At a recent public meeting, The Chenango County 2050 Vision Plan Survey results focused on community health and wellbeing, economic opportunity, innovative infrastructure, sustainable living and rural environment, with one of the key focuses being on housing. (Photo by Kelli Miller)

CHENANGO COUNTY — At a recent public meeting, the Chenango County 2050 Vision Plan Survey results were presented and focused on community health and wellbeing, economic opportunity, innovative infrastructure, sustainable living and rural environment, with the key focus on housing.

Chenango County Director of Planning Shane Butler said concerns are valid about the disrepair of Chenango County housing stock and the needed money for those repairs.

“While many of these homes are built very strong, without proper maintenance many will continue to show deterioration until they become unsafe and unlivable,” Butler said.

The 2050 plan shows 55% of the homes in Chenango County were built before 1970, including 34% of homes that were built before 1940 with a significant portion of the housing units being owner-occupied. Only six houses have been constructed in the county since year 2020.

Butler explained organizations like Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango, Inc., The Impact Project, Promote Oxford Now, the NBT Curb Appeal Program and other programs are important to the community.