New Video Push for Psych Center Transformation

“Point Airy Vision” Shows Riverfront Site is Loaded with Opportunity

***CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO***

State Senator Patty Ritchie today released a new video she’s produced along with Ogdensburg and state officials that touts the potential for development and job creation on vacant and unused land at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center.

The six-minute video has been sent to more than 100 community and elected leaders and economic developers to help build support for the plan, developed by Senator Ritchie and Ogdensburg city officials.

“For more than a year, I’ve been working with Ogdensburg city and state officials to describe the potential for redevelopment and economic growth on the vast, unused portions of the St. Lawrence Psych Center,” said Senator Ritchie. “But for many, seeing is believing, so we created this short video that shows the opportunities for job creation and growth on the shores of one of America’s great rivers.

“The North Country community has shown great support for the ‘Point Airy Vision’ plan, and we have to continue to work to convince Albany that we need to control our own economic future, and this plan should play a key role,” Senator Ritchie said.

The Point Airy Vision includes four parcels on the sprawling Psychiatric Center campus that are prime for redevelopment. A 2014 law, drafted and sponsored by Senator Ritchie, authorized the transfer of the first block, “Parcel A,” including 45 acres of prime roadfront land along busy State Highway 37, just steps from the entrance to the Ogdensburg International Bridge, from the state to the city to smooth the way for commercial or retail development. Details of the land transfer are still being finalized by state and city officials.

The three other blocks comprise 120 acres of land along the riverfront, adjacent to the existing commercial park, and including a fully functioning power plant. These parcels are envisioned for future housing, commercial and industrial use. The mixed use plan is seen as key to the success of the Point Airy Vision.

Copies of the video can be requested from Senator Ritchie’s office, and can be viewed by clicking here.