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 Industrial Development Agency is the sponsor of the proposed redevelopment in the city of Oneonta. The IDA will prepare a redevelopment master plan for property in the former Delaware & Hudson Railway yard off of Chestnut Street. The project would involve construction of buildings, parking and access to the site, plus extension of utility infrastructure and roadways.

The city is the lead agency in the mandated State Environmental Quality Review Act process. Previously, the city identified some impacts of the proposal, and Wednesday’s meeting was among opportunities for public comments on the redevelopment initiative.

Another public session on the Draft Scoping Document, which is part of generating a Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement for the project, will be held at Greater Plains Elementary School at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 5.

On Wednesday night, Bianconi, partner with Delaware Engineering, said some ideas for land uses included food processing, cold storage, craft beer/distillery, and warehouse and distribution. A traffic study will be conducted as part of the GEIS and the impact on the wetlands and of storm water will be reviewed, she said.

During the comment period, Steven Londner, a city resident, suggested creating New York’s “first eco-commercial park — a multi-use facility that is economically advantageous, socially responsible and ecologically sensitive.” A premise is that businesses in a variety of sectors “would find business and brand value in having ‘green’ premises in a well-designed ‘green’ eco-park,” he said.

Londner also said, “It is exciting to see forward momentum” in tapping the economic potential of the rail yards.

Other residents asked questions about the development process and costs, and offered suggestions about site access, among other issues.

Public comments also will be accepted in writing until April 27, officials said, and may be submitted, with the notation “Rail Yards GEIS,” by email to npowell@oneonta.ny.us or by postal mail to City Hall, 258 Main St., Oneonta NY 13820