Introduction
The town of Cincinnatus is located in the south-central edge of Cortland County, bordering on Chenango County. NYS Route 26 runs through Cincinnatus and joins NYS 41 on the outskirts of town. NYS Route 23 begins (or ends) in Cincinnatus and travels east through the Catskill mountains to Massachusetts, which is where the original settlers of Cincinnatus came from. Cincinnatus is a rural town that welcomes growth and change in keeping with the retention of its rural character.
History of the Town
The Town of Cincinnatus was originally part of the central New York military tract created by the State to pay soldiers for their military service in the Revolutionary War. Surveyed in 1798, the original tract extended from Oswego to the southern border of Cortland County. Cincinnatus was one six original townships which comprise present day Cortland County. Nineteenth century Cincinnatus was an almost completely self contained economic entity, having established its first grist mill in 1814, closely followed by a school.
Population Characteristics
According to most recent census estimates, Cincinnatus has a population of 1,096 evenly distributed between various age groups The labor force is indicative of a predominately agricultural community, with approximately 50% of the population engaged in farming, farm machinery and auto mechanics. The Cincinnatus Central School is the Town's largest employer and many of the staff and administration live locally. Others commute to Cortland, Syracuse or Binghamton. People are also employed in building and construction.
Physical Characteristics
Natural Resources: The primary natural resources include farmland, forests and the Otselic River.
Developed Resources: Cincinnatus has 7,950 acres on 63 properties engaged in agriculture. There are 226 single family and 54 multifamily dwellings, two apartment complexes and 32 mobile homes.
The Hamlet of Cincinnatus
The settlement pattern of the Hamlet is nonagricultural, rural residential and seasonal, with recreational opportunities. Town resources include, two large farm supply/hardware stores, a farm implement dealer, a supermarket, three restaurants, a bowling alley, two auto supply stores, two auto mechanic garages, a beauty salon, a large real estate broker, a rural health center, the Cincinnatus School District, a library and Heritage Hall where traditional and ceremonial celebrations are held. In 1980 a Land Use Plan was initiated, including subdivision control and mobile home ordinances.
Transportation
The main highways serving Cincinnatus are NYS Route 26, where it becomes Pitcher at Town Line Road, NYS Route 23 which becomes Pitcher within 5 miles of town, and NYS Route 41, which meets NYS Route 26, south west of Cincinnatus which meets I-81 ten miles to the south. The Cortland Transit bus line services Cincinnatus with scheduled trips. Major regional airports are located in Syracuse and Binghamton, while the Cortland County Municipal Airport is useful for small, private planes. The City of Cortland is 17 miles south with Greyhound, Trailways and an Oneonta bus line that provide inter and intra state travel.
Industry Characteristics
Agriculture is the main industry. The Cincinnatus Central School is the largest employer.
Community Facilities and Services
Utilities: New York State Gas and Electric (NYSEG) supplies the town, although there is no natural gas service. Wood, fuel oil and propane also meet energy needs.
Education: Cincinnatus Central School K-12 serves Pitcher and Pharsalia in Chenango County, and Taylor, Willet and Cincinnatus in Cortland County. Higher education is available within a 50 mile radius, including SUNY Cortland, Tompkins-Cortland Community College (TC3), Cornell University, Ithaca College, Broome Community College and SUNY Binghamton.
Fire/Emergency: Cincinnatus has a volunteer fire department and emergency squad.
Health Care: Family Health Network is a primary care clinic in Cincinnatus.
Recreational and Tourist Attractions: Town amenities include a bowling alley, town swimming pool and town park. School sports include soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball, and winter guard competition.
The Kellogg Free Library is open to area residents, with an active children's room and program.
Banks: Alliance Bank has a branch in town.
Hotels/Motels: Bennett Hotel and Wilber's Bed and Breakfast are located in town.
Churches: There are 5 churches in Cincinnatus.
Municipal Water and Sewer: Cincinnatus has a Water District which begins in Lower Cincinnatus and runs through Birchwood Acres at the other end of town. On NYS Rte. 26, the Water District runs out to the bowling alley. The Water District also goes up Telephone Hill and covers a few houses on Piety Hill. All other sources of water are dug wells. There is no municipal sewage in Cincinnatus.
Land Use/Planning
Cincinnatus does have a Land Use Plan and subscribes to planned development in keeping with the rural nature of the Town of Cincinnatus.
Small Industry: Construction, farm machinery and automotive operations and the Cincinnatus Central School employ the majority of residents.