In the heart of Central New York, a seismic shift is underway. Kevin Younis, the chief operating officer and executive deputy commissioner of New York’s Empire State Development agency, is at the helm of a transformative project that promises to rejuvenate a region long plagued by economic stagnation. The catalyst? Micron Technology’s monumental $100 billion investment in Clay, a move that could herald a new era of prosperity for Central New York.
Younis, who grew up on Bellevue Avenue, a street that has been on the nation’s “persistent poverty census tracts” for over four decades, is intimately familiar with the area’s struggles. “After generations of economic decline, Bellevue Avenue and neighborhoods across the region are on the precipice of massive economic growth,” he asserts. The Micron project, he believes, is the key to unlocking this potential, bringing with it over 50,000 new permanent jobs, tens of thousands of construction jobs, and a growth rate unmatched since the 1950s.
The recent release of Micron’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement marks a significant milestone in this journey. This document, a collaborative effort between Micron, the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency, and the U.S. Commerce Department, is more than just a regulatory requirement. It’s a comprehensive roadmap outlining the project’s benefits and impacts, demonstrating Micron’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
The investment’s scope is vast. Micron’s 16 million square foot facility in Clay will be the largest chip-making complex in the nation, potentially returning Onondaga County’s population to its 1970s levels and adding $5.4 billion in real disposable income for New Yorkers annually. This influx of people and capital will reshape the region’s economic trajectory, attracting upwards of 84,000 new residents, the vast majority of whom will settle in Central New York.
Governor Kathy Hochul has equipped Younis and his team with the tools to prepare the region for this growth. “The governor is realizing incredible investments in education and healthcare,” Younis notes, highlighting initiatives like the $450 million upgrade to SUNY Upstate University Hospital’s emergency department and the $74 million establishment of the Syracuse STEAM School. These investments, coupled with long-term infrastructure improvements and workforce development programs, aim to ensure that Central New Yorkers are well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities ahead.
The Green CHIPS incentives agreement further underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability. This agreement ensures that Micron’s New York facilities will be among the most environmentally sustainable chip manufacturing facilities globally. Additionally, a $500 million Community Investment Fund has been established to amplify the benefits of this project for those who need it most.
Yet, the journey is far from over. As Younis acknowledges, “While we celebrate this critical milestone, there is much work ahead of us.” The challenge now is to translate this investment into tangible, equitable growth. This means not only building infrastructure and creating jobs but also fostering a sense of community and ensuring that the benefits of this transformation are felt by all Central New Yorkers.
For Younis, this project is more than just a career milestone; it’s a personal mission. “There is no place I’d rather be than right here, right now, working on this moment for upstate New York,” he says. His passion is infectious, and his vision for a revitalized Central New York is compelling. As the region stands on the brink of this transformative moment, the construction industry is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable, prosperous future.
The Micron project serves as a beacon of what’s possible when public-private partnerships prioritize sustainability and community engagement. It challenges the industry to think beyond mere economic growth and consider the holistic impact of development on people and the planet. As Central New York embarks on this new chapter, the rest of the world watches, eager to see how this model of sustainable, community-driven development can be replicated elsewhere.