Prison purchase could unlock local economy
WARWICK — Last week the Town of Warwick and it’s residents received the long-awaited news that the last approval needed for it’s proposal to acquire and redevelop the former Mid-Orange Correctional Facility had arrived.
The approval came almost two years to the day from when the community first received the bad news that the prison would be closed under Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s budget reduction plan.
A closing on the property will be scheduled in the next 30-60 days.
Portions of Mid-Orange selected for redevelopment will be deeded to the Warwick Valley Local Development Corporation (WVLDC), a 501 3c public benefit corporation, and the remainder will be deeded to the town.
Any proceeds from the redevelopment of the site, over and above what the WVLDC will pay to acquire the 120 acres, must be returned to the community’s benefit through reinvestment in the site itself.
Tax relief, more business
“I don’t see any downside,” said local real estate broker Kim Corkum, co-owner of Regal Homes and Properties. “I’m very excited about the town taking this under its wing.”
Corkum said she believes that besides improving the overall local economy, industrial and business development will offer much needed relief to overburdened taxpayers. More families will move to Warwick and that in turn will help reduce the housing inventory and restore property values, she added.
Michael Johndrow, executive director of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce, made a similar point: “The potential for increased tax dollars and new jobs is going to be great for our area.”
Local business owners agree.
“Everything I’ve read about this sale has been positive,” said Michael Dimartino, chef/owner of the historic Landmark Inn. “More jobs means more people, even if they don’t live in this area, venturing out into the community and going to local restaurants and shopping at local stores.”
Credit Mike Sweeton
Village of Warwick Mayor Michael Newhard sees a much brighter future for this area as a result of the sale.
“Definitely there were many hurdles,” he said, “but with the help of the Warwick Development Corporation, it was made a reality . The site is remarkable on many levels: its site singularity, size, infrastructure, usable and beautiful buildings, and pristine and protected acres are the making of something very special that will benefit the Town of Warwick. I applaud Mike Sweeton for his vision and leadership. Warwick has clearly been a pioneer on many fronts and this is a testament to its desire to control its destiny.”
Town of Warwick Historian Dr. Richard Hull said he is hopeful that the community will share in the planning and development of the property.
“This news truly makes my day,” he said. “In so many ways the future of Warwick is bound up in the future of the facility. But it will be an enormous challenge to our ingenuity and perseverance. I’m basically optimistic: We have the vision, the energy, the civic engagement, the wise leadership to make it work for the benefit of all the peoples of our valleys. I only hope - and expect - that our municipal leaders will engage the entire community in the planning process. It will only work if we have accountability, transparency, and synergy. Perhaps the spirit of ‘Community 2000’ can be revived and transformed into ‘Community 2020.’”
By Roger Gavan