The long and arduous process of zoning the Luther Forest Technology Campus for use by Advanced Microchip Devices has come to a close in the Town of Malta. The Town Board voted unanimously to accept the final version of the Planned Development District (PDD) legislation at their Monday, Aug. 25, meeting.
The chipmaker will still need to come before the town’s planning board to obtain construction permits before building the three planned fabrication facilities. One of those fabs will lie in Stillwater, so AMD will also need to go before that town before the $3.2 billion facility can be built.
Monday’s vote brought to a close six months of back-and-forth negotiations that started when the chipmaker brought proposed changes to the legislation to the town.
AMD representatives praised the decision and process.
I want to express our sincere thanks, said Steve Groseclose, AMD’s director of global environment, health and safety. `Hopefully we’re going to be an example of what a proactive and leading company can be and give back to the town.`
A public hearing process started on Monday, Aug. 11, was closed right before the vote, and three citizens took the final opportunity to offer comments.
Carol Henry, chairwoman of the LFTC Community Response Board, raised concerns over traffic levels during construction, nighttime deliveries and the use of Hermes Road. She also said the board wanted to make sure emergency response teams would be properly trained and drilled.
Carol Moratta, a member of the Town of Stillwater Planning Board appearing as a private citizen, reiterated traffic concerns and also questioned the output of hazardous materials from the proposed facility.
AMD representatives said that Hermes Road and night deliveries will be used only if necessary.
AMD will be required to provide Malta with copies of all reports it submits to state and federal environmental monitoring agencies, and will also join the fledgling New York Environmental Leaders program, a voluntary initiative to help manufacturers go above and beyond baseline environmental regulations.
Both Henry and Moratta reminded the board that this is not the time to grow lax.
`It’s a huge project and it will change this area forever,` said Moratta. `We should think positively but stay vigilant.`
Board members cast their affirmative votes with vigor. Councilwoman Sue Nolen said she was happy to bring six years of planning to a close. `This is a tremendous day for the Town of Malta,` she said. `Our children will be able to get jobs here.`
Echoing those thoughts was Councilwoman Tara Thomas, telling the story of a young resident who approached her and said he wants to stay in the area.
`As a lifelong resident, I can relate, having seen many of my childhood friends leave to find work,` said Thomas. `I want better opportunities for our children and citizens.`
AMD has stated that the chip fabrication plant will provide 1,465 jobs at full operation.
Councilman Peter Klotz praised the effort to bring AMD in while safeguarding the concerns of the town.
`This evening’s action represents an important milepost along our way,` said Klotz, adding that the project’s eventual success `will require a continual team effort.`
The chipmaker has yet to announce a commitment to build at LFTC, though they have until July of 2009 to do so and receive $1.2 billion in state incentives.
AMD Executive Chairman Hector Ruiz was in town to tour the site on Wednesday, Aug. 27. Ruiz was instrumental in planning the project as AMD’s CEO (a post he recently stepped down from) and this was his first visit to the site, where internal road construction is already under way.“