Schoharie County government commissioned an economic development strategy coined Shaping the Way Forward, 2018 which directed attention to the development of the Interstate-88 and NY State Route 7 corridor. The target industry “Strong Opportunities” were identified as:

Food Processing & Food Manufacturing:  According to the US Cluster Mapping Project, “this cluster includes firms involved in the processing of raw food materials and the manufacturing of downstream food products for end users.  This includes millers and refineries of rice, flour, corn, sugar, and oilseeds.  These upstream products contribute in part to producing specialty foods, animal foods, baked goods, candies, teas, coffees, beers, wines, other beverages, meats, packaged fruits and vegetables, and processed dairy products.”  From artisanal cheese to animal feed to craft beer and spirits, Schoharie County is already home to processors of various sizes and descriptions.  Given the strong agricultural base in the County and surrounding area and its relatively ready access to New York City and other metropolitan markets, the County, Food Processing and Food Manufacturing are logical opportunities for the County.

Diversified Agriculture:  The County’s 2016 Farmland Protection Plan recommends the introduction of new crops and practices into the County to improve the profitability of its agricultural operations.  This is particularly important given the current emphasis on dairy operations and the problems in that industry related to national policies and the dynamics of the dairy market.

Advanced Manufacturing:  According to EMSI—an economic modeling and database firm—advanced manufacturing “uses innovative technology to improve products or processes and usually requires fewer (higher-skill, higher-paid) workers than traditional manufacturing. That’s because many lower-skill processes have been automated.”4  This is not limited to computers and their components but includes such sectors as plastics, fabricated metal manufacturing, and other specialty lines.  

Logistics/Distribution:  The US Cluster Mapping Project defines this as Distribution & Electronic Commerce.  “This cluster consists primarily of traditional wholesalers as well as mail order houses and electronic merchants.  The companies in this cluster mostly buy, hold, and distribute a wide range of products such as apparel, food, chemicals, gasses, minerals, farm materials, machinery, and other merchandise.  The cluster also contains firms that support distribution and electronic commerce operations, including packaging, labeling, and equipment rental and leasing.” The County’s ready access to I-88 and the Interstate Highway system makes it a good candidate for wholesalers, fulfillment operations, and similar types of enterprises.

Since the COVID crisis, the Schoharie County government directed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) investments into corridor development. Shad Point is their top priority having allocated $1,000,000 to site control and pre-development. In 2024, an NYS FAST NY $390,700 grant was awarded to the Schoharie County Industrial Development Agency (SCIDA) to advance the efforts.

Through a Request for Proposal process, SCIDA identified Scannell Properties as its Preferred Developer of the Shad Point site. Standard Brokerage Company is the listing agent.

Shad Point Brochure