February 25, 2025
HORNELL, NY – Mayor John Buckley gave the State of the City address, Monday night, where he stated that “the City is on a roll.” The mayor noted much construction and growth, while also receiving an A+ rating with their auditors and remains one of New York’s most affordable communities. He praised Hornell city Chamberlain Michele Smith for her hard work with the City finances. Mayor Buckley also highlighted Hornell IDA Director Mike Nesbit, noting several projects and developments throughout the 2024 year and looking forward.
Buckley also spoke highly of Alstom and it’s projects, as well as talked about downtown improvements completed, and noted developments remaining such as work on the Landman building and the Tuttle and Rockwell building.
He also discussed the upgrades to Veterans Memorial Park at James Street, such as the addition of the splash pad, court resurfacing, a new pavilion and shed, as well as the addition of about two dozen new trees. Mayor Buckley identified improvements to Shawmut Park with more to come with funds received for the skate park recently. He described Union Square Park as, “a big hit with people of all ages”. Street and bridge work was also mentioned by the mayor with 14 streets paved and two bridge replacements through BridgeNY with funding of over $4 million dollars. He then spoke of Water Filtration and Water Pollution Control chief operators Lenny Fucci and Rich Dunning, who perform excellent service and maintenance of the City’s water supply and sewer system; the mayor pointed out that this is something that often goes unnoticed and is easily taken for granted. The topic of the HAT Bus system, which officials noted, has grown ridership year over year and secured funding for operations, and well as recently procured 8 buses planned to arrive in the coming years. The mayor says this is thanks to the efforts of Deputy Mayor Jessica Cleveland and Transit Supervisor Kim Courtney.
Other names mentioned were DPW Superintendent Mitch Cornish, Codes Office Director Bud Burdett, Police Chief Ted Murray and Fire Chief Frank Brzowski. Public safety offices have all seen record call volume, while the Department of Public Works has been involved in numerous projects throughout the City. On the topic of crime, the mayor chided Albany for it’s unpopular bail reform law. He also called on Governor Kathy Hochul to make her increase last year for AIM funding permanent, instead of a temporary increase as municipalities continue to struggle with high costs and consequences of inflation. On the subject of fire department, the mayor praised the fire department for now having 15 paramedics. He also had many compliments about Hornell City Planner Heather Reynolds, who spearheaded much seeking of grant funds and planning with the projects downtown and across the city.
The mayor also criticized the 24-7 news cycle continuing to increase divide and political polarization. He quoted President Reagan in saying we need to talk with each other and not about each other.
Buckley received much applause at the end of his state of the city speech from members of the Council, department heads, and residents gathered in the audience.
