Micron Celebrates Official Ground Breaking - A Major Milestones on $100B Chip Plant & Major Milestone for KSG Projects
- Kassie Smith
- Jan 17
- 4 min read
Yesterday, January 16th, marked a transformative moment for Micron Technology and the entire Central New York region. While investors were busy cheering as Micron’s stock surged to $362 per share, the real action was happening on a 1,400-acre tract of land just north of Syracuse in Onondaga County. What was once a landscape of "swamp, forest, and former farmland" is now the site of one of the largest industrial projects in American history. After a rigorous three-year journey to secure all necessary county, state, and federal approvals, the path is finally clear for construction to forge ahead! Between 2,000 and 4,000 construction workers will be on-site over the next five years. This project isn’t just about chips, it’s about a massive revitalization of the local economy. Here is a breakdown of what this "megafab" means for the community; Job Creation: Beyond the factory walls, Micron estimates the project could spark over 40,000 additional jobs in sectors ranging from semiconductor supply chains to local schools and restaurants. Massive Investment: Micron is committing $51 billion to construct two fabrication plants by 2033. MICRON MEDIA
This means a key milestone for KSG; We are proud to be at the forefront of this historic moment, developing several key projects specifically designed to support the Micron workforce and their families. I have been personally immersed in our development process for the last two years, parallel to Micron, so we are first in! It has been an exhilarating progression—and, in full transparency, one filled with the typical frustrations that come with large-scale development. However, as a developer, there is nothing more rewarding than knowing your work is making a tangible difference in history.
A personal connection to this area; Having grown up in Western New York, just two hours from the new Micron site, I view this project through a very specific lens. My appreciation for what this brings to the region is rooted in a lifetime of watching how local government and rural communities intersect. Witnessing support or push back, to large factory growth. It is intimidating to "rural folks", and the fear of loosing their rural charm is real to them. Politics and public service are practically in my DNA. I grew up in an immediate family deeply embedded in local leadership—from a female Mayor, Supervisors, and Town Council leaders to a trailblazing women legislator. With a grandfather who served as a State Assemblyman and a father who served as Communications Director and representative for a NY State Senator In Albany. I was raised at the table where the future of our communities was debated and decided.
Deeply Familiar to me; Watching the transformation currently unfolding in Clay and throughout Onondaga County rushes back to me. In these rural areas, growth is a complex conversation, 75% cheer it on, but then there is that 25%. Sadly, a national advocacy group and some Central New York residents filed an 11th-hour lawsuit today seeking to block Micron Technology’s development of chip fabs in the town of Clay, arguing that the environmental review of the massive project was inadequate. This will not stop the project, Micron has jumped through too many hoops. I am sure was expected, always is.
Understanding both sides of that coin; is what drives my approach as a developer. It isn’t just about putting buildings in the ground; it’s about navigating relationships, history, the politics, and the community sentiment to ensure that "growth" truly means "progress" for everyone involved.
Looking Toward 2033
This groundbreaking represents more than just the start of a building project; it's the beginning of a new era for Onondaga County. As these two "fabs" rise over the next decade, they will cement New York’s position as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing.
The "long three-year journey" is officially over—now, the real work begins.
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS + INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The redevelopment + repositioning of the historic Lafayette Country Club, has been master planned into the largest lifestyle community ever developed in Syracuse. Driven by the $100B MICRON chip plant that has broken ground Jan 16th, this market rate community, is a fully approved masterplan, entitled by City of Syracuse with all approvals in place to move forward with first phase. All approvals received by NY State Agencies, ready for development. The project has received a tremendous amount of media notoriety, a $3M infrastructure Grant from NY State and bonds. The development is a full lifestyle community with a mix of; townhomes, single family homes and country club estates. The communities will include an abundance of amenities; Executive golf course and country club, event center, community clubhouse with full fitness center, pool, tennis + pickle ball courts, community play parks, a large amenity lake, public picnic areas, bike + walking paths throughout. Investment Opportunity/ C0-Development contact us MEDIA VIDEO OF PROPERTY
188 room "Top-tier" branded hotel, 30,000 sqft conference center + restaurant square. Located a short 3 miles from the new Micron’ $100 B Chip Factory, which broke ground, January 15,2026. This will be the first hotel and conference center available for the transient and extended stay business travelers involved with the development of the Micron project. With a short 18 months of complete development, and commitment from brand, it will be a convenient choice for short term or extended stay and event, training and conference facility. Opportunity/ C0-Development contact us
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