“Simply put, Hornell is on a roll!!”
From City Hall,
Mayor John Buckley provided the State of the City address Monday evening to the full Common Council, City Chamberlain, City Attorney, several City department heads, and residents. Mayor Buckley noted the tremendous strides revitalizing our community that occurred in 2024, noting “Simply put, Hornell is on a roll!”
The mayor outlined key projects completed this past year, including upgrades to downtown, Veterans Memorial Park at James Street, and Shawmut Park, as well as improvements across multiple departments. He also noted the City’s first-ever A+ rating from auditors and an A rating from Moody’s while remaining one of the most affordable communities in the state. Buckley credited City Chamberlain Michele Smith for her diligent financial management.
The Industrial Development Agency, led by Executive Director Mike Nisbet, has been “bustling with activity and making a positive difference in our community,” Buckley stated. He highlighted restoration efforts at the historic Tuttle and Rockwell building, development of a new single-family neighborhood on West Street, and opening access from Shawmut Industrial Park to Route 36. “This will unlock the full potential of the industrial park while helping to reduce heavy traffic from side streets in the 1st Ward,” Buckley noted.
The mayor also emphasized strong development opportunities, citing major contracts secured by Alstom to foster job creation and the opening of several small businesses, including Golden Break Billiards, White Imprints, Zaf’s Gamer Shoppe, and Tim Horton’s.
Of particular note in 2024, Hornell’s downtown saw “once-in-a-generation improvements through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative,” including new sidewalks in the business district, refreshed alleyways, public art installations, and decorative lighting. “These transformational improvements have created a warm, welcoming downtown and breathed new life into our city,” Buckley stated.
Veterans Memorial Park at James Street saw significant enhancements, including resurfaced tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts, a new splash pad, a renovated pool house, a pavilion, an upgraded concession stand, and 20 newly planted trees. Shawmut Park saw the completion of the carpenter shop added, through collaboration with GST BOCES students, and was recently awarded $500,000 to expand the skate park. Finally, the addition of Union Square Park downtown has provided a vital gathering space, hosting events like the summer concert series and Christmas at the Square.
Buckley then highlighted key accomplishments of City departments. The Department of Public Works, led by Superintendent Mitch Cornish and Foreman Rob Guy, paved 14 streets and contributed to numerous projects, including the 12th BOCES house, designed by Assistant Superintendent Ashley Brown. The DPW garage also underwent major renovations, receiving a new roof, siding, overhead doors, windows, and other improvements to enhance the work environment. The City secured over $4 million in Bridge NY funding to replace the Church Street Bridge and the box culvert on Canisteo Street at Spencer Avenue.
During his address, Buckley acknowledged Hornell Area Transit (HAT) for continuing to grow ridership despite challenges related to CDL requirements and driver shortages. Deputy Mayor Jessica Cleveland and Transit Supervisor Kimberly Courtney have worked diligently to secure funding, allowing for the procurement of eight new buses at no additional cost to local taxpayers.
Public Safety investment remained a priority for in 2024. The Codes department, led by Bud Burdett, continue to respond to record call volume and inspections and take on new challenges often playing the role of social worker to help residents solve problems. ‘Alongside the City Attorney, Bud also has reviewed the City Code book and made needed recommendations to remove or amend old, antiquated sections that are no longer relevant in today’s world,” noted Buckley.
The City Police department, led by Chief Ted Murray, has also seen record call volume, particularly regarding individuals experiencing mental health crisis. Buckley and Corning Mayor Bill Boland met with the County to secure increased mental health support. The mayor also highlighted the police department’s addition of two new officers, two new patrol cars, with two more on the way and the City’s camera system is set to be upgraded in the coming year as well.
The fire department has also experienced high call volume, experiencing over 4,000 EMS calls in 2024. “I commend Chief Frank Brzozowski and his team for their extraordinary service to Hornell and our neighbors. To continue supporting our Fire Department, the City welcomed two new ambulances, and just recently a new E One pumper truck, with a second pumper truck on order for 2027,” Buckley stated. Buckley further highlighted the addition of three new paramedics, bringing the total number of paramedics to 15, and two graduations from the fire academy, with two more currently enrolled.
“With the help of Assessor Cindy Burdell, the City has administered two CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization grants of roughly 1 million dollars over the past 7 years, which have helped address essential needs of qualified home owners such as heating, window replacement, and roofing,” Buckley noted. The City was recently awarded $461,000 in another round of this funding to continue this program.
Seeking grant opportunities remained a strong theme throughout 2024. From costly infrastructure projects at the sewer plant, park investments, neighborhood revitalization, and bridge replacements, the aggressive pursuit of funding has allowed for substantial investment with minimal impact to our local tax base. “When you add it all up, in the seven years I’ve been mayor, roughly 30 million dollars has been awarded to the City of Hornell,” the mayor explained. The mayor thanked the efforts of City Planner, Heather Reynolds for her critical role in writing grant applications and securing funding.
The mayor also noted his appointment to the New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) Executive Committee, where NYCOM “successfully lobbied for the Governor and legislature for a long-overdue increase in unrestricted aid to municipalities.” He called upon Governor Hochul and the state legislature to help relieve pressure on local tax bases by making this funding stream permanent and increasing AIM funding annually to keep up with inflation.
Concluding his address, Buckley reflected on the deep divisions in our nation. “To my friends on the Common Council, we must rise above the noise and chaos of the times in which we live. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to serving the residents of our great city,” he emphasized. “Let us continue to move Hornell forward!”
