October 6, 2023—Olean—The City of Olean is updating its Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP). The CDP will provide an overview of the planning process and discuss the critical issues the community faces, while also identifying key assets and challenges that will lead to the long-term vision of a vital and dynamic Olean. It also will provide a blueprint for development, preservation, and enhancement of residential, commercial, and industrial neighborhoods as well as public facilities, infrastructure, and greenspaces. The City’s last Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 2005, guided the City’s elected and appointed officials for development-related decisions and capital investment. By Fall 2024, the City of Olean Common Council will adopt a Comprehensive Development Plan to establish a shared community vision for the future and an action plan to achieve it.
The first public meeting regarding the CDP will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 from 5:00-7:00PM (presentation beginning at 5:30PM) at the John Ash Community Center, located at 112 N Barry St, Olean, NY 14760. A survey will be open until November 10, 2023 to collect input for the CDP. The survey is posted at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CityofOlean. The community can learn more about the CDP at https://cityofolean.org/comprehensive-development-plan/.
The Comprehensive Development Plan is led by a Task Force Committee (TFC) to provide guidance for the project and help ensure that the study addresses issues relevant to the stakeholders. The TFC is composed of residents, representatives of local organizations and non-profits, and City officials. The Committee will hold meetings as needed. Membership of the committee includes:
William J. Aiello, Mayor of the City of Olean
Tom Buttafarro, Jr., St. Bonaventure University
Jeff Belt, Resident/Environmental/Business Owner
John Crawford, Olean Common Council/Higher Education/Elected
Bob Forness, Business Community (OBD)
Jennifer Forney, Olean Common Council/Higher Education/Elected
Frank Higgins, District 8 County Legislator
Adam Jester, Resident/Business Owner/Former Elected Official
Keri Kerper, Olean Community Development
Henri LaMonthe, MD, Olean General Hospital/Sustainability
Lenny Ligouri, Resident/Affordable Housing/ADA
Eric Maurouard, Olean Fire Department/Environmental
Reed McElfresh, Olean Planning Board/Conservation
Genelle Morris, Olean City School District/Diversity Representative
Destiny Portlow, Resident/Diversity Representative
Ryan Reed, Olean Code Enforcement/Housing
Ron Richardson, Olean Police Department
Zane Smith, Resident/Civic Leader/Student
Paula Snyder, Jamestown Community College
Kelly Sweet, Olean ZBA/Protection
Robert Thompson, DPW Recreation and Transportation
Carrie Wolf, Faith Community
Meme Yanetsko, Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce/Business Community/Tourism
The City of Olean Comprehensive Development Plan Task Force Committee has approved a Community Participation Plan which outlines how the public will be involved with the planning process. The opportunities for engagement include a citywide survey, two public meetings and a pop-up event.
For questions about the City of Olean’s Comprehensive Plan, please contact: Keri Kerper, Community Development Program Coordinator, at [email protected].