Planning staff updated the committee on an expanded grants and planning agenda and requested approval of several grant‑related actions.
The committee approved a contract not to exceed $60,000 for technical assistance under the Adirondack Thriving Hamlets program (contractor identified as Suazo/Doty and Associates in the packet). Staff said those funds are state awards for hamlet build‑out analysis and that the department has completed interactive mapping and phase‑2 work to inventory development and environmental constraints in hamlets.
Staff also reported a newly active Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) contract with the New York State Department of State that will fund a two‑year countywide inventory and preliminary assessment of underused properties that may have real or perceived environmental contamination; that BOA work is intended to open future state funding for site remediation and redevelopment.
The planning team outlined a wide set of pending applications submitted through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) and other state programs, ranging from culvert and resiliency funding to housing‑supply and waterfront infrastructure grants. Staff told the committee they are pursuing opportunities that match recently adopted county plans (comprehensive plan, housing strategy, outdoor rec plan) and emphasized project readiness as a key factor for success.
Jim from the Economic Development Corporation told the committee the Queensbury/Glens Falls mall is leaving receivership and that the asset may be in its strongest position in years; he also reported continued EDC activity on Empire State Development (ESD) CFA applications and opportunity-zone strategy work.
Committee members noted a $975,000 award reported for North Creek and discussed timing for occupancy-tax obligations and construction estimates; staff said biweekly sewer project updates will provide clarity on whether project costs leave a surplus to address outstanding obligations.
The committee also authorized submitting an application to the Adirondack/Catskill Smart Growth program (possible awards of $125,000 to $300,000 depending on project scope and matching funds) and discussed plans for a September housing task-force meeting focusing on land-banking options and models used elsewhere in the state.