FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2026

Broome County IDA Releases Broome Technology Park Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement for Public Review

BINGHAMTON, NY — The Broome County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) today released for public review a Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (DGEIS) for the proposed Broome Technology Park, a key milestone in advancing a transformational economic development initiative designed to attract leading-edge industries and create sustainable, high-quality jobs for the region.

Following a rigorous review conducted pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), the DGEIS has been prepared to evaluate the potential environmental and economic impacts of future development at the proposed Broome Technology Park site, located within the towns of Union and Maine. The review demonstrates that even in sustainably designing the park to preserve roughly 77% of the proposed site for open space, natural buffers and recreation areas, development on remaining land would support about 7,000 jobs, $690 million in earnings and $2.3 billion in economic activity at full buildout after 20 years.

An open and transparent public review and written comment period begins Wednesday and will remain open through April 26. The DGEIS is available in full at www.broometechpark.com as well as www.theagency-ny.com. Hard-copy documents can be available for review at the George F. Johnson Memorial Library in Endicott and Your Home Public Library in Johnson City.

Members of the public can send comments on the DGEIS by email to [email protected]. Written comments also can be mailed to The Agency ATTN: Broome Tech Park Five South College Drive, South 201, Binghamton, NY 13905. Electronic comments can be sent to [email protected]. A public hearing to accept in-person comments is scheduled for April 16 beginning at 6 p.m. The location is tentative and will be confirmed pending approval, with Johnson City High School proposed as the host site.

It is critical for the public to understand that this process does not authorize construction of buildings or park infrastructure to begin, nor does it represent final approval of any specific development. Rather, it establishes a transparent conceptual framework for preparing the site and evaluating future proposals for what types of development may be appropriate, and under what parameters.

After the public comment period concludes, the IDA will review all substantive comments and prepare a findings statement that will then inform additional work with local, county and state officials to attract businesses and other uses well-suited for this site and to prepare for development.

“This process allows us to understand — in advance — how different types of operations could flourish at the Broome Technology Park site, what standards they should be held to, and how best to move forward in positioning ourselves to attract the right development,” said James Peduto, Chair of the IDA Board of Directors. “That clarity is important for strong development that has wide-reaching effects across our community.”

“We continue to advocate for a Broome Technology Park concept that complements our holistic countywide development strategy designed to deliver significant new jobs, grow the tax base, and expand local services for people across Broome County,” said Stacey Duncan, Executive Director of The Agency. “Releasing a draft generic environmental impact statement for public comment is an important milestone, but we are far from the end of the process. We remain committed to transparent, collaborative work with local stakeholders to seek the appropriate approvals and ensure we establish a site that is best suited for leading-edge companies that will put local people to work in family-sustaining careers.”

“As Upstate New York grows to become a leader in tech, Broome County needs to position itself to be part of this new economy,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “The draft generic environmental impact statement provides an important framework for evaluating how we can carve our own niche through responsible development. I look forward to the public’s input in how we can grow Broome County for all.”

Among the findings included in the DGEIS are that:

• Airport Road has sufficient capacity to accommodate early development phases, with potential improvements such as turning lanes and other intersection upgrades identified to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow as the site develops over time.
• Projected tax revenues would offset any increase in community service needs, such as fire, police and EMS coverage. Total projected net county, town and school tax revenues are estimated to be approximately $800 million over 40 years.
• Noise from both construction and tenant operations can be minimized by taking steps that include limiting construction hours and designing the site to place noisy operations away from nearby residences.
• Building location and preservation techniques like landscaping and wooded buffers can significantly limit views of buildings from the surrounding community.

Full findings are available for review at www.broometechpark.com or www.theagency-ny.com. Additionally, an informational video is available to help the public better understand how to access and comment on the DGEIS at www.broometechpark.com.

“Our business community understands that site readiness is critical to competing for modern employers,” said Kevin Blake, Chair of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “Completing a thorough environmental review for the Broome Technology Park concept ensures Broome County is positioned to respond as opportunity arises. This is about preparing responsibly today so we are ready to seize tomorrow’s growth opportunities. “

“The building trades support projects that are planned responsibly and create long-term opportunity for local workers,” said Justin Summerfield, Interim President of the Building Trades Council. “The GEIS process ensures there are clear standards in place for maximizing the positive impacts of development for our workforce and people across Broome County. Projects of this scale have the potential to generate good-paying construction jobs and sustained economic activity that supports working families in Broome County.”

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