Elmira Town, New York Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
11/18/2013

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

    Increase capacity of safe, accessible and costeffective transportation options for those who do not drive including pedestrian and 7 bicycle routes; secure bicycle racks; private cab services; and volunteer-based, ride share, public, Medicaid, and Department of Aging and Long Term Care transportation programs.

  2. Communication and Information

    Increase public awareness and participation in the Chemung County Eat Well Live Well congregate meal program.

  3. Respect and Inclusion

    Provide a variety of caregiver respite services including adult day programs, home care providers and facility-based providers, with a variety of payment mechanisms available, to meet a variety of needs .

Progress Report Download

Chemung County's regional age-friendly progress report focuses on civic participation and employment, transportation, and outdoor spaces and buildings. The community has developed an age-friendly Business and Organization Guide and designation process, designating over 30 businesses as age-friendly. Additionally, the county created and publicized a resource guide of available transportation options and related services. To revitalize its downtown, the city of Elmira, the county's largest community, was awarded a $10 million grant through the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative to support goals that include renovating buildings for commercial and residential use, enhancing and connecting downtown assets, and encouraging walkability. Chemung County also received a grant and is in the process of establishing a land bank to convert vacant properties into uses that support community revitalization.

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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