Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Micron's future effects are top of mind for 127th District candidates

Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Chuck Schumer, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra announce 100 billion private investment in mega-complex of computer chip plants in Central New York, creating 9,000 jobs over 20 years.
Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
/
flickr.com
Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Chuck Schumer, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra announce 100 billion private investment in mega-complex of computer chip plants in Central New York, creating 9,000 jobs over 20 years.

Semiconductor chip manufacturer Micron plans to set up in New York’s 127th Assembly District.

The new facility is expected to bring billions in investment and thousands of new people to the area. In less than two weeks, the residents of the district will choose a State Assembly representative as Micron begins site prep and construction. The district includes Clay, the future home of the semiconductor manufacturer, as well as Cicero, Manlius, and Cazenovia.

Longtime 127th Democrat representativeAl Stirpe said he’s focused on using his leverage in state government to ensure the area is ready for growth.

“We're going to have to help with Centro being able to get people from different areas to the facility. And infrastructure. Lots of roadwork's going to be done. [Route] 31 and Mud Mill Rd, a lot of the roads that come off there," Stirpe said. "Route 31's already a busy thoroughfare, and if you add, you know, 9,000 more cars and a bunch of trucks going in and out all the time, it's just going to be a disaster.”

Stirpe is being challenged this year by Republican Karen Ayoub. She worked as an accountant for years and said she is running because the state has gotten too expensive.

When it comes to Micron, Ayoub said it's necessary for the state to hold the company accountable to its commitments.

"We need to set benchmarks all the way along and make sure that all of us are living up to that. Stay in touch with the community residents," Ayoub said. "See what their concerns are, try and address things in a proactive manner rather than waiting until a problem is a problem.”

Micron said it plans to start site preparations in 2023 and construction in 2024, which is within the term of the next 127th Assembly District representative.

Early voting beginsin Onondaga County this weekend, and Election Day is Nov. 8.

Katie Zilcosky is WAER’s All Things Considered host and features reporter. She also co-hosts WAER’s public affairs show Syracuse Speaks. As a reporter, she focuses on technology, economy, and identity.
Scott Willis covers politics, local government, transportation, and arts and culture for WAER. He came to Syracuse from Detroit in 2001, where he began his career in radio as an intern and freelance reporter. Scott is honored and privileged to bring the day’s news and in-depth feature reporting to WAER’s dedicated and generous listeners. You can find him on twitter @swillisWAER and email him at srwillis@syr.edu.