Assemblywoman
Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced that legislation recently passed by the
Assembly increasing the number of state land banks from 10 to 20 (A.8819) could
provide an opportunity for redevelopment
of unutilized property on the grounds of the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center.
Land banks are not-for-profit
corporations created to return vacant and abandoned property to productive use,
in a manner consistent with the public interest. Sometimes the process entails
short-term redevelopment; other times it means long-term assemblage and holding
of real estate (land banking).
“A land bank would provide Ogdensburg with
an effective means to finance acquisition of this land and put it to use
generating new economic activity,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Any proceeds
could be reinvested in the community to redevelop other blighted properties
that burden the city.”
Additionally, Assemblywoman Russell
noted that the Assembly has recently introduced new legislation creating a veteran's
assistance program to coordinate mental health and substance abuse counseling,
employment and job training, and housing assistance to veterans (A10145). The
bill also creates the New York state veteran's village pilot program to
identify veterans that are homeless or may soon be homeless and provide housing
in a dormitory type housing until permanent housing can be provided.
The legislation, which has not been
introduced in the Senate, stipulates that the services for veterans should be
centralized in one facility. With its new status as a Regional Center of
Excellence, an OASAS treatment services on the grounds, and the regional
presence of VA clinics in Massena and Watertown, Assemblywoman Russell noted
that the a facility on the grounds of St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center would be
an ideal location for the program.
“There is tremendous support for veterans
in the North Country, including strong veterans advocates in Ogdensburg. The
facilities are already in place that provide the services that will help them recover
to a productive life,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Bringing this program to
Ogdensburg would serve the high concentration of veterans in the area and
create new jobs.”
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