The Town of Harford

Introduction

The town of Harford is located in the southwest corner of Cortland County, with Tioga County to the South and Tompkins County to the West. It is a bedroom community with most people working in the City of Cortland, Ithaca, and Owego.

History of the Town

Harford was first settled by Connecticut pioneers as part of the military tracts given to veterans after the Revolutionary War. It was part of Virgil until 1845 when Josiah Hart was elected supervisor. The town of Harford was made up of 15 military lots on the north side of the town. Industry included saw mills, grist mills, distilleries and farming.

The town of Harford is now dominated by Cornell University's research farms and fields. In the early 1970's Cornell University bought up nearly one-fifth of Harford, replacing a half-dozen private farms and moving its livestock farms and researchers to Harford.

Population Characteristics

According to the most recent census estimate, 939 people reside in Harford, in 24.18 square miles. The median age is 28.

Physical Characteristics

Natural Resources: Most of the land in Harford is forest or agricultural.

Developed Resources: Residential land use and agriculture, including the Cornell Research station, are the most common land uses. The town of Harford has two small parks and there are plans to interconnect with a hiking/biking trail developed by the Town of Dryden and the Finger Lakes trail.

Industry Characteristics

Agriculture, construction, and mining are the primary industries. In addition, there a few retail and service businesses and Cornell University's teaching farm. All employ 15 people or fewer.

Transportation

New York State Routes 220, 221, and 38 run through the town of Harford. The Owego-Harford Railroad services the town. Major regional airports are located in Syracuse and Ithaca. Greyhound and Trailways provide bus transportation. Tioga Transport also services the town.

Community Facilities and Services

Utilities: New York State Electric and Gas provides electricity.

Water and sewer: The Harford Mills Water District supplies water to some residents, but most residents have individually drilled wells. Sewage is treated by individual septic systems.

Education: Students attend school either in Dryden in Tompkins County or Marathon in Cortland County. SUNY Cortland, Ithaca College, Cornell University, and Tompkins Cortland Community College are all within an easy drive.

Fire/Emergency: Police protection is provided by Cornell University Security Police, the Cortland County Sheriff's Department, and the New York State Police. Harford has a volunteer fire department. Harford is served by emergency number 911.

Health Care: For full hospital services, the nearest location is the Cortland Regional Medical Center or Cayuga Medical Center. Home health care services are available from organizations in Ithaca and Cortland.

Recreational and Tourist Attractions: The town has two small parks, a trout stream, and state forests. Important regional recreational facilities are Greek Peak in Virgil, Song Mountain in Preble, and Labrador Mountain in Truxton, Yaman Park in Cortland, and Little York Park in Homer.

Land Use Plans and Regulations

The Town of Harford has a planning board, zoning ordinances, building codes, mobile home ordinances, electrical code, and junk yard ordinance.