The Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency, OCIDA, delayed votes on the Micron Technology chipmaking plant in Clay. The Monday, November 17th is being pushed back until Tuesday morning at 9:30 AM. The agency is voting on the approval to start construction and a $2 billion package in property tax breaks and other incentives.
Once Micron gets approval from the county, the company can start work as soon as they get permission from other government agencies. The company plans to start in early December on clearing 500 acres of forest to meet a March 31st deadline designed to protect endangered bat species. Micron has delayed construction on the actual chip fabrication facilities and opening by 2 to 3 years.
With this project proposal, sales tax on construction materials would be waved and a PILOT, payment in lieu of taxes, agreement on all property taxes over the course of 49 years would be put in place
At recent public hearings, people raised concerns over no direct support in schools int eh tax agreement, even as districts will deal with increased population.
Other residents shared hopes that Micron can be held accountable in helping the community, as part of the incentive agreement.
Other members of the community have said they see the positives in the project, such as increased property and sales taxes from new residents, as well as job growth.