Sprawling in New Hartford

Urbanization marches on in New Hartford -- even though the region's population has suffered a drop of "Biblical" proportions -- all with Oneida County's cheer leading, if not complicity. According to the WKTV website (quoting Mr. Picente), the new development will include:

• Approximately 120 acres that can accommodate up to 1,000,000 square feet of development.
• Access from Route 5, Woods Highway and a new intersection with the new Judd Road Extension (Rt. 840).
• A brand new three level 130,000 square feet building for The Hartford on approximately 14 acres. Approximately 600-800 jobs will stay in New Hartford at this office – occupancy is slated for November 2008.
• Further development including a 15,000 square foot medical office complex. Negotiations are under way for a hotel (national flag) of approximately 100 rooms – both expected to break ground in Spring 200

Question: Where is all the sewage from this development going to go? If it's going to go to the Sauquoit Creek Pump Station, isn't the Town required to remove 5 gallons of storm water for every gallon of sewage that will be produced? Where/how has the Town done this? or will the 100 room hotel use "subsurface waste disposal" a/k/a cesspools?

A new intersection on 55MPH Rt. 840? Just what we need: another light. When did the state DOT decide to permit this abomination? and how did it decide this?

Some people in New Hartford won't be happy until every large parcel of vacant land is developed and paved over.

They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot
With a pink hotel, a boutique
And a swinging hot spot
Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got
Till its gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot

. . . . . . . . . Joni Mitchell

Another take on this story is on New Hartford Online Blog.