Our Hometown
|
|
Local developers James Homburger and Robert Stanton appeared before the Newark Planning Board last night seeking preliminary approval of a proposed expansion of Silver Hill Technology Park on Route 88 South. Homburger and Stanton are 'partners' in the ownership of the former Eastman Kodak property, along with Ultra-Life Batteries Inc. and the Wayne County Industrial Development Corp. The 135-acre parcel has been designated as 30 'shovel ready' sites by Build New York Now, a state program that provides the means to have key space available for 45 day turn-around. Silver Hill Partners has, in fact, already received a $30,000 grant to aid in engineering and design fees. Planning Board Chairman Chris Avery gave the approximately 15 area residents present an opportunity to view and informally ask questions of the developers. Avery cautioned, however, that formal questions for the record would have to be asked later in the meeting. Carol Miller, and David Hobkirk, who live on Route 88 South were both concerned about the appearance of such a project, as well as traffic considerations. Miller was assured that the buildings would be of special character, and not the metal sided type found in many industrial parks. In stressing that the project will take many years to develop, Homburger indicated that reviews by the NYS Dept. of Transportation would be a continuing part of the process. Susan Reeves of Charlotte St. was concerned about the woods at the north end of the property. She was told that one building is planned in that area, but it would probably be the last area to be affected. Reeves expressed concern that former owners of the property had dumped brush in the woods. Traffic concerns, the width of Silver Hill Road and talk of a possible traffic signal on Route 88 were discussed, with the developers indicating that they had no knowledge of any plans for a signal light. Silver Hill Road would have to be widened if traffic patterns warrant, with Homburger reminding everyone present that the roads in Silver Hill Park are dedicated village streets. Over the years since the C.H. Stuart Co. built the park on the former Price farm, area residents have enjoyed the wide open space and wildlife that the park is noted for. Homburger and Stanton, the developers of SilverHill Technology Park, have indicated that even with all the proposed buildings, including parking lots, there will be only 32% coverage of the parcel - well within code. Homburger went on to say that the fragile nature of the creek and ponds will in no way be compromised and that the area will be available for public enjoyment during the daytime hours. He did indicate, however, that misuse of the property by off-road vehicles such as snowmobiles and dirt bikes will not be tolerated. As the board neared decision time on preliminary approval, Don Wasman of Charlotte St. spoke to the board, indicating that he was unclear about the concept, and process. He was assured by board chairman Avery that even after final site approval, the Newark code enforcement officer will have control over major deviations of the site plan. Copyright © 1999 |
      Ads have a Patent Pending. Click Here for More Information  |
Tech Park gets