Orleans EDA now live streaming meetings for new state law
Photo by Tom Rivers: The Orleans Economic Development Agency had a public hearing today at 11 a.m. to give the community a chance to comment on amendments to an EDA policy that would include solar projects in a Uniform Tax Exemption Policy. The change would make it easier for the EDA to work with municipalities in PILOT agreements for solar, especially larger-scale projects. Pictured from left include: Derek Vallese, Albion Central School business administrator; Gabrielle Barone, EDA vice president of development; Dan Strong, Town of Albion and Gaines code enforcement officer; Brian Napoli, Ridgeway town supervisor; Tony Cammarata, Kendall town supervisor; and Jim Whipple, EDA chief executive officer.
ALBION – The Orleans Economic Development Agency for the first time today live streamed a meeting as part of a new requirement from the state for industrial development agencies.
The governor signed the legislation on Aug. 27, requiring industrial development agencies to live stream meetings beginning Jan. 1. The video recordings must be posted on the agency’s website within 5 days and must be available to the public for five years.
The Orleans EDA had a live recording of the meeting through YouTube and the EDA posted the video on its website today. (Click here to see the video of the 33-minute meeting.)
The EDA has a camera in the corner of their meeting room on the second floor of the Albion Visitor’s Center, 121 North Main Street. The camera is in the upper left corner in the top photo.
When the governor signed the legislation, he made this statement: “Industrial development agencies are tasked with revitalizing communities and fostering economic growth at the local level, but most New Yorkers don’t have time to attend meetings and participate in the process. This new measure will help foster civic engagement and get more residents involved in the meetings and hearings that will ultimately have a huge impact on the future of their communities.”
The EDA for several years on its website has posted agendas and documents from its meetings for the public to see. (Click here to see a link to the agenda and documents for the Jan. 10 EDA board meeting, which will also be live streamed beginning at 8 a.m.)
