Governor Cuomo Approves Brindisi-Griffo Legislation of Armory transfer to City of Rome

Governor Cuomo Approves Brindisi-Griffo Legislation of Armory transfer to City of Rome

In an effort to make use of the Rome Armory and keep it from remaining vacant, Governor Cuomo has signed a bill authored by Assemblymember Anthony J. Brindisi (D/IP/WF – Utica) and Senator Joseph A. Griffo (R/C/IP – Rome) that would transfer ownership of the former New York State armory to the City of Rome. The new law (Chap. 340- Laws of 2012) allows the city to use the building for various municipal purposes.

“Turning control of the armory over to the city of Rome would greatly benefit our community,” Assemblymember Brindisi said. “Instead of leaving the armory vacant, this legislation would enable the city to make its own decisions regarding the property and help ensure that it is actually being used.”

“New York’s armory building program had a historic impact on the development of communities across the state, going back to the late eighteenth century to the middle of the twentieth,” said Senator Griffo. “While many of these armories are underused or have become obsolete, the Black River Boulevard armory building and grounds are still in terrific condition and the City of Rome has a good plan to make productive use of the facility.”

“We are looking forward to taking over the armory, as this will allow us to relocate departments that are now housed in property that we are going to return to the tax roll and offer up more new housing and commercial development,” said Mayor Joseph R. Fusco. “I am very thankful for all of the support that we received from Senator Griffo, Assemblyman Brindisi, Congressman Hanna and RoAnn Destito.  This will be a positive investment in our future for generations to come.”

The armory, which is located on Black River Boulevard, was closed along with ten other armories across New York State in 2011. The decision to do so was made as part of statewide budget crunching.

If granted ownership of the armory, the city of Rome would relocate its recreation, parks and electrical departments to the currently vacant site. Additionally, the property would be utilized by the city for a variety of other municipal uses, as it features a large garage and considerable storage space.

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