The Broome County IDA (The Agency) is seeking to create a new, sustainably focused/green prototype tech park that helps secure a bright future for Broome County. Modern, desirable, well-paying companies look for shovel-ready sites with access to critical services and utilities in communities that can supply the workforce and training they need. The last time Broome County built such a multi-acreage development park was when the Broome IDA developed the Broome Corporate Park in Conklin. That happened in 1984. We are well overdue for a new development site that helps everyone in the Valley of Opportunity reap the benefits of responsible economic development and participate in the tech renaissance that is sweeping Upstate New York.

A new tech park will make our community more economically competitive. Broome County’s available developable acreage is very limited given its steep topography and floodplains. The park created in the 1980s is nearly 100% full. Without the development of new, shovel-ready
sites, Broome County is in danger of losing out on future opportunities. We are being forced to turn away prospective developers with exciting projects and well-paying jobs, simply because our new site supply is not sufficient to meet the demand. Companies like Micron, GlobalFoundries, Plug Power, and Wolfspeed were wooed by more competitive locations. The Broome Technology Park will give us the competitive edge we need to thrive well into the future.

The Agency is investigating the potential development of up to 600 acres that spans the towns of Union and Maine. The location is vacant land, rolling terrain with trees and scrub fields. The easy access to our airport and proximity to major highways make it a prime location for potential high-value business tenants. Working with the community to ensure the site fits local needs is an essential part of pursuing what will be an appropriate development fit for this location.

The Agency conducted an extensive analysis of available so-called greenfield sites (where development has not previously occurred) to evaluate a potential tech park location. Through the analysis approximately 600 acres were identified between Airport and Reynolds roads. An initial desktop analysis was conducted on these lands to evaluate wetlands, environmental conditions, steep slopes, zoning, infrastructure, transportation systems, and energy. An initial concept plan was prepared to make a “go/no-go” decision about whether to proceed with a more detailed, community-oriented analysis that would allow the project to move forward.

Broome County is one of the poorest counties in New York. It has consistently lost population in recent years due in part to the lack of family-sustaining job opportunities for new and established residents. It’s critical that we grow to secure the long-term viability of our community for generations to come. We anticipate the development of this land could result in nearly $1 billion in annual economic activity through sales, compensation, tax revenue, and indirect business growth. It is impossible to guarantee a vibrant economic future for Broome County without new development sites. To be most successful, we need the support of our federal, state, and local elected officials, as well as the support of our business and community leaders.

There must be community engagement to take the Broome Technology Park vision and bring it to life as a site that best fits the community’s economic needs, provides the right amenities to both workers and surrounding neighbors, and ultimately is attractive to the most appropriate businesses in growing industries. The State Environmental Quality Review process will include public forums, meetings, and other opportunities to engage that will culminate with a fully formed site plan that meets the needs of businesses and Broome County residents.