LETTER FROM THE MAYOR
It is my privilege to present the City of Olean’s Comprehensive Development Plan to our residents and business community. This document analyzes the City’s existing conditions, identifies the trends of where we are going and suggests implementation actions to get us to where we want to be. It will be used as a blueprint for City officials for the next 20 years as they chart the future of our great City.
The Comprehensive Development Plan was led by a Task Force Committee who provided guidance for the project and helped to ensure that the study addressed issues relevant to our citizens and businesses. The Task Force was composed of residents, representatives of local organizations and non-profits as well as City officials. Working in conjunction with consultants, the Task Force engaged the public through two public meetings and those unable to attend were encouraged to complete a survey. In addition, a pop-up event was held at Olean High School.
In 2005, the City completed and issued the previous Comprehensive Development Plan. Using that plan as a tool, elected officials working together with our departments, especially Community Development, Public Works, and the Auditor’s Office initiated Olean’s renaissance. This new birth of Olean is visible throughout the City. Our business district has been enhanced with a new traffic pattern, historic buildings have been renovated and North Union Street, with its gardens and planters, is welcoming and attractive. There is development in the former brownfield sites off Buffalo, Johnson and Homer Streets, recreation trails have been expanded, and many of our parks, including Bradner Stadium and the William O. Smith facilities have been enhanced.
The new Comprehensive Development Plan will move this revitalization forward with an end result that will make Olean a thriving commercial hub that nurtures entrepreneurs and develops a trained work force. Our neighborhoods will strive to be safe and offer sustainable living solutions by blending our historic charm with modern development. And our commitment to preserving natural resources will strengthen our resiliency and sustainability. Ultimately, the goal of this plan is to reverse our downward population trend and make Olean the pride of the Southern Tier.
The Comprehensive Development Plan Project was paid for entirely by grant funding awarded by the NYS Department of State, NYS Empire State Development, Cattaraugus County, Siemen’s Initiative Fund and first-instanced by the City of Olean.
I would like to extend my appreciation to everyone who contributed to this document. Olean is a great place to live and raise a family because our residents, employees and institutions have historically worked together to guarantee the long term viability of our community. I was humbled and grateful witnessing this group collaborate and produce a plan that will continue and augment Olean’s revitalization efforts.
William J. Aiello
Mayor