BIG FLATS, NY (WETM) – The Chemung County Legislature is contemplating a brand new proposal to construct a Journey Plaza on I-86 subsequent to the Elmira-Corning Airport and throughout from Sperr Memorial Park. The park honors the lifetime of New York State Trooper Andrew J. Sperr, who was killed in a 2006 shootout with financial institution robbers. The park additionally features a playground, picnic space, lake, and strolling trails. .
The proposal was submitted by Joe Roman, government director of the Chemung County Industrial Improvement Company. Onvo, the Scranton-based firm that may construct the brand new 24-hour plaza, says it might embody a drive-thru restaurant, indoor eating choices, a gasoline station, electrical automobile chargers and showers. Onvo says its plazas sometimes serve as much as 1,300 automobiles and vehicles per day.
Lawana Morse, a lawmaker from Chemung County District 1, was the one lawmaker to boost a query concerning the proximity of the proposed plaza to Sperr Park.
“Joe, have you ever reached out to the group for suggestions on a truck cease in entrance of a park that’s closely utilized by youngsters and group members?” Morse requested Chemung IDA government Joe Roman. Mr. Roman stated that there have been no public conferences to date, however there shall be. He stated the county has been attempting to develop that land for 15 years.
“The understanding on the time was that it was nice to place Sperr Park there. It was an incredible factor to do. However in the identical means, the county’s mandate was all the time for the event of that park,” Roman instructed lawmakers.
18 Information reporter Nicolas Dubina reached out to lawmaker Lawana Morse for added remark. She despatched us the next assertion:
It is a rock and a troublesome scenario.
On the one hand, I’ve lengthy thought that some type of facility just like the Onvo Journey Heart could be very vital on the airport exit. Touring by Chemung County on 86, there is no such thing as a lodging for vehicles. This is able to be an incredible financial profit for the realm.
However there may be the query of at what value to the standard of lifetime of those that use Sperr Park. Like mother, I see warning lights. As a girl, I see warning lights. Having a truck cease in entrance of a playground and a strolling path with secluded areas actually places me on my toes.
That is one thing the group actually must have a say in.
I admire the work of the IDA to commercialize that plot of land. I admire going forward with preliminary improvement intentions. I see the worth in a journey middle within the space. I am simply fearful that that exact space is getting used for that.
Mr. Roman talked about different traces of improvement and what the group’s view of them can be if it have been a manufacturing facility or manufacturing facility. These don’t carry the identical dangers or stage of visitors as a journey plaza.
Reverse Morse
Chemung County Legislator – District 1
18 Information additionally reached out to county legislator Michael Saglibene. It represents District 2, the place the Journey Plaza can be constructed if authorised. Mr. Saglibene despatched us the next assertion:
I’ve considerations with the proposed journey middle close to Sperr Memorial Park, however at this level I’m holding an open thoughts. The presentation finally evening’s assembly was informative, however I nonetheless have unanswered questions. My first precedence is the protection and well-being of the residents of District 2 and the City of Huge Flats. Sperr Park is an asset to our group and the potential disruption to our environmentally targeted areas is a good concern to me.
Michael Saglibene
Chemung County Legislator – District 2
18 Information additionally reached out to Mark Margeson, chairman of the Chemung County Legislature. He despatched us the next assertion:
We’re within the early levels of growing a possible undertaking for that location. The proposed gasoline cease is within the planning course of to see if the situation is appropriate for the undertaking.
The Chemung County IDA has entered into discussions with the corporate to see if it is a risk.
Early in improvement.
mark Margeson,
Chairman, Chemung County Legislature (District 5)
You possibly can view the total presentation that was made to lawmakers on the journey plaza beneath. The digicam put in within the room was not pointed on the display screen the place the presentation was going down. We requested Chemung County and Onvo for any slides or plans to be proven to legislators, however acquired no response.