ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The second known homeless encampment along Elmira's Lackawanna Trail across the street from Kennedy Valve was dismantled and removed Friday morning.  Just after 7:30 a.m., police officers, city trucks, and bulldozers rolled down the trail, but authorities first checked to make sure the campsite was unoccupied, which it was.

"There were many homeless over [on the Lackawanna trail] that where homeless people were living in these encampments," says City of Elmira's Mayor Dan Mandell. "About a week or so ago we went over there we issued some citations that they violated the city ordinance."

The city's effort to clear encampments in city limits became official on November 18th when Elmira City Council passed an ordinance in a five to two vote. The ordinance got pushback from residents but did not stop the city from proceeding with its plans. 

"We've cleaned up two of them since the ordinance was enacted. There was one over on off of Clemens Center Parkway. There was one individual over there that we did some outreach and ended up cleaning that encampment out, and then this encampment. I'm not sure how many are left out there. But going forward, we addressed the most dangerous ones first, but the other ones that do exist we will do the same thing," explained Mandell. 

The ban establishes penalties including fines for the first offense ranging from $350 to $500 or 90 days in jail. Fines grow for repeat offenses including up to $750 - $1,000 and up to one year in jail.

"As far as the penalty phase of this encampment resolution, it goes in front of the judge and the [District Attorney] and they can work out any type of deal they need to. The fine portion could turn into community service for these people to help give back to the community. Sometimes they may end up in jail, but what people need to realize is that jails are no longer just penal institutions." 

As WENY News reported on November 18th, 2024, the ordinance does allow Elmira Police Department, Code Enforcement and the Sanitation Department to remove campsites and all personal property on the site

City officials say they were tipped off about this campsite after people walking the trail reported potential weapons or dangerous items at the encampment. WENY News did not receive an official answer from city officials regarding if this report was true.

At this time, officials say they prioritize cleaning and clearing the most dangerous encampments. Even though this involves displacing people, Mandell shared local organizations like Catholic Charities and the Department of Social Services are ready to help people find shelter.

When asked if any other sites would be removed, WENY News was told it would be on a case-to-case basis and there was nothing to note at this time.

To learn more about Chemung County's homeless housing and prevention plan, click here. 

If you're in need of help surrounding an issue related to homelessness, the contacts below are accessible to those who would like to obtain these services.

Emergency Shelter at the Samaritan Center 

M-F 8:30am- 4:00pm

380 South Main Street, Elmira, NY

Homeless Shelter 

M- F 4:00pm -8:00am/weekend   
160 High Street, Elmira, NY

Emergency Assistance 

Chemung County DSS

425 Pennsylvania Ave Elmira, NY

Rapid Rehousing/Homelessness Prevention

Catholic Charities

380 South Main Street Elmira, NY