Chemung County Fairgrounds - Is There A Better Way To Utilize Them?

[MsKreed 1,179]

12 hours ago, Chris said:

I love this concept!!

I would go further and suggest the County consider a concept like this on a regular basis......perhaps as part of the Community Building that has been proposed with ARP funds. As encouraging as I am about the new leadership for the Fair Board, it's disappointing to see the endless value of the Fairgrounds limited to Ag Society's occupancy for one week a year.

[Hal 341]

Perhaps if the cost of using the grounds for other activities weren’t so prohibitive that would become a possibility once again .

[Chris 2,161]

According to the news, the Oak Rodge Boys are coming to town. 

[MsKreed 1,179]

This week’s Standing Committee Meetings HERE, committee proceedings were preceded by several presentations (From Public Health lead poisoning to Wastewater Treatment, to the services of Cornell Cooperative Extension)

Around the 1hr25min mark.....The Ag Society’s new President had the a presentation.

He began by highlighting plans for this year’s Fair (sounds very promising!). 

Then he discussed infrastructure projects they have done on the Fairgrounds recently. As well as appealing for County Funding ($100k) to facilitate infrastructure grants that the County can’t apply for itself (they can only be awarded to the Ag Society). And that rolled into a discussion about the value of utilizing the Fairgrounds year round. 

It sounds like there is interest from outside (regional) organizations (like Monster Truck rallies, etc). However, it doesn't seem that the County any staff (as the property owner) to promote coordinate.  

There wasn’t any specific mention of the Building that was proposed with ARP funds approved...but it sounded as if the Legislature could be hearing a more complete plans (hopefully in the near future).  While the gentleman from the Ag Society seems very motivated, sincere and capable.....it isn't quite clear to me who would be responsible for bringing events to the the Fairgrounds if the County eventually approves a multi-use facility. 

I understand the Ag Society has deep ties to the Fairgrounds, but they are really only a "tenant", that doesn't control the property.  But I doubt that would be any worse than having the Fairgrounds "operated" by the IDA/CCCR like First Arena. 

Edited Wednesday at 08:46 PM by MsKreed

[Chris 2,161]

While the last thing we need is another person on the taxpayers dime, would it be beneficial to maybe hire someone to manage things like bringing events to the fairgrounds? Perhaps a part time position?

1 hour ago, MsKreed said:

There wasn’t any specific mention of the Building that was proposed with ARP funds approved...but it sounded as if the Legislature could be hearing a more complete plans (hopefully in the near future).

I am very interested in hearing these plans.