Dec 24

Dec 24 Rome: Year in Review By Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan

As 2024 comes to a close, I am proud to reflect on the many accomplishments our administration has achieved, working hand in hand with the community to make Rome an even better place to live, work, and thrive. This year has been a testament to the resilience and determination of our residents, and I am excited about the momentum we’ve built as we look ahead to 2025.

This year began with a decisive effort to address one of the most persistent issues plaguing our residents: garbage collection. After enduring countless complaints about the inadequate service provided by CWSI, we terminated our agreement with them for breach of contract. To fill the gap, we brought in Bliss Environmental as a temporary replacement. Bliss quickly proved their commitment to our community and has since earned a three-year contract with two optional one-year extensions. This change not only improved the reliability of garbage collection but also demonstrated our administration’s dedication to holding contractors accountable and prioritizing taxpayer satisfaction.

Our commitment to improving the quality of life extended to critical investments funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). In 2024, we allocated $200,000 for a citywide Parks Master Plan, which will guide the revitalization of our recreational spaces. This plan—the first since 2015—marks a significant step toward modernizing our parks. Additionally, $500,000 was earmarked to implement key improvements identified within this new plan, ensuring our parks continue to be places of enjoyment and community gathering. Another $400,000 was devoted to the SFM Skatepark project, and $1 million was directed toward the Residential Rehabilitation Program, aiding homeowners in enhancing their properties and neighborhoods. Moreover, $375,000 was allocated to support the Mohawk Valley Community College Dental Hygienist Program, an initiative that will provide long-term health benefits to our residents.

Public safety has been a priority as well. We are reinstating the Rome Police Department’s K9 unit, a crucial resource for enhancing security. This initiative, supported by ARPA funds, reflects our commitment to equipping law enforcement with the tools necessary to keep our city safe. Additionally, re-establishing the summer Drop-in Program at Pinti Field brought meaningful engagement opportunities for our youth, strengthening community ties and fostering positive development.

In collaboration with the City Council, we focused on several transformative initiatives. We laid the groundwork for a Community Court, an innovative approach to addressing low-level offenses. This court emphasizes rehabilitation and restorative justice, aiming to reduce recidivism while strengthening trust between the judicial system and the community. Our efforts also led to significant updates to the City’s public nuisance law, which had not been revised since 2005. The Public Nuisance Committee, which was established at the beginning of 2024, has already shown significant results. Over the past year, 80 properties were investigated, leading to evictions or closures at nine properties, with certificates of occupancy removed. Twelve cases remain under investigation, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring safe, vibrant neighborhoods. Addressing nuisance properties not only improves safety but also stabilizes property values and protects taxpayers from the ripple effects of neglect and crime.

The strength of our community was tested on July 16, 2024, when a devastating tornado destroyed iconic buildings and caused over $10 million in damages to trees alone. Thankfully no one lost their life and we are extremely grateful for that. While we did not meet the federal threshold for disaster relief, we secured $6 million from the State of New York for demolition and recovery efforts. Oneida County provided generous contributions of over $1 million to support the Rome Victim Recovery Fund which helped hundreds of residents. Oneida County matched the City’s $300K and the Rome Chamber of Commerce also provided funding for the Rome Business Emergency Fund which assisted more than 50 affected business owners. The extraordinary efforts of our city employees, community members and non-profit agencies highlighted the indomitable spirit of Rome and the City crews did an extraordinary job clearing debris. We are extremely lucky to live in such an amazing community. Together, we are overcoming this challenge and emerging stronger than ever.

Looking ahead, we’re building on this year’s successes. Following the completion of a feasibility study, we are moving forward with the design and financing strategies for an indoor sports complex. This facility will feature an indoor field, walking track, community room and food and beverage area. The facility will serve as a community hub, promoting health and recreation for all ages. Additionally, a $1.9 million RESTORE NY grant is helping us rehabilitate a 26,000-square-foot industrial building into a vibrant waterfront brewery and entertainment venue, further boosting local tourism and economic growth.

In 2024, we passed a responsible budget with a 2.75% tax increase—a necessary measure following several years of rising costs and inflation. This adjustment, amounting to $0.55 per $1,000 of assessed value, ensures the city can maintain the highest level of services our residents have become accustomed to. By investing in infrastructure and community programs, we’re laying the groundwork for stable and sustainable property taxes in the years to come.

As we enter 2025, our strategic focus will prioritize key initiatives to improve our community. We aim to tackle blight and absentee landlords through measures that hold them accountable and enhance property upkeep. Recognizing the importance of small businesses for local economic growth, we will develop targeted programs to support their unique needs.

We are committed to expanding affordable and accessible housing options and addressing homelessness through comprehensive strategies in partnership with local non-profits. In early 2025, we will open the Rome Community Court, which will focus on rehabilitation and community well-being. We will also implement the Parks Master Plan to enhance public spaces for residents.

Additionally, our collaboration with Mohawk Valley Edge and Oneida County will continue to prepare the Triangle Parcel at Griffiss Business and Technology Park for future development, aiming to attract new businesses and investments. These combined efforts will help create a brighter future for our community and the region.

Rome’s future is promising, and our achievements in 2024 are just the beginning. Together, we are building a city that honors its rich history while embracing innovation and progress. I am thankful to the Rome community for their trust in me, and I take pride in being the Mayor of such an incredible city. I look forward to continuing this journey and ensuring a prosperous future for all of Rome.

Jeffrey Lanigan is Mayor of Rome, New York