Progress on the J.N. Adam Facility Raised During State Budget Hearing

ALBANY – The long-vacant J.N. Adam site in Perrysburg was highlighted today during the state budget hearing on local governments, with progress being the ultimate goal.

As the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- 57th District) took the opportunity during the hearing to discuss the future of the former J.N. Adam Developmental Center with City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, and shared the urgent need for action.  

During the discussion, Senator Young raised the reversionary rights to the property which are still held by the City of Buffalo. She also shared how the lack of development has hurt the Town of Perrysburg.

Mayor Brown indicated that his administration remains aware of the problems faced by the community and is supportive of turning over the property’s reversionary rights so that it can be moved toward disposition. He also indicated that the city remains in discussions with the state with the topic raised as recently as last week.

After the hearing, Senator Young said, “The Perrysburg community deserves to have this situation addressed and the issues confronting the J.N. Adam facility brought to light. Numerous problems have plagued the site since the state effectively abandoned it 24 years ago. The J.N. Adam facility has become known for its deteriorating condition. As long as it remains in its current state, it will continue to be a dangerous place, and a drain on the local property tax base.”

“The governor indicated that the issues with the site should be addressed during the state budget process, and residents in our community deserve to have action. I believe we will be able to make positive progress on this issue and finally move forward,” Senator Young said.

Last year, Senator Young and Assemblyman Giglio successfully guided a bill through the Legislature that would have brought progress to the site. However, the legislation was vetoed by Governor Cuomo, who cited a potential state budget impact.

Video of Senator Young and Mayor Brown’s discussion can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYYhci3Wyjo&feature=youtu.be.