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Glens Falls IDA moves to transfer smart‑farm assets, seeks business plan and partners
Summary
The Glens Falls IDA discussed transitioning its ‘smart farm’ operations into a community or business model, provided interns will draft a business plan for a SUNY fall program; the board also approved payment of farm bills contingent on the city transferring funds.
The Glens Falls City Industrial Development Agency on June 12 discussed plans to transfer operational responsibility for a city‑owned “smart farm” and to develop a business plan for the site ahead of an anticipated fall pilot.
Staff reported they have met with the farm’s consultant and with Jim Cipron, who this summer has two interns working on a plan to position the farm to participate in a SUNY fall semester program. “We’re trying to position this farm to … get involved in this startup ABK program, reverse ABK program in the fall semester at SUNY,” a board advisor said.
Board members said the immediate tasks are to confirm how the site operates at scale, produce revenue projections, and determine whether a local operator or consortium could take over operations. Staff estimated the farm’s physical assets are worth about $80,000 and proposed drafting a bill of sale to transfer those assets from the city; the Common Council has already approved the transfer in principle, the board said.
The board discussed operational issues: current month‑to‑month lease terms for the facility, an owner charging roughly $500 per month for approximately 1,800 square feet, insurance and liability questions, and whether the IDA should assign the lease before an operational transfer. Members suggested keeping a month‑to‑month arrangement until a new operator is selected and noted a possible target timeframe for transfer in September or October.
As an interim funding matter, the board approved paying roughly $14,750 in farm‑related bills provided the city first moves the funds into the IDA’s farm checking account. The motion passed with unanimous assent; board members said checks would not be signed until the funds were received.
No sale or final transfer was executed at the meeting. Board members said the interns’ business plan will be used to solicit proposals and to support a request for proposals or other procurement steps. Staff also reported informal interest from local restaurants and farmers and said they had begun small production and outreach through the farmers market, with some produce already given to nearby restaurants.
Board members listed next steps: finalize a bill of sale to effect asset transfer, complete the interns’ business plan, confirm insurance and lease‑assignment terms, and seek a local business partner or consortium to assume operations.
