Senator Gallivan Seeks Assistance for Communities Impacted by Prison Closings

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) and Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes (R-C, Caledonia) have introduced legislation to assist communities impacted by the closure of state correctional and juvenile justice facilities.  The bill (S.6607) would re-open the Economic Transformation and Facility Redevelopment Program to provide tax benefits for the redevelopment of closed facilities and the economic transformation of surrounding communities by incentivizing the creation of new businesses. 

The governor recently announced the closure of two state facilities, including the Livingston Correctional Facility in the Town of Groveland.  The center, which employs 327 people, is expected to close in September.

“The closing of the Livingston Correctional Facility will not only affect the hard working men and women employed there, it will have a significant economic impact on the entire region,” Senator Gallivan said.  “The state cannot abandon these communities and has an obligation to help maintain a level of economic stability.  That’s why the Economic Transformation and Facility Redevelopment Program was established in the first place and why we must ensure the program is re-opened.”

“The decision to close Livingston Correctional Facility has created a devastating impact on the surrounding communities, and it is necessary that the state incentivize and assist in restoring economic development to the region. While it may not bring back those who are being displaced from the facility’s closure, it will afford new business opportunities in the area,” said Byrnes. “Livingston Correctional Facility has undergone many large and costly renovations and it would be a waste of taxpayer dollars if the facility were to go unused. For these reasons, it is vital that we re-open the Economic Transformation and Facility Redevelopment Program to increase incentives for economic development opportunities in the regions affected.”

The proposed legislation would amend the state’s economic development law, the tax law and the real property tax law to provide tax benefits to facilities slated to close between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020. 

Earlier this month Senator Gallivan and Assemblywoman Byrnes met with Anthony J. Annucci, Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, to review the planned closing of the Livingston Correctional Facility.  They discussed efforts to ensure all employees are afforded an opportunity to move to other facilities within DOCCS and the future of the Livingston County complex.

In addition to the Livingston Correctional facility, the governor also announced in May plans to close Lincoln Correctional Facility located in Manhattan.

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