Track Progress and Updates
Economic Track
The small community of Cortland enjoyed BIG growth in 2005. Major business investments included: the expansion of Barden Homes and Essex Steel at the new Finger Lakes East Business Park; Borg Warner’s Luker Road facility; Bestway Lumber moved into the former E-one facility; Marietta Corporation fully utilizing the former Rubbermaid facility; the former Smith Corona site currently full with more than 20 companies occupying industrial and warehouse space; Greek Peak moving forward with its expansion plan.
Downtown development and neighborhood revitalization in the City of Cortland has made great progress. Community projects have also helped to stimulate our economy: The Center for the Arts opened its doors in Homer; Cortland Regional Medical Center completed renovations to its emergency, laboratory, radiology and diagnostics departments and is opening a dialysis center on Route 281; the J.M. McDonald Sports Complex celebrated its first anniversary.
Economic Priorities for 2006-2007 include:
- Increasing the number of jobs with good wages and benefits
- Promoting entrepreneurship and new business development
- Increasing the linkage between schools, colleges and businesses
- Enhancing community based planning for development
Youth Track
The Cortland Area Communities That Care Coalition (CACTC) is guided by a process that allows us to identify major issues in our community, prioritize efforts, and use proven approaches to make positive change in a coordinated fashion. In order to provide a clear, consistent message from cradle to college, the CACTC carefully chose 13 scientifically validated programs that, when implemented correctly, will:
- Positively change parental attitudes and involvement in their children’s problem behavior
- Improve families’ abilities to manage problems
- Direct efforts toward families with histories of problem behaviors
- Improve neighborhood attachment and community organization
- Decrease the availability of alcohol, tobacco and marijuana
- Increase literacy
To date, 5 of the CACTC programs have been implemented and CACTC partners are actively pursuing funding for the remaining 8.
Health Track
The Health Track has identified the effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse as an underlying cause and/or effect of a broad array of health issues, including mental health issues, child abuse, chronic diseases, and accidental injuries. Raising awareness of the link between alcohol abuse and priority issues facing our community has been added to the Health Track action plan.
Health Priorities for 2006-2007 include:
- Increase availability and accessibility of Behavioral Health Services
- Increase health education, health promotion and health screening for chronic disease control and injury prevention
- Decrease rates of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use
- Increase awareness and value of oral health, & promote available dental services
The Community Services Board Mental Health sub-committee compiled a 3-year plan that identifies access to services for children and families in crisis and access to outpatient services as the top 2 un-addressed or under-addressed needs in Cortland.
The local chronic disease coalitions piloted a worksite wellness program at Marietta Corp. and “Mass Meltdown Mania”, a weight loss competition at the YMCA, which was modeled after the television series “The Biggest Loser.”
Cortland Regional Medical Center and all Family Health Network sites went Smoke Free in their buildings and on their grounds as of 3/1/06. The Seven Valleys Health Coalition continues to maintain an up-to-date directory of health and human services, along with a calendar of health education events on line at www.sevenvalleyshealth.org.
Housing Track
The addition of a Housing Track in 2006 is an outgrowth of three Housing Confabs held in 2005. The Confabs identified the following as priority issues and the community has resolved to address them:
- The deteriorated condition of the county’s housing stock
- The realization that community development starts with neighborhood development and that quality housing and economic development go hand in hand
- The identification of low neighborhood attachment and community disorganization as primary risk factors for Cortland County youth
Housing resources for low- and middle-income residents were charted and a photo collage of “good” and “bad” housing was created for use in setting local housing norms. The Housing Track is a collaboration of individuals, organizations and service groups working on public-private investment to improve Cortland’s housing. Habitat for Humanity, CAPCO, Catholic Charities, Thoma Development, and the Cortland Housing Assistance Council have been instrumental in this initiative. A major milestone is the new partnership with Housing Visions.
For previous report cards and comprehensive assessments go to: www.sevenvalleyshealth.org/projects/cc.htm
Go to Next Page