Village of Afton, NY: Strategic Plan

Purpose of the Strategic Plan

As with many rural US Towns and Villages, the Village of Afton has slowly been declining. The population in Afton has been shrinking while the remaining population is aging (US Census 2014). Numerous residents who we spoke with were looking to sell their homes or properties to move away from Afton. Young people are not moving to or staying in the Village. There are very few jobs within the Village and the local businesses seem to rely mostly on the local population. The local economy is struggling although the majority of businesses have been in operation for many years. During the course of this study, at least one anchor business closed, while a couple of smaller independent businesses have opened. Another specific problem in the Village of Afton is recurrent and worsening flooding. There have been two major floods in the past 10 years. This has caused a decline in the local economy, it has increased vacant housing and has

depressed the spirit of the local residents. A strategic plan for economic development has been established to address:

1. Low-cost energy technology

2. Public transportation development

3. Waterfront park development

4. Flood mitigation

5. Water quality

6. Wetland restoration

7. Historic restoration of Main St.

This plan will help the Village of Afton have a clear path to becoming a sustainable city that can be an example for other rural areas in the Southern Tier. This strategic plan. also advances the goals of the Regional Economic Development Council Strategic Plan: 2011-2016 and initiates local efforts to improve the economic position of Afton and revitalize its waterfront.