvement and progress.

Action Plan Highlights

  1. Transportation

    Promote safe, accessible, and cost-effective transportation options for non-drivers, through pedestrian walkways, private taxi services, volunteer-based rideshare programs, expansion of existing health-based transportation programs, and new bicycle routes with secure bicycle racks.

  2. Respect and Inclusion

    Increase public awareness of and participation in local congregate meal programs.

  3. Health and Community Services

    Provide caregiver respite services that accept multiple payment mechanisms, including adult daycare programs, homecare providers, and short-term facility-based providers.

Progress Report Download

Chemung County's age-friendly progress report describes the community's work to improve civic participation and employment, transportation and public spaces. The community developed a guidebook to creating age-friendly businesses, as well as an age-friendly business designation, which recognized more than 30 local businesses. Additionally, the County published a resource guide to available transportation options. As part of downtown revitalization efforts, the City of Elmira -- the county's largest community -- used a $10 million state grant to renovate commercial and residential buildings, improve downtown connectivity and increase walkability. Relatedly, the Chemung County is also establishing a land bank to repurpose vacant properties.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Town of Dryden (2018)

Dryden, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Trails

Description: To encourage people to use the Dryden Rail Trail, the Town of Dryden set out to provide resting places and information along the trail. They installed seven benches and three kiosks along the 2.9-mile path, which connects the villages of Dryden and Freeville. The kiosks display maps, trail rules and more. Today, the Town Recreation Department offers intergenerational programming on the trail, including fitness walks, bike outings and community running events.

Center for Technology and Innovation (2018)

Binghamton, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public art installations

Description: To improve the walkability and aesthetics of an industrial neighborhood in Binghamton, the Center for Technology and Innovation installed a 300-square-foot topographical map mural. Displayed along Wall Street, the artwork depicts a stretch of New York State from Cooperstown to Lake Erie. Organizers say the map aims to enliven pedestrian-friendly block connecting Northside residential neighborhood to downtown shopping areas and a regional transportation hub. The three-dimensional map, prepared with the help of the U.S. Geological Survey, is titled Here in the Heart of New York.

ABOUT THE AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

Launched in 2017, the annual AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to local governments and nonprofits in order to fund quick-action, ready-to-implement projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages.

See all nearby projects

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