southside rising revitalization strategy

The Southside Rising Revitalization Strategy is a grassroots, bottom-up approach to community revitalization directed by the community with the support and assistance of the City of Elmira and the New York State Department of State.  

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Thanks to all who joined us on May 8 to make the
PUBLIC DESIGN WORKSHOP
a success!  
view results from the design workshop

Southside Rising: A Revitalization Strategy for Elmira’s Southside

Elmira’s Southside contains all the components of a fully functioning community: strong residential neighborhoods; a centralized spine of services; centers of employment; high quality schools; spacious parks; convenient transportation access; and an abundant urban waterfront.  Thousands of Elmirans live and work in the Southside, pouring significant time, effort and money into their residences and businesses.  Abundant opportunities for reinvestment and renewal exist throughout the Southside, most notably in vacant or underutilized properties ready for a new future.
However, there remain portions of the Southside struggling to overcome the challenges of the past.  The proximity of housing to industrial uses that once benefitted employers and employees alike is now a hindrance to investment and neighborhood stability.  The railroad that functioned as the life-blood of the City now limits connectivity and isolates entire neighborhoods.  The industries that fueled the growth of Elmira’s Southside have since disappeared, and former land uses continue to complicate redevelopment efforts.
Abundant opportunities for reinvestment and renewal exist throughout the Southside, most notably in vacant or underutilized properties ready for a new future. 
Elmira’s Southside needs a revitalization strategy; a comprehensive set of recommendations that foster economic activity, encourage investment, and promote neighborhood stability.  The Southside Rising Revitalization Strategy is a grassroots, bottom-up approach to community revitalization that will place the Southside on a path to rise as a center of opportunity, growth, and prosperity.

Project Advisory Committee Members

The Project Advisory Committee is an invaluable resource to the project, directing the planning process and ensuring the Project Team is knowledgeable about additional efforts and aspirations that might impact the study area.  All project-related materials for your review can be found by logging in to the right.