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 the meeting as Clemens Square (associated with the Columbus Square redevelopment under the parking garage). Board discussion said the project cost had risen and the developer requested additional sales‑tax benefits and mortgage‑reporting tax relief; specific dollar amounts discussed in the meeting were not uniformly clear in the record and are summarized in clarifying details below. Board members publicly expressed support for the developer’s local investments and community contributions.

The board also ratified a batch of invoices and cash needs tied largely to arena improvements and equipment, with the presenters noting that most of the spending is expected to be reimbursed from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds submitted for county consideration. Vendors and items listed in the ratification packet included arena lighting and video equipment, refrigeration and other arena improvements; full vendor and amount details are in the clarifying details below.

In addition to the items above, the board approved a short resolution extending a license agreement for an unspecified company and separately approved a disposition negotiation for real property at 1787 David Drive with Carrington Aviation (the board authorized negotiation, execution and delivery of agreements related to that transfer, subject to the agency’s statutory procedures).

Votes at a glance

- Philo Road: Resolution authorizing land development agreement with license and exclusive option; negative declaration under SEQRA; outcome — approved by roll call (see actions).

- Clemens Square (Columbus Square related): Resolution authorizing increased financial assistance and related documents; outcome — approved by roll call.

- Ratification of payments for arena improvements and equipment: outcome — approved (voice vote).

- Extension of license agreement (unspecified company): outcome — approved.

- Disposition negotiation for 1787 David Drive (Carrington Aviation): outcome — approved by roll call.

Why it matters

The Philo Road option and related disposition steps create a formal path to test and market a county‑owned industrial parcel and could lead to negotiated sale or lease if a buyer or tenant emerges. The Clemens/Columbus Square assistance relates to an active downtown redevelopment project and the agency’s decision affects the incentive package available to the developer. The ratified arena expenditures reflect near‑term capital work the agency expects to seek ARPA reimbursement for.

What happened in the meeting

- Financial report and minutes: The board accepted the May financials and approved the minutes of the prior meeting by voice vote.

- Check ratifications: The board approved a set of cash disbursements and vendor payments, described by staff as largely arena improvements. Staff repeatedly stated the agency expects ARPA funds to reimburse most of those costs, and that the county is reviewing the reimbursement submissions.

- Philo Road presentation and resolution: Troy Deigert (Deigert Development Company) and Chuck Dugger presented. Deigert asked for a two‑year option to invest in surveying, concept work and engineering. Staff (Steve) described the proposed structure as a land development agreement granting a license to enter the property for due diligence with an option that, if exercised, would trigger the 90‑day disposition notice under the Public Authorities Accountability Act. The board approved the resolution by roll call.

- Clemens/Columbus Square assistance: Staff described cost increases to the redevelopment project and requested an increase in the sales‑tax exemption and mortgage‑reporting tax relief for the company identified in the meeting as the project sponsor. Multiple board members voiced support for the developer’s community work. The board approved the resolution by roll call.

- Other property actions: The board approved an extension of a license agreement (short resolution read at the meeting) and authorized negotiation and execution of documents related to the disposition of property at 1787 David Drive to Carrington Aviation, subject to the agency’s statutory disposition processes.

- Executive session: The agency held an executive session under the statutory exception for proposed acquisition, sale or lease of real property the public discussion of which would substantially affect its value; the board reconvened and proceeded to vote on related resolutions.

Details and next steps

Board members asked few substantive follow‑ups beyond confirming the length of the requested option (Deigert said two years) and whether solar would be considered (Deigert said no). Staff said the agency will proceed with the land‑development agreement, begin the 90‑day notice process as appropriate if the option is exercised, and continue to seek ARPA reimbursement for the ratified arena expenditures.

Ending

The IDA closed the session after approving the listed resolutions and ratifications and moved to other public‑authority business.