Buckley indicates that 2024 will be a “year of construction”
Read entire text from Buckley’s speech
From the City of Hornell,
Mayor John Buckley delivered the State of the City address last evening at the Common Council meeting, highlighting the City’s robust progress and positive outlook. Attended by the full Council, several City Department heads, community members and area representatives, the address outlined key achievements in the past year and sets the tone for a busy and prosperous 2024.
Mayor Buckley opened his address by declaring “the State of the City is stronger than last year and is only getting stronger,” emphasizing Hornell’s leadership in growth and affordability. Mayor Buckley commended the City’s financial stewardship, and the contributions of Michele Smith, City Chamberlain, City Department Heads, and the Common Council, acknowledging, “the City’s financial outlook continues to be strong having received another “A” grade and glowing report from our auditors while continuing to strengthen the City’s fund balance.” He credited this success to the delivery of sound, responsible budgets that meet needs while continuing to provide high quality services to residents.
Buckley expressed a continued priority and investment in infrastructure, referencing the completion of Phase 1A at the Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP), and upcoming plans for Phase 1B. The City paved 11 streets, including Crosby and Thacher, as well as invested in much needed equipment for the Department of Public Works including 4 pick-up trucks, a wheel loader, dump truck and backhoe. The City was also a proud recipient of nearly $3 million for replacement of the aging Church Street Bridge.
Our parks were definitely not overlooked as the fishing pier at Shawmut Park was rebuilt and plans are in place for enhancements this year at Veteran’s Memorial Park, including, “the addition of pickleball courts, tennis and basketball court replacement, upgrades to the pool house, the installation of a splash pad and addition of more playground equipment.” In 2023 a brand-new park in downtown Hornell, Union Square Park, was completed, providing residents with a downtown, four-season park for concerts and events. The park hosted its inaugural event with a dedication to the life and service of Sergeant Daniel Swift, who lost his life in the line of duty 50 years previously. Mayor Buckley also referenced Union Square’s first annual “Christmas at the Square” event, as approximately 400 residents came together to enjoy music and celebrate the holiday season.
Looking ahead to 2024, Mayor Buckley labeled it the “year of construction”, with several major projects schedule to begin in the coming months, “First and foremost is the continuation of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) with downtown sidewalk replacement, alleyway improvements, wayfinding, and public art projects slated to kick off.”
Buckley commended the City Codes office for their hard work throughout the year, with inspections, and addressing blight while helping area residents connect with valuable resources. Buckley highlighted work from the Codes office and partnership with the Steuben County Landbank with the removal of several dilapidated and unsafe structures throughout the City, immediately improving the quality of life for the affected neighborhoods.
The Mayor noted “my administration continues to prioritize and support Public Safety. This past year, we welcomed 3 new police officers, 2 firefighters and made promotions to the ranks of sergeant and captain.” Commending the police department’s record number of calls in the past year, many of which can be attributed to a rise of mental health issues here and around the country. The Mayor referenced the continued struggles with onerous bail reform and discovery policies that continue to handcuff departments across the state.
The Fire Department, likewise, saw a high volume of calls this year. The department saw 3 firefighters complete paramedic school with another 3 currently enrolled this year, bolstering and maintaining the high level of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) the department provides. Buckley noted, “last year, with the support of this Common Council, my administration took necessary steps to correct longstanding and inherited inequities. Now, contracts are in place and City taxpayers no longer pay for delivering EMS to neighboring municipalities.”
“Economic development in the Maple City continues to stay in high gear”, noted Mayor Buckley, as he went on to list several new businesses opened in the City in 2023, including the addition of a business class hotel, as well as the completion of Alstom’s new car shell manufacturing facility, and the Bryant School Apartments. The City looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) in the coming years, Mayor Buckley noted a key focus on creating more traditional single-family homes in his address.
Mayor Buckley identified, “many of the projects taking place in Hornell are the direct result of my administration’s aggressive pursuit of grant monies. From costly infrastructure projects such as our sewer plant, to bridge replacement, to upgrades in our City parks, and neighborhood revitalization, we continue to invest in, and improve our beautiful city, preserving and increasing quality of life for residents, while minimizing the impact on our local tax base. When you add it all up, in the six years I’ve been mayor, nearly 20 million dollars has been awarded to the City of Hornell.” The mayor then highlighted City Planner, Heather Reynolds, for her contributions and role in this area, writing grant applications and securing funding or supplemental funding for many of these projects.
To increase transparency and public engagement, the mayor lauded the successful launch of the City Newsletter this year, as well as increased press releases, dissemination of information on the City’s Facebook page, and the completion of a new, streamlined City website.
The mayor called upon Governor Hochul to work with the state legislature to help relieve pressure on local governments by increasing AIM funding, which has remained flat for the prior 15 years. Finally, noting an all-time high of political partisanship and controversary in the nation’s capital, Mayor Buckley encouraged the Council to “stay above the fray and remain focused on serving the residents of our great City.”
The State of the City was very well received with a standing ovation from attendees and positive reactions from Common Council members. During their first Common Council meeting, newly elected Aldermen David Sutfin and Steve Peck noted finding the address informative and beneficial. First Ward Alderman David Sutfin stated, “I was very impressed. Hearing about the number of grants which are helping our city flourish and modernize is very welcome news. The Mayor and all of the staff working every day for all of us is comforting. I look forward to being a part of that.”
4th Ward Alderman Steve Peck noted similar thoughts, “My first Council meeting was impressive. The State of the City was informative, and it was exciting to hear the accomplishments that were achieved in 2023. The future of Hornell in 2024 has a fantastic outlook, with many exciting projects on the horizon. I am proud and excited to be a part of the future of Hornell.”
Veteran 10th Ward Alderman, John Carbone also had a positive reaction to the State of the City saying, “The Mayor did a nice job delivering the State of the City address. Through hard work and dedication by the Mayor, Department Heads, devoted employees and the Council, Hornell is in a great position to grow and prosper. I look forward to continuing to work together during this exciting time.”
