This project involved identifying opportunities and constraints to economic development along the Old Route 17 Corridor in Sullivan County.  The study area was comprised of nearly 200 individual parcels encompassing roughly 2,500 acres along a three and one-half mile stretch of Old Route 17 between the hamlets of Ferndale (Town of Liberty) and Harris (Town of Thompson). 

The methodology for conducting the study involved the creation of numerous detailed GIS-based maps of parcel assemblages along Old Route 17 with environmental and ownership characteristics delineated.   These maps were used during field survey work (conducted by an experienced economic development professional) to determine which parcels and groups of parcels offered the best development potential.  From the field work, more detailed GIS-based analysis was conducted and additional field surveys were advanced to further refine the site selection process. 

The study identified six potential locations for business parks and described in conceptual terms the environmental, regulatory and market backdrop for each site.  Funding is currently being sought for the next phase of work, which would involve development of a Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS).  Completion of a GEIS would result in sites that can be marketed with confidence, and removes the risk and uncertainty that may cause site selectors and developers to overlook or bypass these sites.

The project was spearheaded by the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development, and co-funded by the Sullivan County Industrial Development Agency, Town of Liberty and Town of Thompson.