The Village of Newark Valley is currently at a standstill in its efforts to build a solar array on Clinton Street. The endeavor would have been a two-step process as the solar array would be built on the current site of the abandoned ladder factory in Newark Valley, meaning the former factory would first need to be demolished. To cover demolition costs, the Village needed to secure grant money. And while the village applied for a $250,000 grant, the money was not secured.
Village of Newark Valley Mayor Jim Tornatore says that asbestos removal among other safety concerns prohibit the Village from tearing the building down themselves. The property is currently in foreclosure as well.
There has been talk about community safety in regards to the building. The Village of Newark Valley has met with fire officials to discuss some of the issues surrounding any potential fire at the factory. It was agreed upon that due to instability in the interior of the building, no firefighter would be sent into the factory in the event of a fire.
This of course comes after the line of duty death of fallen Owego Firefighter Matthew Porcari who died while fighting a structure fire in Newark Valley. Mayor Tornatore says that the abandoned ladder factory has been brought to the attention of both Senator Fred Akshar and Congressman Tom Reed as a Village concern. The Village of Newark Valley continues to monitor for possible grant opportunities available for this project.
