Photo: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Micron Technology's plan to build a semiconductor facility in Clay has taken a significant step forward. On Tuesday (November 18), the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency (OCIDA) gave its unanimous approval for Micron to begin work at the White Pine Commerce Park. This approval allows Micron to start clearing the land next month, pending the acquisition of necessary federal and local permits.
The project is anticipated to create thousands of jobs and boost the local economy significantly. According to OCIDA Executive Director Robert Petrovich, "It is an important milestone today and it opens up the opportunity for that groundbreaking." However, the timeline for the project has faced delays. Originally, groundbreaking was expected in November, but now tree clearing is projected for December, with construction of the first semiconductor fabrication plant starting in Spring 2026 and concluding in Summer 2030. A second plant is planned to begin in 2030 and finish by 2032.
A key challenge remains: the county must resolve a dispute with Azalia King, a 91-year-old resident living on the proposed site. King holds a 20-year-old agreement allowing her to remain on the property until her death, which the county is attempting to override through eminent domain. A public hearing is scheduled to address this issue.