Author Archives: Jody Zakrevsky

Gary Herzig: Rail Yards Hold Amazing Potential

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The Daily Star | Gary Herzig, Mayor of the City of Oneonta January 27, 2019   “The Oneonta Rail Yard is a unicorn.” That statement was made by Tracey Ledder of Delaware Engineering, working on behalf of the Otsego County IDA in conducting a Generic Environmental Impact Study for the potential development of the former D&H Rail Yard into a center of economic activity and job creation. Why a unicorn? Well, unicorns are hard to find and apparently so is a level site with immediate access to a railroad and an interstate highway, an abundant supply of fresh water, sewer … Read More

City Seeks Feedback on Rail Yards Plan

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The Daily Star | Whitney Bashaw January 15, 2019   During a Common Council meeting in city hall on Tuesday, the council voted to adopt the draft generic environmental impact statement for the Oneonta Rail Yards redevelopment project. The assessment will now move into the public comment period from Jan. 16 to Feb. 22. After the public comment phase, the Delaware Engineering, the firm contracted to conduct the study, will respond to any remarks and provide a final draft of the form. The city will hold a public hearing Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. in Common Council Chambers of … Read More

Firm Studies Environmental Impact of Redeveloping Oneonta Rail Yards

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The Daily Star | Whitney Bashaw January 9, 2019   ONEONTA — Two representatives from the Delaware Engineering presented the results of the generic environmental impact statement on developing the Oneonta Rail Yards to the community development committee at City Hall on Wednesday. Delaware Engineering was hired by Otsego Now, the county’s Industrial Development Agency, to conduct an environmental impact study on the 80-acre site off of Chestnut Street and Fonda Avenue, which is owned partially by Ostego Now, private owners and Delaware and Hudson Railway. Mary Beth Bianconi and Tracey Ledder gave the presentation to the committee, which included committee chair … Read More

First Stage of Oneonta Rail Yards Gets Approved

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WKTV | Zhane Caldwell May 15, 2018   ONEONTA — Oneonta Common Council voted unanimously to approve the first stage of the city’s proposed rail yard on Tuesday. Developers are looking to create a new industrial/commercial business park that would create new jobs for Oneonta. Along with creating jobs, the rail yards would provide additional markets for Otsego County, and add to the local tax base. Developers are currently laying the ground work for the completion of the projects. The Oneonta rail yard will involve the construction of structures, parking, and a bridge giving access to the site. The rail … Read More

Local Areas Deemed Eligible for Federal Funds

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The Daily Star | Denise Richardson April 23, 2018   ONEONTA – Several local areas, including sites in Oneonta, have been nominated for the Opportunity Zone community development program, which officials said is good news for economic development possibilities. New York is participating the federal program offered through the Tax Cuts and Job Acts of 2017, which encourages private investment in low-income urban, under-served and rural communities. The state has recommended 514 census tracts to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for designation as Opportunity Zones, according to state officials who reported that eight tracts are in the four-county area. … Read More

Consultant: City Can be Rail Yards Matchmaker

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The Daily Star | Denise Richardson April 4, 2018   ONEONTA — Matching commercial sites with companies or investors is like dating, project consultant Mary Beth Bianconi said Wednesday night during a public session on the proposed Oneonta Rail Yards redevelopment. But before the Oneonta site can woo potential dates, it has to get into the dance, she told about a dozen people at Riverside Elementary School. Bianconi, standing before illustrations of potential site layouts, discussed factors, such as land use, traffic and infrastructure, and their impacts, which are to be considered in environmental assessments and site preparation. The Otsego County … Read More

Camping Company Opens Oneonta Facility

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The Daily Star | Denise Richardson March 22, 2018   ONEONTA — A company has opened its manufacturing headquarters in the Oneonta Business Park to employ about 20 workers to make, package and distribute camping equipment for rental sites offered by private landowners upstate and beyond, officials said Thursday. Tentrr, a privately held firm, works with landowners to set up campsites in rural locations, and the company provides “an expedition tent” and other equipment to make ready-to-use sites. Founded in 2015, the firm had its first camping season in 2016, officials said. On Thursday, Tentrr held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and … Read More