The steps have all been cleared for the opening of the Saratoga Technology and Energy Park on Hermes Road in Malta.
Project engineers from the state Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the lead agency in developing the first technology park in the nation for clean-energy and environmental technology companies, addressed the Malta Town Board Monday, Nov. 26.
We’ve reworked the entire project after extensive work with the planning board’s requests, and it doesn’t look like a yellow diner in there as they requested, said Robert Callender.
The 105,000-square-foot office building will open in about three weeks. Nestled in the woods, the tech park will remain 77 percent green space, and both designers and board members said they were excited about the 3.5 miles of walking trails for the public.
`People will be welcome to jog, walk their pets, there will be two gazebos built as focal points, and we’re designing a trail system and kiosks with maps to guide people along,` said Callender.
Space at the park’s premier building is now leased to seven clean-energy companies.
`STEP is market-driven,` said Callender. `We only build when we have tenants ready to move in. We’re now building two new buildings where we have companies for more than half of the available space.`
Current companies on site are Advanced Energy Conversion, Building Performance Institute, Carbon Ceramics, the Center for Economic and Environmental Partnership, the Center for Economic Growth, ecoPower, groSolar, Linc, Lockheed Martin, North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, and Starfire Systems.
Project developers were especially proud to announce that Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC), will be locating a satellite campus at STEP, with both degree and noncredit courses offered. HVCC is the second-largest institution of higher learning in the Capital District, offering more than 70 degree and certificate programs through its four schools: business; engineering and industrial technologies; health sciences; and liberal arts and sciences.
`The training and education center for semiconductor manufacturing and alternative and renewable technologies at STEP will prepare produce skilled technicians for jobs in growing industrial sectors which develop and manufacture semiconductors, wind turbines, geothermal products, alternative fuels and energy-efficient buildings,` said Callender.
As an added perk, jobs will be created as the park grows. Job openings already listed on the STEP site link from the NYSERDA Web page include openings for engineers, maintenance technicians and accountants.
`We do expect some really good job opportunities there, not only with the companies opening but also with HVCC,` said Callender.
The campus design is as atypical as the companies located there. The facilities will be clustered into neighborhoods, organized to create identifiable places and outdoor courtyards to encourage pedestrian activity and informal meetings. To maximize parking lot space, all parking will be located between the neighborhoods and shared by all buildings, which will also increase open space and decrease runoff, an important feature in this type of sustainable design.
The buildings are clustered closely to foster a campuslike environment, and to conserve open space around each neighborhood. Buildings will range from single-story buildings to four-story buildings, with none more than 80 feet high, including rooftop structures.
`Multi-story buildings are desirable because they offer more design opportunity, achieve an effective scale to create memorable neighborhoods, and conserve land and reduce coverage,` said Callender. `Because these buildings are clustered into neighborhoods, they have a greater impact than if they were isolated buildings, and there is the potential for companies to conveniently expand in multiple buildings within the same neighborhood.`
Shared facilities also limit the need for using cars to move from one area of the park to another.
The property, known as the Malta Test Station, had been used for what were then high-tech development and space research activities. In 1975, NYSERDA assumed ownership of the property and changed the site’s mission to energy research and development. After looking at the 280-acre site to determine its best use, NYSERDA joined the Saratoga Economic Development Corp. and the University at Albany to develop the property as a technology park devoted to clean energy, energy efficient, and environmental technologies. In August 2001, the establishment of STEP was announced.
For their part, board members were impressed with the presentation. Council member Cliff Lange pressed the engineers for details on maintaining the roundabout near Hermes Road, and also water line maintenance. Hermes Road is privately owned, located off town-owned Dunning Street.
`Most homes in that area of Fox Wander are on wells, and we do need to run water lines and have them hook up with Saratoga Water Services,` said town Comptroller Kevin King.
Resident Ann Klotz asked the project designers how the park will impact town emergency services.
`Their employees will be using town ambulance and fire services, as well as highways maintained by the town,` said Klotz.
`As far as fire and ambulance taxes, we’re looking forward to the developers paying their fair share,` said Callender. `We maintain all the private roads and there are no water or sewer services being provided by the town of Malta. There will also be a slate of what’s called host community benefits that go back to the town.` “