RITCHIE, NYC ARCHITECT START DRAWING PLANS FOR OGDENSBURG’S FUTURE

State Senator Patty Ritchie hosted an introductory meeting today between Ogdensburg city leaders and a Manhattan architect who is offering his talents and skills to help his native city build a brighter future.

The meeting, held in Senator Ritchie’s state capital office, was a chance for city leaders to get to know Daniel Montroy, an Ogdensburg Free Academy graduate who moved to New York City to start a successful Madison Avenue architecture and design firm, Montroy Anderson DeMarco Group Inc. Also attending were Ogdensburg City Manager Sarah Purdy and City Planner Andrea Smith.

At the top of the agenda was a discussion of the ambitious “Point Airy Plan,” crafted by Senator Ritchie and city leaders, to transform underused land and buildings at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center to private use, returning valuable land to the city tax rolls for the first time in more than 100 years, as well as other ideas for rebuilding and renewing the city’s waterfront, downtown and marina districts.

“When I first learned of Mr. Montroy’s interest in returning to his roots and helping his hometown build a better future, I called him right away and asked to sit down to discuss ideas that can help Ogdensburg and the North Country grow,” said Senator Ritchie.

“I met a man who is as excited about the possibilities for new growth and jobs at the Psych Center and other potential building sites as I am, with the talent and experience that can help move these plans and ideas forward.

“I’m grateful to Mr. Montroy for his continuing interest in his hometown and hope that his example can lead even more former North Country residents to come home, invest in our communities and help build our future.”

Mr. Montroy’s been involved in a number of high profile building projects in New York City, including designing the observation deck for the new Freedom Tower, also known as the World Trade Center. He’s also specialized in helping to market properties to developers, and said that he’s already heard from property owners in the Ogdensburg area who want to hear more about his ideas for development in the region.

Senator Ritchie said she plans to organize additional meetings with Mr. Montroy.