In general terms, an industrial park can be a good thing. They are frequently home to larger companies that employ many people from a community while making a noticeable impact to the economy. As a technical person, I would be excited for New York to be a central part of the chips and battery industries that will be critical to the national and global future.
I have several problems with this specific industrial park.
Taking our land is not ok
First and foremost, is the bullish method of land acquisition that the IDA is using. In addition to making a purchase offer, the letter that the IDA sent to homeowners included reference to “statutory powers” that could be used to take the land. The use of eminent domain has also been mentioned in IDA meetings. Eminent domain does require that the property owner be paid, but that is meaningless when the owner simply does not want to sell.
“We believe this is a fair offer and prefer to negotiate with you directly rather than exercise any of our statutory powers.”
The IDA’s threatening letter sent to homeowners to acquire their land
Neighborhood impact
The second problem is the impact to the neighborhood. I have been on the Town of Maine planning board since 2018. When reviewing proposals, one of the questions we have to answer is how a project will impact the character of the neighborhood.
The number has changed many times but the project is currently at around 500 acres of land. For reference, the Oakdale Commons, including the parking lots, is about 75 acres. This means they are planning a campus that is about seven to eight times the size of the commons.
Clearing hundreds of acres, putting a cluster of buildings, and increasing the daily traffic absolutely destroys the current character of the neighborhood. Maine is a rural community, and the residents like it that way. We are all aware of blighted buildings or vacant lots throughout the county. Why can’t they use those?
Project Viability
Last, but certainly not least, is the viability of this project. Who is going to rent these buildings? Some articles and interviews say that they have been talking to potential tenants, while others say they don’t have anyone in mind yet. Are there any signed contracts, or are we just spending tens of millions of dollars in the hopes that people will someday set up shop here?
The IDA is trying to force a project that no one wants into an area that it does not belong based on a non-existent list of tenants.
Just to be clear and say it in one sentence: I remain absolutely opposed to this project.
For comparison
My opponent was asked where he stood on the incubator by Town Councilmember Ernie Palmer. He responded that it’s “not in his district.” See the June 18, 2024 Town board meeting minutes. Its on page 3 a little more than halfway down.