Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, says a recent tour of the riverfront property at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center provided her with a glimpse of the vision city of Ogdensburg officials have for that parcel.
The state legislature passed legislation and Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill earlier this year allowing for the transfer of approximately 56 acres of land on the grounds of the psychiatric center to the city of Ogdensburg for redevelopment. That sale would have to be for fair market value of the property.
It was the latest step in the city's effort to gain control over approximately 160 acres of property on the 400-acre psych center grounds.
The St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center has centralized its operation on the grounds over the past several years, leaving prime real estate bordering the St. Lawrence River and state Route 37 not being utilized and off the tax rolls.
Assemblywoman Russell was joined on the tour of the psychiatric center property by Ogdensburg Mayor Wayne Ashley, city councillors Jennifer Stevenson and Tim Davis and St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center Executive Director Tim Farrell.
"I was thrilled we were finally able to pass the long-sought legislation to allow the city of Ogdensburg to negotiate with the state for the transfer of that property for redevelopment," Assemblywoman Russell said.
She said a tour of the riverfront property on the St. Lawrence River, just east of the international bridge connecting Ogdensburg and Prescott, Ont., left her excited about the property's future.
"So many Ogdensburg residents have fond memories about being on that property when there weren't the restrictions on public access that there are today," Assemblywoman Russell said.
"Right now that property has hardly any value. It's not being used by the psych center," she said, standing in the shadow of a long unused pavilion as geese marched around the vacant parcel.
"This property is well situated for both private development and public use. I don't think it would take a lot to get some of this property back on the tax rolls an benefitting city residents," Assemblywoman Russell added.
Ogdensburg City Manager Sarah Purdy said city officials are also eager to reach an agreement to transfer the parcel from the state to the city.
"The city looks forward to working with state officials to acquire this large land parcel bordering the St Lawrence River. There is so much potential for residential development and public trails. It’s an exciting follow-up to the work already underway to acquire and develop the first parcel legislated to be sold to the city along Route 37," she said.
The latest legislation, which was sponsored by Assemblywoman Russell in the state Assembly, calls for a 50-acre parcel, including nine of 14 buildings on the site, to be transferred to the city at fair market value.
The parcel stretches from the St. Lawrence River shoreline to River Drive between the Bridgeview and Trinity buildings.
That property is being eyed for residential development, and the legislation requires 15 percent of proposed rental units be made available to Office of Mental Health recipients in need of supportive housing.
A separate 6.4 acre parcel, currently under the jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections and Community Services, is being targeted as a site for commercial development.
The city announced in January it had reached an agreement to purchase a separate 45-acre parcel on the psych center grounds for $265,000 from the state's Office of General Services. That property is zoned for light industry and institutional uses.
IN THE PHOTOS:
TOP PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell examines riverfront property on the grounds of the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center that could be transferred to the City of Ogdensburg for redevelopment. She is shown discussing the riverfront property with Mayor Wayne Ashley and City Councillor Jennifer Stevenson.
BOTTOM PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, center, discusses a vacant parcel of property at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center with the psych center's executive director, Tim Farrell. Shown clockwise in the background are city councillors Tim Davis and Jennifer Stevenson and Mayor Wayne Ashley.
Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell and Ogdensburg City Councillor Jennifer Stevenson discuss potential uses for vacant riverfront property on the grounds of the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center. The state legislature passed legislation and Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill earlier this year allowing for the transfer of approximately 56 acres of land on the grounds of the psychiatric center to the city of Ogdensburg for redevelopment.
