We were pleased to have Glens Falls Mayor Diana Palmer join us and participate in the discussion, hearing directly from residents and sharing in the conversation about the future of this important City-owned property.
For more than 20 years, the 46-acre property near Exit 18 has been envisioned primarily as a business and technology park. Much of the site remains undeveloped, creating an opportunity to take a fresh look at what makes the most sense for the property, the City and the community today.
Last night’s forum was about exactly that. Exploring the full range of feasible options, sharing information and listening to the community before decisions are made.
The discussion included several potential paths forward:
• Continuing the original Tech Meadows vision as a business, technology and employment center.
• Recreation and open-space uses, recognizing the property’s natural characteristics and potential community value.
• A mixed-use approach, following smart-growth principles and potentially combining housing, commercial and employment opportunities, recreation, open space and other compatible uses. The analysis presented to date indicates that this scenario also has the potential to generate significantly greater tax revenue, private investment and overall economic growth than the other alternatives.
These are not predetermined outcomes. They are scenarios that deserve to be evaluated based on feasibility, infrastructure, market conditions, community priorities, fiscal impact and the long-term needs of Glens Falls.
Just as important, we heard from residents and community members about what they value, what concerns them and what they would like to see considered as the process moves forward.
EDC’s role is to help the City explore what is possible, provide information and analysis, and facilitate an open community conversation. Last night was the first step in that public engagement process, not the last. Additional opportunities for community input will be part of the process as the alternatives are further evaluated.
Forty-six acres of largely undeveloped City-owned land represents a significant opportunity. The goal is not simply to develop it. It is to determine how this property can best serve Glens Falls for the next generation.
Thank you to Mayor Palmer and everyone who participated, asked questions and shared ideas. We look forward to continuing the conversation.
Special thanks to UA Local 773 Plumbers & Steamfitters for hosting us.
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