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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

Otsego Now Board Chair Because Economic Development Matters

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Otsego Now has a new Chairman, as you may already know. In addition to all the other things does well, Devin Morgan is also adept at using technology to communicate. He recently posted to his own blog at 3Blazes about his new position and why it, and this organization, matter to the community. So, now that the staff here at Otsego Now have given you our perspective on our new Chairman, take a look at what the Chairman has to say: On March 3, 2016 I was named Chairman of the Board of Otsego Now, which really means jointly chairing … Read More

Otsego Now Connects with Local School Districts

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Workforce development professionals often have discussions among themselves and with economic development colleagues about the “workforce pipeline.” This refers to the training and education infrastructure that produces a satisfactory pool of employees within the community. Some say it is best to begin this regimen of training and education as early as kindergarten or elementary school. At the very least, students should be entering the workforce pipeline by the time they reach middle school. The pipeline infrastructure, then, will involve students from seventh grade through post-high school training or education, whether they seek a non-credit certification, an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree, … Read More

Cooperstown Comprehensive Plan – Project Update

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The Village of Cooperstown, in partnership with Otsego Now, is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan and preparing a Downtown Revitalization Strategy. Phase I of the project — Project Organization and Public Outreach — was completed in January 2015. The first phase of the project was designed to gain a better understanding of the community’s strengths, weaknesses and areas in need of improvement. Outreach activities included a multi-day design charrette, stakeholder and focus group interviews, attendance at various community events, surveying residents and visitors throughout the downtown, and development of a project website. Phase II of the project, … Read More

Otsego Now Celebrates Year-end Successes

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In December, the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council was awarded an unprecedented amount of State funding in Governor Cuomo’s latest round of CFA funding announcements. While we are disappointed not to have won one of the three Upstate Revitalization Initiative awards, we were thrilled to be named the year’s Top Performer among all the Regional Economic Development Councils in the standard competition for the first time. Regardless of the outcome of the URI competition, Governor Cuomo inspired us as a region to pull together to map out our common future, and we as a region will continue to benefit … Read More

Springbrook Eyes Bonds for Expansion Project

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Springbrook is requesting bond funding for several upcoming projects that are designed to increase student and family access to housing, services and specialized health care, officials said. During a public hearing Tuesday at the organization’s Community Campus in Oneonta, Springbrook’s chief executive officer, Patricia Kennedy, detailed “Springbrook 2020,” a long-term plan that will include — among other additions and renovations — the creation of lodging for visiting parents and a medical clinic open to anyone with developmental disabilities. The meeting was held to solicit public comments, according to Elizabeth Horvath of the Otsego County Capital Resource Corporation; however, only Springbrook … Read More