February 11, 2009

Developer Paul Ciminelli and Assemblyman Sam Hoyt Urge Legislature to Pass "Strategic Development Act"

Legislator Maria Whyte proposes Act that would establish a county-wide Planning Board and bring Erie County out of the dark ages.

(Buffalo, NY) Legislator Maria Whyte has proposed that the County establish the "Strategic Development Act" which would establish an Erie County Planning Board. Erie County is one of only four counties in NYS that does not engage in regional strategic planning. The lack of strategic planning contributes to uncoordinated development, a shrinking local economy, sprawling infrastructure, and higher taxes. An Erie County Planning Board was called for by the Framework for Regional Growth, which has been endorsed by almost every local elected official, the business community, and the Buffalo News.

The Energy and Environment Committee, which Ms. Whyte is a member of, discussed the benefits of the "Strategic Development Act" and the establishment of an Erie County Planning Board. The Committee meeting followed a "listening tour" where Ms. Whyte and other proponents of the "Strategic Development Act" presented the plan to the Association of Erie County Governments, citizens across the county, every town and village Mayor or Supervisor, as well as other interested organizations and tried to incorporate their ideas and address their concerns.

"Now is the time for strategic development and to stop one-shot gimmicks and uncontrolled sprawl," said Legislator Maria Whyte. "Our County Executive agreed in his State of the County address that our region lacks a strategic vision for development and we can accomplish the goal of strategic development by the establishment of an Erie County Planning Board."

Paul Ciminelli, from Ciminelli Development, agrees with Legislator Whyte. "If done properly, an Erie County planning board can mean the creation of a cohesive, proactive plan for infrastructure and land use", said Mr. Ciminelli. "A synergistic plan will provide for more transparency and clearer, standardized rules for developers to follow, ultimately providing a more efficient development arena. It is almost certain that this would translate to a more effective use of taxpayer dollars."

"Increased sprawl has hollowed out cities and created disinvestment in existing areas, costing taxpayers more for new infrastructure and promoting dependency on state aid in shrinking municipalities, said NYS Assemblymember Sam Hoyt. "The Erie County Planning Board can curtail some of this excessive growth by recommending development and growth in areas with existing infrastructure, and will save taxpayers millions of dollars. It can also save the county money because Erie County would be eligible for State Grants if a planning board were established," said Hoyt.

The proposed law to establish an Erie County Planning Board is the most comprehensive law in the state. It proposes a truly independent, a-political, professional board that can advise the county and its municipalities on land use decisions. Law makers will likely vote on the law this spring.

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