Nickle Announces Retirement - Following 30 Years of Experience, Flood Management

SCHOHARIE — Schoharie County Director of Planning and Community Development Shane Nickle announced his retirement effective June 13. His retirement comes after a unique experience that included vital work in the aftermath of two devastating floods. During this tenure, Nickle filled a number of roles over the years as Planner, Senior Planner, and Director.

Growing up in Delaware, and after studying his undergrad studies in environmental studies in Maine, he finished his Master’s Degree in Regional Planning in December 1996 at SUNY Albany.

“We just committed to the area and we loved it here,” he said.

Nickle started with the County in May 1996 and was an intern through the State Emergency Management Office prior. He enjoyed working in a rural location and was hard at work at the hazard mitigation projects related to the aftermath of the Jan. 1996 flood. He lived in Esperance and moved to Richmondville, where his son graduated from Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School. His wife Sarah works for the County IDA.

His experience after the 1996 flood gave him and the team significant experience for the 2011 flood of Hurricane Irene. The county had engaged in a number of major mitigation and flood buyout projects.

“The ability to do disaster response, what was needed,” he said. Nickle added that projects bought out after 1996 helped to prevent some of the damage during the flood.

Nickle said that he was most proud of the buyout process, allowing for residents to stay in the county and buy on higher land, and that the land was able to return to a natural floodplain status.

At the end of 30 years, Nickle said that he believes that Schoharie County is better prepared for a potential emergency. Different agencies within the county, and the villages are “more resilient and better prepared.”

He said that much of the county has practiced for a number of potentials.

Nickle and the Planning Department also worked on a number of major NY Rising projects through the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery, including new complexes and shelters in Middleburgh, Fulton, and Blenheim.

He added that as long as the public is cognizant not to build within the floodplain, much of the risk can be avoided.

Technology has assisted the process and sped up potential reactions. This includes new digital flood maps, GIS, and experience. This aided greatly during Hurricane Irene.

“We’re definitely in better shape.”

The office was able to work with competent colleagues and independently on a number of projects.

His professional service extended beyond Schoharie County. He was a founding member of the New York State Floodplain and Stormwater Managers Association in 2000 and later served as its State Chair from 2009 to 2012. He has also been a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners since 2002.

Among his many contributions, Nickle was instrumental in the development of the Cobleskill Creek Trail, a project he plans to remain involved with in retirement. He will also continue serving the community as a member of the Board of the Schoharie County Community Action Program.

Schoharie County has posted the position of Planning Director, with applications due by April 13.