GENEVA — Politicians of all stripes agree on one thing: Ontario County is suffering from a shortage of available housing.
The dearth of housing — from affordable to market-based to single-family homes — is a big problem in Geneva as well. Mayor Jim Cecere is looking to take on the issue with his formation of the Ad Hoc Housing and Neighborhoods Committee, which he describes in a press release as “a focused initiative to address housing challenges and strengthen communities across the city.”
Cecere said the committee is aligned with the recently adopted 2026-27 Strategic Plan, which identifies housing, neighborhood stability, and community investment as key priorities for the city.
According to Cecere, the committee will evaluate current housing conditions, review best practices from other communities, and develop recommendations that may include rental oversight policies, housing rehabilitation strategies, and tools to expand access to homeownership.
“Strong neighborhoods begin with quality housing and real opportunity,” Cecere said. “This committee reflects City Council’s commitment to take a thoughtful and measured approach to housing policy, consistent with our Strategic Plan. We want to create more pathways to homeownership, improve the condition of our housing, and ensure that renters across Geneva are living in safe, well-maintained homes. This is about building a stronger community over time.”
The Ad Hoc Housing and Neighborhoods Committee members:
Patty Blue, whom Cecere describes as a “longtime community development leader with experience delivering affordable housing and homeownership programs.”Alisha Clark, who Cecere said is a “finance and operations professional specializing in data-driven process improvement and system design with a passion for housing.”Tony DiCostanzo, a former city councilor and Planning Board member with what Cecere called “deep experience in local governance and neighborhood leadership.”Wendy Marsh, an attorney Cecere said specializes in zoning, land use, and environmental law with extensive municipal and development experience.Ward 2 Councilor Ben Gummoe, who Cecere said is focused on housing, governance, policy, and community priorities.Ward 6 Councilor Jamie Kaim Jr., who Cecere said is engaged in housing, neighborhood, and quality-of-life initiatives.
The Geneva mayor said the Housing and Neighborhoods Committee will focus on “improving housing affordability, increasing homeownership, supporting reinvestment in aging housing stock, and ensuring safe and stable living conditions for renters.” He also noted the committee will review policies related to both short-term and long-term rentals, “with the goal of creating a balanced approach that supports residents, property owners, and neighborhoods.”
Cecere pointed out that Geneva “faces a unique housing dynamic, with a higher percentage of rental properties compared to owner-occupied homes,” adding the committee’s focus is “long-term improvement rather than short-term disruption.”
“The goal is to be deliberate and responsible in how we approach housing policy,” Kaim said. “We want to protect renters, support responsible landlords, and begin to shift toward more homeownership in a way that strengthens neighborhoods. This work directly supports the priorities outlined in our Strategic Plan. This is not about quick fixes. It is about putting the right framework in place for the future.”
Gummoe emphasized the importance of balancing priorities.
“That means making sure renters have quality housing and stability, while also creating opportunities for more people to own homes and invest in our community,” he said. “This committee provides a clear path to advance those goals in line with our Strategic Plan.”
According to Cecere, the Ad Hoc Housing and Neighborhoods Committee is expected to meet monthly over the next six months and will provide recommendations to City Council. The first meeting likely will take place in May, he added.