IDA named lead agency for Industrial Park review

TOWN OF MAINE (WIVT/WBGH) – The Town of Maine is decrying a decision by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation that it says is tantamount to putting the fox in charge of the henhouse.

The DEC has named the Broome County Industrial Development Agency as the lead agency for a State Environmental Quality Review, or SEQR, of the controversial Broome Technology Park.

The proposed 526 acre industrial park would be located on property between Airport Road and East Maine Road in the Towns of Union and Maine.

While most of it would be in Union, the entrance would be in Maine.

The Agency says the park is desperately needed to provide space for new manufacturing and technology businesses.

However, many neighbors, especially in Maine, oppose the project claiming it will worsen traffic and noise and change the rural character of the area.

The Town of Maine had applied to be the lead agency for the SEQR, which studies impacts on the environment including the land, water, air, traffic and local utilities.

Town officials have vowed to stop the process, saying they won’t approve the zoning change that would be required.

The Agency says it plans to undertake a community-oriented process with multiple opportunities for public comment.

Neighbors and Maine officials have complained bitterly about a lack of transparency from The Agency.

Maine Supervisor Jim Tokos issued a statement calling it a David versus Goliath fight.

Meanwhile, The Agency only recently started referring to the project as the Broome Technology Park and has established http://BroomeTechPark.com as a place for residents to get more information.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - NewsChannel 34.