Ritchie Bill Continues Efforts To Tap Into Potential Of Surplus St. Lawrence Psych Center Land To Create Jobs, Spur Economic Development

State Senator Patty Ritchie is announcing she has introduced legislation authorizing the state to sell a 25-acre parcel of surplus land at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center, a move that will help to create new jobs and spur economic development in the region.

“Since being elected, one of my top priorities has been working with local officials to help Ogdensburg find ways to transform surplus properties at the 125-year-old Psychiatric Center into assets to create opportunities for new jobs and growth,” Senator Ritchie said.

Ogdensburg Mayor Wayne Ashley said, “I want to thank Senator Ritchie for working with me and the City of Ogdensburg to help us redevelop surplus properties at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center to help attract new private sector investment, new jobs and expand our tax base.”

The bill (S.3652) would authorize the Office of General Services to sell what is known as “Parcel D” at fair market value to the City of Ogdensburg or a private buyer. New York State currently leases the property to Alliance Energy. The company operates a co-generator plant which provides free steam to the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center, Children and Youth Facility, Sex Offender Treatment Center, Substance Abuse Treatment Center and Ogdensburg Correctional Facility.

The redevelopment is part of a long-term comprehensive plan developed by Senator Ritchie and City of Ogdensburg officials to transform surplus properties on the campus to create opportunities for new jobs and growth. In addition, development of the parcels is also seen as a potential model for New York State to show how vacant and surplus properties can be transformed into major community assets that can help attract private sector investment, create jobs and improve the quality of life for new and current residents.

“I want to thank Office of Mental Health Commissioner Anne Sullivan for working with me on this important effort,” added Senator Ritchie. “Together, we are developing what I think will be a pilot project to show communities across the state how to transform vacant properties on state campuses into vital economic engines to spur redevelopment, private investment and job growth.”