Hello Marty,

For lack of a better way to phrase this, the petition won't be of any relevance until there are environmental impact studies being performed in the lead up to a qualifying project, whereupon the signatures can be presented to the controlling authority (DOT in this case) as a means of showing the desire for sound abatement in that area. To the best of my knowledge, the legislature-involvement aspect of it would come into play when obtaining funding for the noise study, but my DOT colleagues can address this further, as I am not familiar with the funding aspect of these projects. I see in TeNesha's initial email that DOT is preparing for a project relating to Micron's imminent arrival, but it doesn't look like there's a timeline for this yet, so I can't tell you when the petition would be useful.

Just generally, it is important to note that our office will not be involved in securing funding for this project whenever it rolls around, as this is Senator Mannion's last year in this office. It may be more useful to collect signatures for a petition once some timeframe for the project exists, to better determine what elected offices to engage.

Best,
~Erica

Good afternoon Marty,

Petitions are not addressed as part of the Noise Analysis Policy and Procedures.  If a qualifying project is initiated, NYSDOT will follow the policy and procedures at that time.  We can tell you that if, based upon the noise analysis undertaken, noise wall(s) are warranted, the affected property owners will be notified at that time and will have opportunity to express their thoughts regarding construction of noise barrier(s).

As you’re likely aware, the announced and anticipated Micron development has triggered an environmental review, which Micron is currently undertaking.  The timeline to develop the documents and the release of that information is under Micron’s purview at this time.  When more is known about potential transportation improvements to be made as a result of the development, appropriate actions (including noise analysis if warranted) will be taken to implement those improvements.

Most directly, it is not NYSDOT’s position to dictate to you whether or not a petition will be useful.  As noted above, petitions are not addressed as part of the Noise Analysis Policy and Procedures.  Therefore, the decision to advance a petition is yours to make, not NYSDOT’s.

Thank you,

TeNesha Murphy