The proposed Broome Technology Park development on Airport Road is currently undergoing studies on properties in the towns of Union and Maine. Dozens of consultants are currently working on various studies covering environmental, air and traffic impacts the development may have, said Stacey Duncan, executive director at The Agency. Multiple public comment and information sessions were held in 2024, where Broome County residents were able to share their questions and concerns regarding the project. The development is projected to bring $1 billion of economic impact to the county per year once it is constructed.

Broome Technology Park moving forward with studies
Duncan said a full team of contractors and engineers is currently working on studies at the development’s proposed site on Airport Road in the towns of Union and Maine. “This is so vitally important because it’s these studies that are going to ultimately inform the final design plans that we want to put out to the public,” Duncan said. The goal of the project, Duncan said, is to construct buildings with regard to the area’s topography, seamlessly blending development with the natural area around it. Residents may notice drones flying above the area in the next weeks, as part of the topography and area study.

What’s planned at Broome tech park
The 526-acre park will look to draw industries to settle in a location previously underutilized. It could host businesses in advanced electronics, semiconductors test packaging and related industries, as well as life sciences and agricultural processing. Once studies are completed in early spring, a full schedule of public comment periods will be planned.

Will The Agency use eminent domain for the Broome Technology Park project?
The site is currently zoned as “rural residential.” For the development to move forward, the site would need to be rezoned as “planned unit development” or “light industrial.” Some residents have raised concerns over changing the zoning, and fear the county would pursue eminent domain to purchase the land. Duncan said The Agency does not plan on using eminent domain for the project, but does have the
power to do so if necessary — something an early letter to around six landowners in the area mentioned. “The letter did outline the fact that the IDA generally has statutory authority should we not be getting a response,” said Duncan. “In hindsight, it was something that was said, I would say, prematurely and again, not the intention or the purpose of this effort.” The Agency is currently working with three landowners in the proposed project area, and has dealt in ongoing traditional real estate transactions, without the use of eminent domain. Another property north of the project area is another focus for The Agency, which Duncan says will finalize the property portfolio for the project. Two more properties are no longer being taken into account due to the property owners’ wishes not to sell.