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WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM Email for all inquiries: info@businessviewmagazine.com 2422 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 820 Sanibel FL, 33957 239.220.5554 CONTACT US TITLE SPONSORS GREAT NEWS! Business View Publishing was named to the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies! Read the press release Editor in Chief Karen Surca Research Directors Paul Payne Brendan McElroy Thomas Hiley Chad Loveless Jessica Zaneis Mike Luchetta Ali Ahmed Jillian Hicks Javier Robles Contributing Writers Andrew Macfarlane Michelle Mahoney Brett Anningson Caroline Verner-Hiley Al Krulick Ian Gyan Dan Marcharia Veronica Enair Vice President of Production Jared Ali Director of Administration Michelle Siewah Director of Marketing Nora Saliken Digital Strategist Jon Bartlow Art Director Renée Yearwood Managing Director Alexander Wynne-Jones COO Matthew Mitchell Executive Publisher / CEO Marcus VandenBrink 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
EDITOR’S NOTES One voloruntur aut ut laci verio mintusam non repudae. Itature nullestium quod exerovid qui cullab inctore veri aut et labor magnit fuga. Et que incipsa pedipsam ventium voluptatum asperum, commodita cus, ommodic torumenisque reiumque volorporis des dolupie nditia dis et earum in ra eumquiaspe plitaquas et enis eosam saerit ad moluptiant pra ni cum exeriostem quam que molest adio. Nam, quis illanda nimagni hillit excesti beris mos modis nus sunt doluptae. Nam fugias at et earundemquam aut molum aut idia inimillandam abo. Dita nem veliqui dolum quistem dunturitiam quis conse molles nata volupit voluptia dolupta sinctam nullab iustius rerspite nonsectate quiae volut etur aut voluptis voluptate con eos est, aut et diam dene nectotatibus que vollantist, cor abo. Ut voluptus num et inis aditem. Qui sequiataque pe dolorest eum eos dendebitis dolupta quat accuptur sitendem. Feri blatior rem ium a vendis doluptatis ea aut harcia nos nus rem que volorep erchictet lacitatiam voloriam est, ommolut planti occatii sincilique volorem siment. Tempor acipitin pelenit atetus accusandi nonsequas eostia con remperibus. Ignisque labo. Duci cor rerum labori commoluptas vername ipis et volorate lit vendita vendere laut latur rerferum erum autat fugitaque iderestia nobis pa dis nobit aut idit viti dolestis et ut doluptatus excearunda diciend istiur? Ide volora velendae rercientiati berovidus quat aut offic temolup tataquo omnis eliquat ecabore hendis eum fugitatibus. Lorumqu iasint quae. Nam verum, aut aditati dit quiate dolecatium qui volupta tatur, ulpa imusam hiliquid quam aboreca borecest harum quaecus qui dolorem que et acerum repre que sit aut ea quos moluptur sum atureped quam volupit, et ant vellanisto venis suntur? Ullabo. Ut odi odit que sitione venienissum fuga. Dae quia quiant, odio to corem et es volupidisqui conem volorem consecu ptatemporror autesci asperrum velestrum vero explate preptatum quam sim et hariae persper atemquo berum hilibus ad el intionsed elia doluptat iuntiumet am et plabor aliquam vene assequo stiasse es endam atur autem cum et odion et odita non rat volo blaccae nobis dolene perions equistist hit et enihici milluptatem adit endiaec aturepu daepudictor as imilia dest officient. Volo volor sa pra et liquosam labo. Et aut everibeaque nobita del et voluptincium explab iuscil inciis excearcium fuga. Ut anitetume venis nam et et untiore explit quia num lam, volorestrum aut od magnatem aut imus. Il magnam et que volupta tiorporempe mo quidus ipit ratiis imus alibust reperion conectust et volore doluptibusae expelita dus aute debit, volora dolore, sum res es estem doluptustio quod quam, a dolorest, ut ium hari quideliquas modiscilis perum aborumquat apicium corum autat aut rerit rehent la et hillate stiore, sincto dolupit volore apient vernatusanda qui cus acia sita doloreiciis molorem doluptatibus utesto cus dolendis sitat et unt fugition nos dipsam ullest ut poria destrum debis mo velesti amustio quassim inciusda veniendae. Mus sumendi res volupta denet del ipic te doluptas quidunt fugiatem aut ullacea veni aciuria que sit laborionsed mincim velesto omnimo te quasitatis doloressin re, sum volum quate sint auta nos aut quis enihit mi, aboriorae cusa volorpo rporero conseque labor restium nonsequis reiciendunt, vollor a volecessus consequid quati dolupta dolut pores estissi musciis volorrum aped expligeni renestin pellandandis remperiore sitium am, sum quam fuga. Voluptatest quae. Est lant. Nienien ihitiae pelenistecea voles molo officidem aliqui quam aut quodici bla cuptatinciis rerit porrumquae solorro beatis int laut eatium atibus. Karen Surca Editor in Chief Dear Readers, 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
CITY VIEW 19 CHENANGO COUNTY, NY Looking Forward While Celebrating the Community Spirit 29 MARCY, NY Out in the Middle of Nowhere, Right in the Middle of Everything 39 VALLEY STREAM, NY Building a Sustainable Future at 100 49 WAPPINGER, NY Strong Roots and a Clear Vision VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 COVER TBD 2 EDITOR’S NOTES 7 OPENING LINES 59 FRANKLIN COUNTY, OH Building a Diverse Economy Through Innovation 69 CABOT, AR A City Gearing Up for Generational Growth 79 UNALASKA, AK At The Edge of The Continent 89 GREENVILLE, TX Where Growth Meets Hometown Heart MARCY, NY UNALASKA, AK 29 79 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
GO-TO COLLECTION WHEREVER YOU PLAY
VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 99 HELOTES, TX The Gateway to the Hill Country 109 HALIBURTON, ON Balancing Rural Character with Focusing on Future Development 119 LASALLE, ON A Blend of Heritage, Innovation, and Community Spirit 129 ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP, ON Thriving on Industry and Innovation 139 TILLSONBURG, ON Highway 3: Ontario’s Expanding Industrial Corridor 149 WEST LINCOLN, ON A Rural Gem Poised for Thoughtful Growth 159 JONES COUNTY, NC A Blend of Rural Charm and Strategic Growth MOUNT OLIVE, NJ ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP, ON 183 129 173 MEDFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ Historic Heart, Modern Pulse 183 MOUNT OLIVE, NJ A Picturesque Township with a lot Going On 193 RM ST. CLEMENTS, MB A Journey from Rural Roots to Modern Municipality 203 TAUNTON, MA A Big City Vision with Small Town Appeal 217 WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA The Crossroads of New England 231 ZEPHYRHILLS, FL A Community on the Rise in the Heart of Pasco County, Florida 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
The articles in this publication are for information purposes only. Business View Publishing assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed, or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual or organization has been provided by such individual or organization without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is that of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business View Publishing. EDUCATION 243 BINGHAMTON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Believing in Educational Excellence 253 GALLUP-MCKINLEY COUNTY SCHOOLS Reimagining Rural Education 267 NEW ALBANY-FLOYD COUNTY SCHOOLS (NAFCS) Innovation in Education 281 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION Learning Without Limits 291 SOUTH DEARBORN COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION Driven to Succeed 301 PARADISE VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Excellence in Learning BINGHAMTON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT NEW ALBANY-FLOYD COUNTY SCHOOLS (NAFCS) 243 267 6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
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GREEN SPACES TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE OPENING LINES 11 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
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S, MODERNIZATION OPENING LINES 13 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
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city view INTERNATIONAL CITY/COUNTY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (ICMA) ONLINE ARTICLE ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA COMMUNITY DEVELOPERS ONLINE ARTICLE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ONLINE ARTICLE MASSECON ONLINE ARTICLE NEW JERSEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (NJEDA) ONLINE ARTICLE TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF BUILDERS (TAB) ONLINE ARTICLE TEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE ONLINE ARTICLE UNALASKA, AK AT THE EDGE OF THE CONTINENT FRANKLIN COUNTY, OH BUILDING A DIVERSE ECONOMY THROUGH INNOVATION CHENANGO COUNTY, NY LOOKING FORWARD WHILE CELEBRATING THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT MARCY, NY OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF EVERYTHING VALLEY STREAM, NY BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE AT 100 WAPPINGER, NY STRONG ROOTS AND A CLEAR VISION GREENVILLE, TX WHERE GROWTH MEETS HOMETOWN HEART CABOT, AR A CITY GEARING UP FOR GENERATIONAL GROWTH 17 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
HALIBURTON, ON BALANCING RURAL CHARACTER WITH FOCUSING ON FUTURE DEVELOPMENT LASALLE, ON A BLEND OF HERITAGE, INNOVATION, AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT WEST LINCOLN, ON A RURAL GEM POISED FOR THOUGHTFUL GROWTH TAUNTON, MA A BIG CITY VISION WITH SMALL TOWN APPEAL ZEPHYRHILLS, FL A COMMUNITY ON THE RISE IN THE HEART OF PASCO COUNTY, FLORIDA RM ST. CLEMENTS, MB A JOURNEY FROM RURAL ROOTS TO MODERN MUNICIPALITY ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP, ON THRIVING ON INDUSTRY AND INNOVATION WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA THE CROSSROADS OF NEW ENGLAND HELOTES, TX THE GATEWAY TO THE HILL COUNTRY MEDFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ HISTORIC HEART, MODERN PULSE MOUNT OLIVE, NJ A PICTURESQUE TOWNSHIP WITH A LOT GOING ON TILLSONBURG, ON HIGHWAY 3: ONTARIO’S EXPANDING INDUSTRIAL CORRIDOR JONES COUNTY, NC A BLEND OF RURAL CHARM AND STRATEGIC GROWTH 18 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
LOOKING FORWA WHILE CELEBRA COMMUNITY SP CHENANGO COUNTY, NY AT A GLANCE CHENANGO COUNTY, NY WHAT: A county undergoing growth and revitalization WHERE: Southern Tier of New York State WEBSITE: www.chenangocountyny.gov A DYNAMIC COUNTY ENJOYING A RENAISSANCE 19 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
ARD ATING THE PIRIT Nestled in the Southern Tier of New York State, Chenango County brings together strong community ties, scenic landscapes, and forwardthinking planning, to create an ideal place for residents and businesses to call home. With a population of close to 47,000 and a strong industry presence, this dynamic county is 20 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
positioning itself for a future that balances growth with quality of life. “We are an aging population that’s looking to make a comeback with our vast amount of manufacturing companies and rural resources,” describes Shane Butler, Director of Planning and Airport Administrator for the county. “We want to become a vibrant place to live, work and play.” A PLAN FOR THE FUTURE The Chenango County 2050 Vision Plan is a longrange strategy that updates the county’s earlier 2020 blueprint. One exciting project is a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant awarded to the city of Norwich. “Realistically, we’re trying to revitalize the entire county,” explains Butler. “Other areas and villages have also applied but have so far been unsuccessful. That isn’t going to stop us from really trying to keep pushing forward and revitalizing those areas as well.” As the official tourism promotional agency for the county, Commerce Chenango plays a central role in driving the visitor economy, an area that has seen impressive momentum in recent years. “Right now, that’s probably the biggest line item in our budget, and I’m proud to say that the biggest source of our funding from the county comes from people who visit, and the local bed tax,” says Sal Testani, President and CEO of Commerce Chenango. With support from both county and state resources, the organization promotes Chenango County as a destination for travelers across New York and beyond. He reports that visitor numbers are up 23% over the past two years, fueled by the county’s natural and cultural offerings, from 70,000 acres of state land, scenic gravel biking roads, and snowmobile trails, to a packed calendar of popular events like the Chenango Blues Festival, Unadilla Motocross, Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival, Greene Apple Fest, and Golden Artists Colors Art Retreat. “We have some amazing things here that are part of the fabric of our community, and we need to do an even better job of marketing those to not only the people that are visiting here, but people that want to live here,” Testani emphasizes. “Why would 21 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 CHENANGO COUNTY, NY
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you ever want to live anywhere else when you can have access to the number of things we have here and still have one of the lowest costs of living in the United States.” To support this, the county has hired a consultant team to assess existing attractions and identify gaps, helping shape a more strategic approach to growing the visitor economy.“The vision (plan) is a wonderful thing, and it’s great because it takes an assessment of where we are, and it talks about where we want to be, but we really need a plan of action to get there, and the visitor economy will be one element of that,” says Testani. MEETING HOUSING CHALLENGES On the housing front, Chenango County is in a similar situation to many rural regions, with plenty of housing stock, but much of it currently uninhabitable. “We have thousands of empty dwellings in Chenango County,”Testani details.“Part of the challenge is that many of those have fallen into disrepair and need 23 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 CHENANGO COUNTY, NY
to be worked on and rehabilitated, but they would cost far more than the value of the property to be able to do that.” In order to meet the demand, Chenango County will need to introduce diverse options, from low income and senior housing to workforce and executive level homes. “There’s an extreme shortage of housing throughout the county,” he admits. “Pursuing those strategies is complicated, and there’s not one formula that helps you address all of those.” Efforts are underway to tackle the issue through public-private partnerships, land banks, and the involvement of agencies like Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango, which is investing millions in affordable housing projects throughout the region. “It’s going to take a lot of effort by a multifaceted team: the county, the Chenango County IDA, the Development Chenango Corporation, and our alvogen.com 607.335.3000 6826 State Highway 12, Norwich, New York 13815 Setting a new standard for the future of pharma Alvogen has an innate passion for performance and growth and has become a major player driving change in this ever-changing industry. Our passionate team is committed to continue growing our business and build a leading generic pharmaceuticals player. A unique portfolio of high-quality and difficult-to-make pharmaceutical products fuels our targeted growth strategy. 24 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
municipalities. We’re going to have to work together to try to solve it,”Testani stresses.“It’s a challenge that we’re going to need to address if we want to meet the needs of our community, which is to try to get people to live here. The key to economic revitalization is to have people living in your downtowns and living in your communities.” INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT While water and sewer utilities continue to meet existing needs, Chenango County is proactively planning for future expansion and sustainability. “We are adjusting our permits in the municipality levels to service our flow requirements, but there are no major expansions to service new areas. We are studying the ability to do that and how we might service new geography in adjacent areas to our city and town centers,” depicts Mike Flanagan, Chairman of the Development Chenango Corporation. He says the focus, for now, is on upgrading and reinvesting in existing infrastructure, including wastewater and water treatment projects, lead pipe replacement, and distribution system improvements. Roads are also a focus, and municipalities are working to secure state CHIPS funding and other sources for resurfacing and repair work. Butler highlights a new initiative supported by a grant from the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to update the Chenango County All-Hazard Multi-Jurisdictional Mitigation Plan. “That (plan) brings together all 30 municipalities UN I SONINDUSTRIES . COM A leading provider of aerospace electrical & mechanical systems, serving OEM and aftermarket customers worldwide with technology that performs in the harshest environments. SOLUTIONS TO IGNITE A NEW ERA IN AEROSPACE 25 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 CHENANGO COUNTY, NY
with local employers. The center will offer nondegree, skill-focused training tailored to immediate workforce needs. “We piloted a program here,” elaborates Testani. “It was a six-week cohort centered around manufacturing, the introduction to manufacturing basics. It included things like OSHA certification, CAD drawing awareness, business tool measurements. It was developed with the help of Unison, a GE Aerospace Company, their trainers taught the class. We had 20 kids who took it from BOCES, and I’ve in Chenango County to really look at what hazards we have in play, whether it’s severe winter storms, summer storms, tornadic activity, the effects of hurricanes, whatever it may be, to see what we as municipalities can do to make ourselves more resilient,” he conveys. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FOR A STRONG CHENANGO Chenango County is working to establish a Workforce Development Center at the SUNY Morrisville campus in Norwich, a project designed in collaboration 26 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
been told that three of them are going to be offered jobs coming out of that class.” Building on that success, the goal is to launch two ongoing cohorts, one focused on manufacturing, and another centered around essential employment skills, covering topics like professional communication, resume writing, punctuality, and business etiquette. Local employers such as Preferred Mutual Insurance Company, NBT Bank, and Rentals To Go have already expressed strong interest in hiring from this talent pipeline. “Ultimately if we can retain our current employers by providing them with a skilled workforce, it would give us an opportunity to attract new employers, because we’d have that same capability to train their potential employees as well,”Testani suggests. “We’ve met with a cross-functional group of almost every business segment that we have here, with representatives from small businesses to large businesses, healthcare, the school districts, nonprofits, and large major employers, Chobani, Unison, a GE Aerospace Company, and Raymond Corporation.” These conversations identified the need for “operators” in entry-level roles across industries and underscored the value of being able to deliver flexible, responsive training programs to meet evolving needs. PRIORITIES WITH PURPOSE As Chenango County looks to the future, the focus is on revitalizing what exists, building what’s needed, 27 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 CHENANGO COUNTY, NY
and fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the region’s success. For Flanagan, housing revitalization stands out as a critical short-term goal. “The housing is there,” he relays. “We need a system in place to rehabilitate it, get it back up to market condition, and get people living in those vacant houses, mostly in our downtowns, because that’s a key part to revitalization and the economy.” Testani echoes the sentiment, expanding, “If you really wanted to boil it down, retaining our existing business is the most important priority we have.And if we can do the things to retain them, then we can attract new ones.” He points out the interconnected nature of infrastructure, housing, and digital connectivity, and the importance of attracting more childcare options to the county, encouraging more young families to relocate. Behind all the strategic planning, there’s also a belief in community and in making a difference. “Realistically, any project that we work on that hits the most members of our community, that’s a big thing,” remarks Butler. He continued, “Anytime you can really change your community for the better, that’s rewarding.” With a clear plan, and enthusiastic leadership, Chenango County is positioning itself as an ideal place to visit, work, and call home. PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Amazon Hub Delivery www.amazon.com/hubdelivery Amazon Hub Delivery partners with local businesses to assist with package delivery. When you join, you’ll get paid for every package you deliver and create another stream of income. It’s easy to get started with no upfront cost and no long-term contracts required. n Norwich Pharmaceuticals – An Alvogen Company www.alvogen.com Alvogen is headquartered in Morristown, New Jersey with significant inhouse manufacturing capacity in Norwich, NY. Alvogen is built on the strong foundation of Norwich Pharmaceutical Services, an U.S. company with a 130-year history and an unsurpassed regulatory track record. n Unison, a GE Aerospace Company www.unisonindustries.com Unison, a GE Aerospace company, supplies advanced gas turbine engine components and systems for aviation, space, and defense markets. With over 2,000 employees across nine major locations, Unison supports nearly every engine and airframe program globally. Discover more and explore career opportunities at unisonindustries.com. 28 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
MARCY, NY OUT IN THE MIDDLE RIGHT IN THE MIDDL AT A GLANCE MARCY, NY WHAT: A progressive small town with much to offer WHERE: Oneida County, NY WEBSITE: www.townofmarcy.org WITH INFRASTRUCTURE IN PLACE AND A VISION OF THE FUTURE, GOOD THINGS ARE IN STORE FOR THIS LIVELY TOWN 29 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
E OF NOWHERE, LE OF EVERYTHING The town of Marcy, located in Oneida County, New York, might be a quiet municipality with a population just under 9,000, but it is also a community rich with infrastructure and vision. With roots going back to the 19th century and a location shaped historically by the Erie Canal and agricultural development, the Marcy of today is looking towards growth and future possibilities. 30 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
“One thing Marcy has over any other town in our area is our infrastructure. We pretty much have every amenity that a city would have,” says Town Supervisor Brian Scala. Notably the town has achieved an extraordinary 33 tax decreases in 34 years. Economic Development Coordinator, Zoning Board Chairman and Deputy Supervisor Carl Annese shares, “The state holds 72% of the non-taxable parcels. So, 72% of the property in town is tax exempt because it’s state owned. It’s $1.8 billion in assessments that are not taxed in Marcy.” ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND DOWNTOWN IDENTITY Despite its modest size, Marcy is ideally located, both geographically and economically. . Major highways like the New York State Thruway, Routes 49 and 12, intersect the town.“One thing we always say is that we’re out in the middle of nowhere, but we’re right in the middle of everything,” portrays Annese “You have to work very hard if you don’t want to pass through the town.” Marcy is positioned with proximity to surrounding communities, making it unnecessary to bring many retail offerings into the town. Scala details, “We always say we’re closer than you think, because of all the retail.You go 1.2 miles and you’re into a retail hub. We’re so close to everything, so that’s why a lot of it can’t get duplicated in our town, because the businesses are that close.” Although the municipality does not have a traditional downtown, plans are underway to revitalize the main street area.“We definitely have a master plan,” Annese remarks.“Our main street, it’s more of a main thoroughfare where there’s a little bit of retail. It’s starting to build a little bit, but it’s a lot of wholesale businesses, a lot of supply houses for contractors, and a little bit on the very light industrial side. Most of the retail is in neighboring towns.” Marcy even boasts a regional radio network, with three stations operating out of the same building on the town’s Main Street. “What is interesting is that it is a major network of radio stations for all of Central New York, all of Oneida County, and that is done out of Marcy,” boasts Annese. 31 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 MARCY, NY
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A DIVERSE BUSINESS LANDSCAPE Marcy is perfectly located for facilities like the Walmart distribution center. The town is also home to Wolfspeed, the country’s first silicon carbide microchip manufacturer. “Right across the street from Wolfspeed is Danfoss, another chip plant,” details Annese. “They are on the campus of SUNY Polytechnic. One of their big courses now is chip manufacturing. So, they have a pretty good workforce graduating every year.” When it comes to business attraction Marcy welcomes all types of companies, from small local enterprises to the largest corporations. “You need them all really,” remarks Annese. “If all you rely on are the intermediate and the bigger ones, and one of them goes out, you’re hurt pretty badly. Mom and pops are always going to be the core of any economic area, because they’re working for their living, and they have to make it.” A COMMITMENT TO SERVICES Quality of life is a priority in Marcy, and public services are a point of pride. Jim Cheyne, Highway Superintendent, who oversees critical operations, conveys, “Basically, the highway, sanitation, our parks department, everything runs pretty much right through us. Our sanitation is really second to none. I mean, there’s many towns that actually are trying to shadow what we do.”This dedication was recently put to the test, when the municipality experienced 64 straight days of snow and ice.“That really stressed his department to the max, but like a well-oiled machine, they did phenomenal,” touts Scala. 33 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 MARCY, NY
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Cheyne has also taken over the town Facebook page, communicating vital information daily. “When the weather is not good, or it’s in question, I’m always updating our residents,” he recounts. “It could be anything. It could be a tree down. It could be a water main break. It just keeps them aware of what’s going on so they’re not guessing. It really put us on the map.” Marcy’s parks and recreation have been undergoing revitalization as well. “Over the last four years, between grants and everything else, we’ve really improved on all the walking trails, the hiking trails, our fields, added pickleball, and made it more handicap accessible,” Cheyne portrays.“We’ve really, really focused on everything with our town and its residents, and it’s really made a shine.” ADDRESSING HOUSING NEEDS Residential development is ongoing, with two new housing projects in planning, one which will introduce 60 units, and another larger development, most of which are single family homes with a few townhouse complexes. “The two of them are a good basis for us,” acknowledges Scala. “I wish we had more land in which to build on, because with everything that Marcy has to offer, a house goes up for sale, they don’t even have an open house because they have 10 people bidding on it.” LEADERSHIP THROUGH COLLABORATION The value of responsible but flexible thinking is a common philosophy amongst Marcy’s leadership. Cheyne highlights, “I’m always open for criticism and open for opinions and I’m learning every day.” Annese offers,“You always have to look at the ideas from somebody else’s point of view. If you look at everything from your point of view, things get awfully stale and very opinionated.The only thing we’re sure of is change. If you don’t change with the times, you’re going to become a dinosaur. And we all know what happened to the dinosaurs.” ROMMEL FENCE LLC Rommel Fence, LLC specializes in high security commercial, industrial and institutional fence projects. We serve all of NY except New York City and Long Island. Whether you need new installations, replacements or repairs, depend on our experienced team for a job well done every time. We aim for your complete satisfaction, so contact us today at 315-826-3758! Commercial Fencing Motorized Fencing Access Control Industrial Fencing Repair Chain Link Fencing Security Fencing Institutional Fencing Installation Replacement Visit our website 17 Railroad St Poland NY 13431 315-826-3758 tracy.rommel@rommelcompanies.com | trommel@rommelcompanies.com | srommel@rommelcompanies.com 35 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 MARCY, NY
For Scala, the emphasis is on bringing business values to the municipal level. “I always push that we can do things without having to raise taxes. We can provide our residents with the new snow plows, the new sanitation trucks, the new pickups, and build a town building without having to raise taxes.” When it comes to partnerships Cheyne emphasizes the importance of local vendor relationships in maintaining town operations.“I try to do a lot of our business in the township. Our big vehicles, our trucks and all that, we buy from Utica Mac. They’re a local Mac dealer in Marcy.They’ve been here 70 years,” he says.“They cater to us. We break down in the middle of the night. I have the owner’s phone number, and we’ve actually called them and got parts from them.” Another trusted partner is Suit-Kote, a paving vendor whose representative has become a trusted friend. “He’s not trying to push his sales, but he’s been really good with us, and if there’s problems, he’s right there for me,” Cheyne relays. In addition to vendor partnerships,Cheyne is President of the Oneida County Highway Superintendents Organization. “He’s pretty much a spokesman for all of the highway superintendents in the county,” describes Annese. “He’s gaining knowledge from all aspects from his counterparts and blends it all into what happens here. And I’m sure they will grab something from him knowledge wise, also.” FOCUS ON THE FUTURE Looking ahead, the state’s green energy mandates pose a major challenge when it comes to cost, accessibility and operations, but Marcy is determined to find a solution and protect its longstanding legacy of top notch resident services and quality of life. “We want to make sure that we’re providing for the group that’s going to follow us, that they have a good building, they have good equipment, and they are set up for success,” Scala concludes. From its fiscal planning to its proactive growth strategy, Marcy might be a small town, but it’s thinking big. products Bank Run Sand & Gravel Screened Topsoil Washed Sand & Stone Crushed Stone Cobbles Farm, Bedding and Cushion Sand 8646 S Main St Poland NY 13431 Phone: 315-826-3761 Fax: 315-826-3755 Email: psg@rommelcompanies.com srommel@rommelcompanies.com www.polandsandandgravel.com Central New York Natural Stone and Topsoil Contact Us Gallery WELCOME TO POLAND SAND & GRAVEL. OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK Looking for sand, gravel, stone, cobble or driveway mix in the Central New York area? Need topsoil? Welcome to Poland Sand & Gravel, open 6 days a week and located in Poland, NY. We specialize in a wide variety of topsoil, natural stone, and landscaping materials! Call us today at 315-826-3761! Poland Sand & Gravel, serving all of Central New York, provides topsoil, natural stone, crushed stone and other natural products with delivery services. We are dedicated to oering the best products and services at competitive prices. Contact the experienced team at Poland Sand & Gravel today to learn more about what we can do for you! 36 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
37 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 MARCY, NY
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Eagle Associates of Cazenovia www.eagleofcaz.com Eagle Associates of Cazenovia is a General Contractor specializing in Pre-Engineered Fabric Buildings. We are the only New York Certified dealer for Britespan Fabric Buildings, covering the Northeastern Unites States. While utilizing our experienced design and professional installation teams, we provide exceptional products and services, far exceeding our customers’ needs. n Rommel Fence LLC www.rommelfence.com For three generations, the Rommel name represents professionalism and quality in fencing across Upstate New York. From Cyclone Fence projects to founding Roger’s Fence in the 1960s and later Rommel Fence LLC in 2005, the family legacy continues. Now led by Tracy Rommel, alongside husband Scott and daughter Victoria, the company remains proudly familyowned and operated. n Poland Sand & Gravel LLC www.polandsandandgravel.com Formed by glacial deposits, Central NY holds some of the Northeast’s finest aggregate. Poland Sand & Gravel began in 1995 with a small mine there and grew steadily, incorporating in 2003. Now a full-line producer of NYS DOT approved materials, it ensures quality through rigorous testing. As an independent operation, it remains responsive to customers and committed to exceptional service. 38 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
VALLEY STREAM, NY BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE AT 100 AT A GLANCE VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM WHAT: T hird largest incorporated village in New York State celebrating its centennial WHERE: Nassau County, NY WEBSITE: www.vsvny.org 39 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
HOW THIS LONG ISLAND VILLAGE BALANCES SMALL-TOWN CHARACTER WITH SMART GROWTH INITIATIVES Just beyond the New York City borough of Queens lies Valley Stream, a vibrant community celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. As the third largest incorporated village in New York State with approximately 42,000 residents, Valley Stream balances small-town charm with strategic connectivity advantages. 40 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
“We’re not a town or a city or a borough—we’re a village, which is unique to New York state and Long Island,” explains Mayor Edwin Fare, a thirdgeneration Valley Streamer who has served as mayor for 14 years.“For years I’ve been saying we’re a great big-small town. We like people to realize as soon as they leave Queens that they’ve entered Nassau County, the incorporated village of Valley Stream.” The village’s location provides residents with exceptional transportation options. Valley Stream hosts one of the larger stations on the Long Island Railroad, offering a 30-minute commute to Manhattan. The community also benefits from proximity to major air travel hubs. “We have a direct line to Kennedy Airport via the Air Train. From Valley Stream, you can take the train to Jamaica Station that connects you to John F. Kennedy Airport, one of the largest airports in the world,” says Barbara DeGrace, Assistant to the Mayor. “We really are a very quick commute into the city and, as we like to say, to the world.” This strategic positioning between urban and suburban environments has shaped Valley Stream’s development approach. With 12,000 single-family homes and numerous parks, the village maintains its residential character while embracing smart growth initiatives that support its thriving business district and diverse community needs. GREEN SPACES AND RECREATION Valley Stream’s extensive green spaces serve as the cornerstone of its community identity, with over 100 acres of parkland creating an unexpected suburban oasis just minutes from New York City. This substantial green infrastructure exceeds the national median of 15 acres per 1,000 residents recommended by urban planning experts. “We like to differentiate ourselves from the New York City Borough of Queens right away by highlighting our hundred acres of parkland, which surprises most visitors,” says Mayor Fare.“We have very large parks, pools, and true to our village name, Valley Stream has many streams, ponds, and a beautiful lake.” The village’s environmental stewardship extends 41 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 VALLEY STREAM, NY
beyond passive conservation. As a designated Tree City USA community, Valley Stream maintains rigorous standards for urban forestry management, planting more trees annually than are removed.This approach aligns with research showing urban tree canopies can reduce temperatures by 2-9°F and increase property values by up to 15%. “We have a horticulturalist on staff and a partnership with Cornell Cooperative, which sends us tree specialists to consult with,” says Mayor Fare. “Our full-time staff not only puts up beautiful flowers throughout spring and summer but ensures our trees are maintained and healthy while not interfering with sidewalks, streets, sewers, plumbing, or electrical lines.” The village’s recreation programs attract participants from throughout the region, creating community connections while supporting local businesses. DeGrace explains the scope of these offerings: “Our summer concert series attracts thousands of people. On any given Wednesday night, you’ll likely see about a thousand people on the Village Green enjoying a concert. We’ve recently expanded our summer camp from a half-day to a full-day program for local families.” This comprehensive approach to recreation supports residents across all demographics. “We have something for everyone,” notes Mayor Fare. “From Taekwondo and chess classes for youth to senior citizens’ programs with bingo, trips, and grocery shopping assistance. Whatever your age group, there are ways to get involved.” REVITALIZING HOUSING WITHOUT SACRIFICING CHARACTER Valley Stream’s approach to housing development exemplifies transit-oriented development principles gaining favor across American suburbs, focusing on mixed-use projects near transportation hubs that enhance community vitality without compromising neighborhood character. “We’ve tried very hard to create a circle of life, enabling people who have lived here and raised their families to stay if they want,” says Mayor Fare. “Over the past decade, we’ve developed about 42 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
10 different transit-oriented projects with senior housing in the works. We’re approaching about 500 housing units for seniors, working class, luxury, and affordable housing in the village from the transitoriented developments.” This balanced growth strategy addresses the housing supply constraints facing many New York suburbs while preserving Valley Stream’s residential foundation. According to urban planning standards, mixed-use developments near transit can reduce personal vehicle trips by 20-40% while increasing local business revenue through increased foot traffic. “We’re not knocking down single-family homes or parkland,” Fare emphasizes. “We’re taking blighted or underutilized places and improving them. Sun Valley is one of my favorites; a formerly blighted set of vacant, rundown stores transformed into 72 beautiful apartments. It hasn’t changed the feel of the village, and new residents are taking advantage of our recreation programs, parks, pool system, and events.” Fare points to another successful project in the southern section of the community. “Brooke Pointe, with 39 units, was a blighted two-block area of empty stores becoming an eyesore. It was transformed into a very attractive development that aligns with the character of the Gibson neighborhood, which is architecturally unique and beautiful.” Dominick Minerva, past president and current director of the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce, notes that the village government’s foresight has proven valuable. “They were at the forefront of 43 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 VALLEY STREAM, NY
GREEN ACRES CELEBRATES VALLEY STREAM’S CENTENNIAL AS THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM MARKS ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY, GREEN ACRES PROUDLY JOINS THE CELEBRATION, REINFORCING ITS DEEP CONNECTION TO THE COMMUNITY. Since opening in 1956, Green Acres has played a pivotal role in Valley Stream’s growth and is now preparing for a 400,000-square-foot redevelopment. This project will introduce a modern streetscape with entertainment, retail, dining and a new ShopRite supermarket, ensuring Green Acres remains a vibrant destination. A Hub for Food, Fashion, Fun and Community Connection Green Acres is transforming into more than just a shopping destination—it is becoming a vibrant hub for food, fashion, fun and community. With exciting new dining offerings, fashion-forward retailers and entertainment options, Green Acres will offer an inviting space where residents and visitors can shop, gather and be part of the experience. Committed to Community Growth Green Acres is also a dedicated community partner. Recognized by the New York State Historical Registry, it supports local students through scholarships, school supply giveaways and the School Cents initiative. It also helps families in need by distributing turkeys during the holiday season. In addition to sponsoring the Village Centennial, Green Acres sponsors the Valley Stream Community Garden and the Arlington Park Beautification Program, enhancing local public spaces. Looking to the Future As the Village of Valley Stream moves into its next century, Green Acres remains committed to the community’s future. With its redevelopment and continued investment in education, sustainability and beautification, it looks forward to serving Valley Stream for generations to come. Shop what’s now. Discover what’s next. For more information, visit ShopGreenAcres.com. 2034 Green Acres Road, Valley Stream, NY 11581 ShopGreenAcres.com @shopgreenacres #greenacresmall
recognizing that for the community and downtown to prosper, this type of housing had to be part of the future before this trend became popular.The transitoriented zoning ordinance was already in place well before the pandemic, allowing applications that benefit the community and provide housing that supports downtown businesses to proceed.” ADAPTING DOWNTOWN TO MODERN BUSINESS NEEDS Valley Stream’s downtown revitalization strategy centers on Rockaway Avenue, the commercial corridor between Merrick Road and Sunrise Highway, where targeted improvements aim to create a vibrant, walkable district.This approach aligns with research showing that pedestrian-friendly downtowns with cohesive aesthetics typically generate more retail sales than conventional commercial strips. “We did basic improvements in the beginning like uniform sidewalks and uniform lampposts,” says Mayor Fare. “We actually have flowers on every lamppost, and our business district is beautiful and walkable. These elements are very important as we see the ebbs and flows in which businesses stay.” The village has implemented specific programs to enhance the district’s visual cohesion while supporting local entrepreneurs. Minerva explains their signage initiative: “In conjunction with the Chamber and Nassau County, the village offers incentives to businesses to upgrade their signage. Through Community Development Block Grant money, businesses pay just 10% of costs if they choose one of three optional styles, bringing overall conformity while avoiding a cookie-cutter appearance.” The shifting retail landscape has prompted Valley Stream to adapt its regulatory approach. Minerva notes the village’s proactive stance: “They relaxed the zoning on changes of use to small restaurants, recognizing that traditional retail faces challenges. I’ve noticed more restaurants opening and expanding in our downtown district, something we struggled with many years ago.” This restaurant growth represents a strategic pivot toward experience-based businesses that thrive despite e-commerce competition. The diversity of these establishments reflects the community’s multicultural character, with Minerva noting that a recent Chamber tasting event attracted about 20 eateries representing cuisines from around the world. The U.S. Conference of Mayors recognized these efforts with a small business award, bringing valuable attention to Valley Stream’s businessfriendly environment.“The recognition puts out the fact that Valley Stream is open for business,” Fare says.“It helps shine a light on why we’re a good place to do business, live, work, play, and raise a family.” 45 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 VALLEY STREAM, NY
INFRASTRUCTURE AND QUALITY OF LIFE Valley Stream’s infrastructure planning balances immediate service delivery with long-term resilience, addressing the typical municipal challenge of maintaining aging systems with limited resources. For suburban communities nationwide, infrastructure maintenance costs often outpace property tax growth by 3-5% annually, creating fiscal pressure for village governments. “Any municipality nationwide deals with these infrastructure issues, and you must be proactive,” says Mayor Fare.“Valley Stream has 90 miles of roadway. When we properly repave a road, including curb to curb, aprons, sidewalks, it costs $1 million a mile. With our $40 million budget, we can’t overhaul every road at once, but we ensure we do five to seven miles every year to stay ahead of the curve.” The village prioritizes responsive maintenance programs that address small issues before they become major problems. “We have apps on our phones connected directly to the village where you report a pothole, and it’s filled that same day”, explains Mayor Fare. Education represents another crucial infrastructure component in Valley Stream’s development vision. The village is exploring partnerships with higher 46 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
education institutions to establish satellite campuses, reflecting nationwide trends toward distributed learning models. “I think the days of exclusively driving to universities and dorming are changing with the internet, distance learning, and Zoom classes,” says Mayor Fare. “But satellite classes are becoming more popular. If you have a satellite college or university, students need to get here, park, eat, and navigate the area. That creates opportunities for local businesses.” The village also maintains a robust LED lighting program as part of its sustainability initiatives, reducing energy costs while improving public spaces. This technological upgrade parallels Valley Stream’s educational excellence. “I just retired as a teacher here in Valley Stream after 40 years,” notes Mayor Fare.“Our school system ranks among the best, drawing people here alongside our recreation programs, parks, village services, and sense of community. When both parents work, it’s reassuring to know your children have enriching activities after school.” COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AS KEYS TO SUCCESS Valley Stream’s development approach leverages cross-sector partnerships to maximize impact with limited resources in a strategy that reflects best practices in municipal governance. Research from the National League of Cities indicates that formalized public-private partnerships can increase project delivery efficiency significantly while distributing risk and expanding available capital. 47 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 VALLEY STREAM, NY
beautiful banners displayed all over Valley Stream from Memorial Day through Veterans Day.” Such programs honor community members while also drawing visitors.“Very few of my relatives have stayed here, but they heard about the veterans’ banners,” explains Mayor Fare. “They wanted to honor their loved ones, buy the banners, and most importantly, come back to see them. That attracts people to our village.” The village’s collaborative approach also includes working with specialized organizations that enhance municipal operations. “We also work closely with the Lions Club, one of the major charitable groups, maintain a vibrant veterans’ presence, as well as work with many other charitable and community groups in the Village.” Looking ahead, Valley Stream continues to seek innovative partnerships, including potential satellite college campuses.“We strive to use local businesses for our events and annual dinners,” adds Minerva. “We usually maintain around a hundred businesses annually as Chamber members, but we advocate for all businesses in the community.” PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Green Acres www.shopgreenacres.com Green Acres, a premier retail destination, is bringing even more fashion, food, and fun to the community. Since 2013, Macerich has invested strategically, adding Green Acres Commons, and top retailers like DICK’S Sporting Goods, Primark, Uniqlo, and Aldi. Now, a major transformation is underway— reimagining 300,000 square feet of entertainment, dining, and retail for a dynamic new experience. “The Chamber serves as an intermediary, bringing together businesspeople, community groups, organizations, and the village,” says Minerva, who has served on the Chamber’s board for approximately 20 years.“We have an annual dinner where everyone networks and socializes. We’ve worked closely with the Village over the years on many events, sometimes sharing village facilities, sometimes through sponsorship, and sometimes planning and organizing events together.” These collaborations encompass economic development and cultural and civic initiatives that strengthen community bonds. DeGrace highlights their veteran recognition program: “Last year we started the Veterans Banner program, where people can submit a photo of a loved one who served in any branch of the military. Their image appears on 48 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
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