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Peckham develops the Chester Industrial Park
Peckham Industries, Inc. has been involved in the construction industry for more than 75 years; since 1968, it has focused on supplying highway building materials. The family-owned company has a network of hot mix asphalt plants, stone quarries, concrete plants, bulk asphalt terminals, and liquid plants that stretches from Long Island up through the Hudson Valley to Burlington, VT. In Warren County, the company operates a quarry on Route 9 in Chestertown that produces hot mix asphalt and crushed stone. Now, it's also the developer of the Chester Industrial Park, which is located just across Route 9 on property that was once the site of a sand and gravel pit, and most recently, a horse farm. "Typically, Peckham does buy up surrounding properties to establish a cushion between us and local residents," explained Peter Simoneau, assistant vice president. Although the plant has been operating in Chestertown since the 1960s during the construction of the Northway, it recognizes that blasting, dust, and the associated truck traffic means they are not always the most welcome of neighbors. "We have an excellent relationship with local government and we've worked closely with them for the last six years on zoning issues that allow us to carry on business in a way that adds value to the local economy and safeguards the environment." The creation of the Chester Industrial Park across the road from the quarry is an example of partnering with local government. The 17-acre site is zoned light industrial; located in one of Warren County's Empire Zones; and has been pre-approved by the APA (Adirondack Park Association) for anything except a Class A project. "Much of that is thanks to the hard work on the part of Supervisor Fred Monroe," said Simoneau, who notes that most projects will only need town approval to get started. "In addition, the town code allows occupants to build on up to 95% of the property."
Peckham's and the town's goals are the same: create local jobs and bring workers and their families to Chestertown. Larkin Commercial Properties (Albany) will market the site, focusing on its advantages: close proximity to the Northway and northern markets, especially international trade with Canada, relevant Adirondack industries, and the site's condition. "As a former sand pit, the soil conditions for building are excellent," said Simoneau. "We have well-graded sand, which means it will take less soil preparation, excavation, and material importing to be ready to build." EDC has submitted a pre-application for a Pipeline for Jobs Grant, a program announced by the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation. If granted, it would extend municipal water approximately 6,500 ft. south from the Village of Chestertown along Route 9 to the Chester Industrial Park. The NYSEFC program is geared toward assisting projects that have direct impact on economic development in the region. EDC hopes NYSEFC extends an invitation to apply in early 2007. "We are optimistic that we will have sales this spring," said Simoneau. "Not too long ago there was quite a study done to investigate the idea of producing bottled water here ... I would love to see that idea revived. There's a lot to be said for the lifestyle up here, it's a great place to work and raise a family." |
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"We have 17, one-acre lots, but prospects can buy whatever they need - if it's three-and-a-half acres, they will get a three-and-a-half acre lot. We do have a one-acre minimum, but after that the Planning Board has given us flexibility on the lot lines."