Board schedules public hearing on proposed transfer of 11.7 acres to town development corporation

The Town Board authorized a public hearing notice under New York State not-for-profit corporation laws section 1411 for Aug. 20, 2026, to consider transferring 11.7 acres of surplus town land north of the Gates-Greece Town Line Road to MuniPro Inc., the town's local development corporation.

Councilwoman Miller relayed constituent questions about why the town would transfer management to an LDC rather than a private entity and whether MuniPro board members receive compensation. "Why, for town land, why should it be managed by something like a MuniPro and non-profit versus a private entity?" Miller said, citing constituent inquiries.

A town representative identified in the transcript as Roberton explained that the town created MuniPro as a holding entity to lease or sell real property while retaining town oversight. "If we were to convey it to a 3rd party private company, that company could do whatever it wanted and the town would have no input," Roberton said. He added that MuniPro board members are volunteers and are not compensated.

Board members also asked whether there is a prospective buyer; Roberton said there have been discussions with the Galena Corporation, which owns nearby developed property, and that transfer to MuniPro preserves town control while permitting future leasing or sale consistent with the town plan.

The board set the public hearing and did not take a final vote on any transfer at the meeting; the transcript records a commitment from staff to provide further details at the hearing.