IDA approves Philo Road development option, increases Clemens Square assistance and ratifies arena expenditures

The Chemung County Industrial Development Agency on June 12 authorized a land-development agreement and option for a tract on Philo Road and adopted additional financial assistance for the Clemens/Columbus Square redevelopment project, while ratifying a list of arena-related payments the board expects to seek reimbursement for from ARPA funds.

The Philo Road action authorizes the agency to enter a land-development agreement that would grant Deigert Development Company a license to access the property for due diligence and includes an option to acquire title. The resolution was approved by roll call and includes the board’s adoption of a negative declaration under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and a note that a 90-day disposition notice required by the Public Authorities Accountability Act will be issued if the option is exercised.

The measure stems from a presentation by Troy Deigert of Deigert Development Company, who told the board his firm is seeking a two-year option to research utilities, survey the site and prepare conceptual drawings for potential industrial uses including manufacturing, warehouse space or a data center. Deigert said his team would seek to market the site to out‑of‑area developers and that the option structure would allow the company to spend money on engineering and other predevelopment work.

IDA staff explained the option would not by itself trigger the statutory 90‑day disposition period; the 90 days would be set in motion if the option were exercised and a transfer of fee title were proposed.

Separately, the board approved an increase in financial assistance for the project identified in…