In a recent meeting of the Herkimer County HLDC Board of Directors, significant progress was made regarding the potential acquisition of the former Bill of School property. The board discussed a resolution that would allow for the purchase of the school at no cost to the county, following a public hearing where a negative declaration was declared under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR).

The board's attorney, Hodgkin Russ, has been engaged to support this project, with costs capped at $10,000. This legal backing has been crucial in navigating the complexities of the acquisition process, which has already seen successful advancements through Article 19b.

During the meeting, board members expressed enthusiasm about the interest shown by developers in the property, indicating a positive outlook for future development. However, the acquisition process will require a thorough review, including a Phase 1 environmental assessment, which is expected to take between 90 to 120 days before any final decisions can be made.

This initiative reflects the board's commitment to revitalizing community spaces and enhancing local development opportunities. As the process unfolds, residents can anticipate updates on how this project may transform the area and contribute to the county's growth.