Group wants rules on AMD tightened; Panel cites lack of oversight on computer chip maker that has option to build factory

MALTA - The leader of a group formed to study the impact of the Luther Forest Technology Campus will have on the community says the rules Advanced Micro Devices must follow if they build here are too vague.

Carol Henry, chairwoman of the Community Response Board, submitted a written statement to the Malta Town Board after the group studied amendments to the laws governing the tech park, called a planned development district. The Luther Forest Technology Campus Economic Development Corp. submitted the amendments to the town in February.

The changes were intended to tailor the development district to the construction of a nanotechnology firm - specifically AMD, which state officials are trying to lure to the site.

Henry said the development plan is "still quite generic in its approach to many topics that will impact the community."

Henry and other people who spoke at a public hearing Monday night said they worried about oversight. Malta must not rely on state or federal officials to make sure the transportation of chemicals and other potentially dangerous work is done safely, Henry said. Only Malta, he said, can do that effectively.

Another sticking point is the request from Luther Forest to clear the site before the plans are reviewed by the town Planning Board and before a building permit is issued. Malta resident Robert Flanagan said he is worried about the traffic on Route 9P and other local roads during a planned 24-hour-a-day construction schedule.

AMD officials have said they want to start working on the site as early as next month, before access roads and the Round Lake bypass are complete.

AMD spokesman Ward Tisdale said he and other representatives from Luther Forest were at the hearing only to listen. He said all the issues raised would be addressed.

The Town Board is scheduled to vote on the amendments next month. Tom Peterson, the town attorney, said he expects the law will be "significantly different than where it stands now" and residents will have more opportunities to express their opinions about it.