Converting NY state properties to housing would require heavy lift

Staff

1 year ago

MINEVILLE, N.Y. (WCAX) – A former state prison in New York’s North Country is one of several properties that Gov. Kathy Hochul is interested in helping to solve the state’s housing crunch. However, the ambitious plan will require a constitutional amendment in Albany.

“There are underutilized state properties all over our state. Why can’t they not be converted into beautiful housing and homes for people?” Gov Hochul said last month as part of plan that would dedicate millions of dollars to fix up the properties.

One of those properties is Moriah Shock in Mineville, which closed two years ago. “There is no property taxes being paid, no pilot –payment in lieu of taxes — So it is a real issue for communities that are losing this economic activity or this facility and all the people that are associated with that in the community has a devastating effect,” said state Assemblyman Matt Simpson, R-Horicon.

However, in order for the facility to become housing, lawmakers have to pass a constitutional amendment in two legislative sessions, before bringing the question to voters. That’s because under current rules, any former state property in the Adirondack Park can only be used for state use or it must be turned back to the forest preserve, a heavy lift that Simpson says presents challenges. “It’s really difficult to speak to a New Yorker in say Manhatten and express how important it is that we need this constitutional amendment here in the Adirondacks,” Simpson said.

Moriah Town Supervisor Matthew Brassard says the area would also need significant upgrades to public transportation, medical access, and grocery stores to accommodate more housing. He says he would be open to the idea of using the facility for mental health purposes as Essex County only has one mental health provider per 600 people. “It’s a state-run facility on state-owned land. I mean, you could go in and start renovations tomorrow,” he said.

Simpson says he is also in favor of turning the former work camp into a mental health campus but still wants to continue working away on the proposed amendment to get the ball rolling on much-needed housing in the North Country.