by Denise Wright
The Rensselaer County Industry Development Agency (IDA) held a public scoping meeting on February 15 at the Schodack Town Hall. All Schodack officials and public members could ask questions and comment on the draft generic environmental impact statement (GEIS) created for approximately 6,000 acres along the I-90 Corridor between exits 11 and 12 on Route 9.
With the new Amazon complexes being developed in this area, the County realized that the site is increasingly attractive to development. With that in mind, the Rensselaer County IDA had the GEIS created to facilitate a more efficient SEQRA process for development purposes. Project manager Steven Wilson from Bohler commented that this is a proactive process and that there are no specific development plans at this time for that area. Wilson did say that this document will act as a guidebook on how development projects will proceed along Route 9 on the environment, traffic, ecology, zoning and municipal services.
Members of the Planning, Zoning and Town Boards, including Supervisor Chuck Peter, voiced concerns over the lack of infrastructure in that area. Officials commented that without water and sewer, nothing is coming. “Schodack officials explained that the study area has residential areas that need to be considered. Members recommended that the GEIS developers examine the findings of the Town of Schodack’s Zoning Committee as a noteworthy place to start and a need to make the language in the plan ‘less generic and more specific.’”
Wilson thanked everyone for the feedback. This meeting was the first step where comments could be incorporated into the document. The goal is to have another public hearing in more detail in May or June to present the finalized document. Information is located on the Town of Schodack’s website, and comments will be accepted until the end of February. According to Wilson, ultimately, the Town is in control and will be responsible for the final decisions on zoning and projects along the Route 9 corridor. The County hopes to work in partnership with the Town to make the Schodack corridor a viable business opportunity for Rensselaer County.