The Wayne County Industrial Development Agency board approved funding commitments for planning studies and spent much of its latest meeting discussing water, sewer and infrastructure needs tied to future development.
Draft minutes from the May 18 meeting show the board voted to support participation in an application to the New York State Department of State for a countywide development and land preservation plan.
Executive Director Brian Pincelli said the proposal would incorporate existing work, including the county housing plan, agricultural development plan and other studies, to guide town, planning and zoning boards toward a more coordinated approach to development.
The board also authorized an application and funding commitment for an Empire State Development strategic planning and feasibility study.
Pincelli said the study would focus on a comprehensive market and reuse plan for property around the Conference Center and Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES in Newark, particularly the north side of the campus. Board members said the effort could help move unused state-owned property toward productive reuse.
Infrastructure capacity became a major theme during the executive director’s report. Board members discussed the importance of water and wastewater planning as Wayne County looks at future housing and business growth.
Pincelli said the county’s ongoing water and wastewater study is intended to assess current capacity and prepare for future opportunities. Members raised concerns about limited water access in some rural areas, well capacity, development delays and the cost of expanding water infrastructure.
Chair David Fantuzzo said a housing development in Huron is ready to move forward but is waiting on water-related approvals. Other members said communities without public water lines may struggle to attract residents and workers needed to support economic growth.
The board also discussed statewide energy and data center issues, the Authorities Budget Office audit process and the possibility of future site visits with companies receiving PILOT benefits.
The next Wayne County IDA board meeting is scheduled for July 20.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.