The City of Rome's Planning Board meeting on January 7, 2025, highlighted significant community concerns regarding a proposed development project that could impact local water management and neighborhood quality of life. Residents voiced their apprehensions about potential flooding and inadequate oversight during the construction process, urging the board to reconsider the project's current configuration.

Local residents expressed frustration over past experiences with flooding, citing that previous developments in the area had not adequately addressed stormwater management. One resident recounted how their property had suffered from water accumulation due to poor drainage, leading to costly interventions funded by taxpayers. This history of flooding has left many community members wary of new developments that could exacerbate existing water issues.

Councilman Frank Anderson, representing the 5th Ward where the project is located, echoed these concerns. He emphasized the importance of environmental considerations, particularly stormwater management, and suggested that the developers should utilize alternative access routes to minimize disruption to the neighborhood. Anderson highlighted the need for the developers to engage with residents to address their concerns and ensure that the project does not negatively impact the community.

The board discussed the procedural aspects of the project, noting that it complies with zoning regulations and does not disturb any regulated wetlands or significant environmental areas. However, the board acknowledged the residents' concerns about stormwater management, which will need to be addressed in further engineering assessments.

As the meeting concluded, the board recommended issuing a negative declaration under the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process, allowing the project to move forward to the next phase of approval. However, the discussions underscored the ongoing need for careful oversight and community engagement as the project progresses, ensuring that the interests of local residents are prioritized in future developments.