Broome County IDA named lead agency for Broome Technology Park SEQRA review

Union, NY The Broome County Industrial Development Agency said that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has designated the IDA as the lead agency for a New York State Environmental Quality Review (SEQRA) environmental impact assessment of the proposed Broome Technology Park spanning the towns of Maine and Union.

The ruling allows the IDA to begin a comprehensive, multi-step process for developing a Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) analyzing the potential environmental impacts of a proposed sustainably-designed technology park on 526 acres. The GEIS will analyze potential impacts to the environment on and surrounding the site — such as to the land, air, water, traffic and local utilities — and detail potential mitigation measures to avoid and/or minimize any adverse impacts. The GEIS is an important step in preparing a shovel-ready site on which businesses want to locate and bring good-paying, long-term jobs for area residents, helping restore the Southern Tier as a leader in technological advancement and business growth.

While the IDA will lead the review, it plans to under take a community-oriented process in which there will be multiple opportunities for public comment and input that can help shape the vision for a sustainable shovel-ready tech park.

“This project is focused on securing a bright economic future for Broome County as technology-related development booms across upstate,” said Stacey Duncan, CEO of the Leadership Alliance, the strategic partnership between the Broome County Industrial Development Agency/Local Development Corp. and the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce. “We believe that Broome County not only can lead the state in achieving sustainable development, we also can create a site that maximizes generational economic opportunities and makes a positive impact on the region. Our focus in the months ahead is on working with the community to hone a shared vision for the site that will meet diverse needs.”

“As lead agency, the IDA takes very seriously the need for a thorough site review that includes community engagement to ensure we’re making the greatest possible positive impact with this project,” IDA board chairman John Bernardo said. “We can’t allow the economic growth other communities are experiencing — and, more importantly, the signi?cant  opportunity it’s bringing for those currently in the work force and for future generations — to pass Broome County by. We’re excited to get to work.”

A timeline for the environmental review process will be set by the IDA and communicated with the public in the weeks ahead. The process is expected to start immediately and continue into 2025.During that time, the IDA intends to hold a variety of public input sessions. This public input will be crucial in shaping a plan for a sustainably designed technology park that makes the greatest positive impact on Broome County and the Southern Tier.

“Our region is not de?ned by where we’ve been, but where we’re going, and now is our opportunity to set a shared vision for a strongfuture,”said Jon Sarra, chairman of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce board of directors. “The next steps for the Broome Technology Park are essential to de?ning our economy and how we meet the needs of our communities. I’m excited to work with the Broome County IDA and the community on a viable path forward that strengthens the region for decades to come.”

“The Broome County IDA has given us a framework idea for what a technology park can be, and now we have the chance to help mold that into the best site for businesses and the needs of the community,”said Kevin Blake, chairman-elect of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce board of directors.“Building consensus is not an easy task. But we all should be able to agree that taking the next steps toward setting the region up for growth is well worth the hard work ahead of us.”

“Broome County needs good-paying jobs to be able t thrive well into the future. Without  these opportunities, we will continue to lose population and our workforce will stagnate,” said Scott Kurkoski, Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce executive committee member. “I’m looking  forward to a community engagement process that will help ensure this project best meets the needs of our neighbors and promotes sustainable growth that bene?ts current residents and generations to come.”