Griffiss International Airport

The Herkimer County Planning Board reviewed two new business items. The first concerned a site plan review and special use permit for Bell Atlantic Mobile Systems LLC to construct an unmanned wireless communications facility on Jordanville Road in the Town of Columbia, resulting in a motion for "No Recommendation" due to minimal expected impacts. The second item involved a subdivision proposal by Hagele to divide acreage on Smith Road in the Town of Herkimer, which also resulted in a "No Recommendation as to Final Action" due to no identified significant countywide or intermunicipal impacts. The next scheduled meeting date was also noted.

The meeting focused on project planning for 2026, specifically regarding the upcoming Consolidated Funding Application (CFA). Discussion included potential projects and noting that NYSDOT has projects planned for Sauquoit Creek and North Genessee Street. The Open Space Conservation Grant from DEC, due April 15, 2026, was discussed, with guidelines requested to determine pursuit for a potential flood mitigation project. Other business included planning an Erosion and Sediment Control training course in collaboration with the Mohawk Valley Stormwater Coalition. The Treasurer's Report balance was noted, and the previous month's minutes were tabled due to a lack of quorum.

The Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) for the Herkimer-Oneida Counties Transportation Council outlines the organization's transportation planning, programming, and budgetary activities for State Fiscal Year 2026-2027. Guided by the Long-Range Transportation Plan 2025-2045, the plan prioritizes improving mobility and accessibility, enhancing safety in transportation choices, ensuring system preservation, coordinating transportation with land-use planning, and fostering resiliency through infrastructure improvements. Key focus areas include Geographic Information Systems, traffic data collection, non-motorized transportation systems, regional transit, and mobility management, all aimed at developing a safer, more secure, and economically competitive multi-modal transportation network for Herkimer and Oneida Counties.

Key discussions involved updates on the Whitestown flood plain restoration project, noting Project 2 at the CSX tracks is nearing completion and Project 1 design/permit review is underway, with construction anticipated in spring 2023. The Town of Whitestown plans to request funding for Project 3, which includes the Wadas Property. An extension was granted for letters of interest in the NRCS home buy-out program. Fieldwork has commenced for the study and design of projects on the Upper Portion of Sauquoit Creek at the Hand Place and Brookline Drive locations. Member reports covered various local projects, including updates on the Mud Creek dam work and Oneida Street paving in New Hartford, sediment cleaning needs for detention basins near Sangertown Mall, FEMA repair approvals, and survey completion for the Town of New Hartford Highway garage area creek section. The Commission accepted the Treasurer's Report reflecting the current bank balance.

Key discussions centered on the Whitestown Sauquoit Creek Channel and Floodplain Restoration Capital Project, including updates on a well-attended public information session and a site walk regarding resident concerns over truck access during construction. Bids for the project were recently submitted after a deadline extension. Updates were also provided regarding discussions with CSX regarding channel clean-up near the CSX Bridge, and the status of design options funded by NYS for flood benches and culverts at the CSX bridge location, noting some access issues delaying design work. The Treasurer's Report was presented, showing a balance of $40,051.83, but could not be formally approved. Other business included brief updates from members regarding community activities, such as a discussion about an old ACEO Study and work along the Sauquoit Creek banks in New Hartford/Utica border areas.