Highbridge Schoharie
SEEC has identified industry diversity as a strategic path forward for Schoharie County. Acknowledging the Schoharie County economic development strategy, SEEC recognizes the County “corridor development” priorities across the Interstate-88 communities known as the Town of Schoharie, Town of Cobleskill, Village of Cobleskill, Town of Richmondville, and Village of Richmondville.
During 2022-2024, SEEC served in a dual capacity also managing the Schoharie County Industrial Development Agency (SCIDA). SEEC assisted a regional developer in navigating the local approval process. Commonly known as “Highbridge”, the project aligns fully with State, County, and Town strategic priorities in light manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing development.
Schoharie County has location advantages:
Golden Triangle anchored by SUNY Cobleskill, linking SUNY centers of excellence at the University of Albany NanoTechnology campus, SUNY Poly, and Binghamton University’s New Energy New York
Strategic location on Interstate 88 with four off-ramps
Accessibility to major highways and logistic hubs, including I-81 (leading to Scranton), I-86 (leading to Erie), and I-90(leading to Albany)
Highbridge received approval for up to 540,000 SF of logistics/light manufacturing, 4,800 SF of convenience retail, and 2,625 SF of food service.
The Highbridge Schoharie site is controlled by Highbridge Development. CBRE is the commercial listing broker.
Community Impact
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Expanded Business Resources and Network Connections
· SEEC and SCIDA were at the ready to successfully negotiate the private sector proposal
· SEEC advocated for and SCIDA approved a policy to establish a “Community Benefit Fund” that will further developments with emphasis on quality-of-life amenities
· SEEC has assisted the Town access New York State FAST NY and Department of State Smart Growth grant programs to thoughtfully develop this key area
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Community and Economic Development Engagement
· SEEC, on behalf of SCIDA, introduced Community Benefit Agreements as a tool to ensure that major projects acknowledge community interests and may be funded through the Community Benefit Fund as established by SCIDA
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Community Character and Environmental Enhancements
· As sponsor of the Schoharie County Eagle Trail, SEEC conducted proper due diligence to be sure the Eagle Trail would not be impacted by the major development following State and federal environmental guidelines
· SEEC stresses smart growth and seeks funding to enable the enhanced pedestrian and multi-model improvements that the community residents desire
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Business and Industry Growth
· Job Potential:
o 188 construction jobs, $15.6 million in wages
o 287 permanent jobs, $249 million in wages
o Average Wages Transportation $54,383 and Professional/Technical $68,525
· Tax Growth Forecast:
o $1.7 million in sales tax
o $7.3 million in real property tax
· Capital Investment, projection
o $92 million