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Metroplex reviews local wins, says $96 million GE/Gernova expansion could fund town water line
Summary
Metroplex representative Ray Gillan told the committee Metroplex helped bring about $500 million in investment and 800 jobs to the county, touted redevelopment wins and said a pending state package tied to a $96 million GE/Gernova expansion includes an application that could fund a water line from Platnik Park to River Road.
Ray Gillan, Metroplex board representative, briefed the Economic Development, Planning and Land Use Committee on the authority’s recent county investments and local projects.
Gillan said Metroplex collects a half‑percent increment of local sales tax and "we invest 70% of the half percent" into projects that spur jobs and taxable activity. "We brought $500 million in new investment and 800 jobs to the county," he told the committee as evidence the authority’s interventions can deliver measurable returns.
Why it matters: Gillan said the most immediate local outcome could be an award of state funds connected to a $96 million package supporting GE/Gernova’s Balltown Road campus. Metroplex included funding for a town water line in its state application, he said, a project that would extend water from Platnik Park to River Road and support ongoing campus and town growth.
What Metroplex has done locally: Gillan reviewed recent local work including Co‑op Plaza redevelopment (streetscape, lighting and benches), façade grant matching for storefront improvements, land‑bank activity to address so‑called "zombie properties," and infrastructure investments that helped retain or expand employers. He emphasized a measured site‑selection approach for the Commerce Park, saying Metroplex has declined large distribution proposals that would have generated heavy truck traffic and would not fit the town’s character.
Town follow‑up and timing: Gillan said Metroplex is "nervously awaiting" a state decision on a fast‑track funding application. The committee and staff signaled ongoing coordination with Metroplex over water and other infrastructure needs; no final award had been announced at the meeting.
Sources and attribution: Quotes and project descriptions above are from Ray Gillan’s Metroplex presentation to the committee (SEG 026–SEG 088; SEG 262–SEG 357).
Next steps: Staff said they will coordinate with Metroplex and the supervisor’s office on any forthcoming grant announcements and on prioritized water‑line work should state funds be awarded.
