IDA hosting webinar to sway skeptics on Industrial Park

TOWN OF MAINE, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – The Broome County IDA will share an overview of the environmental impact assessment of its proposed tech park and residents remain skeptical.

The Broome County Industrial Development Agency is hosting a public webinar tomorrow, to explain why a General Environmental Impact Statement is being prepared for the proposed Industrial Park in the Towns of Maine and Union. The process studies impact on the environment, traffic and local utilities.

The proposed 526-acre industrial park would be located between Airport Road and East Maine Road.

Many neighbors are opposed to the park, saying it will reduce the quality of life and change the rural character of the area.

Julianne Lee, a resident of East Maine Road, says the park would put strain on the area’s resources such as the power grid, EMS systems, and force the roadways to be widened, reducing property value.

She says her neighbors agree that the IDA’s process has seemed rushed and confusing.

“There were a lot of holes. The IDA answered no or not really, to a lot of questions, where the answer should have been a vehement yes, this will have an impact. So, we’re concerned as residents, about the IDA’s integrity in their environmental review process, and that’s the process that they’re going through right now,” said Lee.

Lee says many residents are curious as to which businesses, if any, the IDA will choose to fill the industrial park.

Town officials also say they won’t approve the zoning change that would be required for the project.

The webinar is tomorrow at 6 p.m. and you are encouraged to register beforehand. To register, click here .

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