NORWICH – The Chenango County IDA is skeptical of a new state directive requiring Industrial Development Agencies to live stream and post video recordings of all open meetings and public hearings.

Legislation was signed Tuesday mandating that New York IDAs make their meetings available for viewing online within five business days of a meeting or hearing, and remain available for at least five years.

Proponents argue the new measure will foster civic engagement and give more residents a chance to get involved in decisions that impact their communities.

While certainly doable, Eric Larsen, Chairman of the Chenango County Industrial Development Agency, says subjecting upstate IDAs to the new requirement only adds unnecessary burden to the IDA process and may even be “counterproductive.”