Cambria brownfield site proposed for strawberry greenhouse
Oct. 12—Something sweeter is planned for the future of a former Cambria junkyard.
NF Lockport LLC, a subsidiary of Northern Farms in partnership with Netafim and Orbia, plans to build a greenhouse and warehouse at 5222 Junction Road in Cambria while remediating the brownfield site.
Northern Farms spokesperson Evan Coleman and attorney Chris Canada of Hodgson Russ, speaking via phone at this week's Niagara County Industrial Development Agency meeting, stated that the crops grown there are mainly for the New England market. Northern Farms said it has no intention of growing cannabis in the greenhouse due to company policy of not investing into it.
The 30-acre site, across the railroad tracks from Cambria Asphalt, would house a 25-acre greenhouse and a 100,000-square foot warehouse. Strawberries will be the main crop, with other fruits and vegetables able to grow there.
Coleman explained that strawberries in New England supermarkets prior to COVID-19 were brought in from California, Florida and Mexico. There were already logistical challenges in moving the crop that distance due to its short shelf life.
"We looked at starting to do this about five years ago," Coleman said, adding that he knew a group of people from Fidelity Investments who built backyard farms that became 42 acres of greenhouses in Maine. "It was a successful project employing over 250 people and contributes quite a bit to the local tax base."
That led Northern Farms to get involved with Netafim, an Israel irrigation equipment manufacturer looking to be a larger player in greenhouse spaces.
The former scrapyard has contaminated soil with heavy metals, lead and oil. It has been vacant for more than 20 years with former owners owing Niagara County more than $600,000 in taxes. The country transferred the tax lien to the Niagara Orleans Regional Land Improvement Corp., who then entered into an agreement with NF Lockport so the developer can pursue foreclosure action.
Northern Farms also submitted applications for assistance and remediation to the Niagara County Brownfields Development Corp., along with beginning applications to the New York Power Authority for low-cost power. It intends to install rooftop solar to offset energy costs.
The Niagara County Brownfield Development Corp. provides loans and grants for bringing brownfield sites back to productive use. Michael Casale, who serves as the corporation's secretary, confirmed NF Lockport did reach out seeking a loan.
IDA Assistant Director Andrea Klyczek said the site is also attractive for development since there are tax incentives at the state and federal level associated with cleanup efforts.
NF Lockport is requesting $6.57 million in tax incentives from the IDA, $4.56 million is from a two-year sales tax exemption, $1.59 million in a 15-year property tax exemptions, and $412,500 from a mortgage recording tax exemption.
It would also have a 15-year PILOT agreement with the county paying a total of $990,109, whereas the full county tax payment is $2.82 million.
NF Lockport projects to create 63 new jobs at the site with an estimated payroll of $51,000 per job. The salaries range from $41,600 to $150,000.
Project costs are estimated to be $95 million, of which $65.1 million is construction, $25 million for equipment, $3 million for remediation, $1.85 million in other soft costs, and $50,000 for land acquisition.
Coleman said the greenhouse and warehouse would take 12 to 14 months to complete.
Cambria Town Supervisor Wright Ellis said since that area is zoned for industrial use, it would allow for such a project. It would also require a site plan review by the town's planning board.
A public hearing on the greenhouse and these tax incentives will take place at 2 p.m. Oct. 30 at Cambria Town Hall.
