OXFORD – It could be another month before the residents of the Oxford Veterans’ Home are given an estimated date for moving into the newly-built facility next door.
Transition to the $66 million, 220,000 square feet building was originally scheduled for nearly a year ago in June of 2008. It was later delayed through October, and again to November, with officials at one point saying they were merely awaiting the arrival of furniture.
While representatives from the New York State Department of Health and project managers, the New York State Dormitory Authority, have not been forthcoming with the specifics, it is believed that water or vapor caused the linoleum of some sections of the first floor corridors to separate.
Yesterday, a spokesman from the Dormitory Authority said the agency is “in the process of having discussions” with flooring contractors, Rochester Flooring Resources, “over the next two or three weeks.”
“At the end of that, we would be in a much better position to give you a more definitive answer on the extent of the project,” said Paul Burgdorf, public relations spokesman for the Dormitory Authority.
The new veterans’ home will be 50 percent larger than the 30-year old facility the residents are currently inhabiting and designed to provide more efficient access to therapies, shops and activities.
Burgdorf confirmed that there is currently money in the New York State budget this year for demolishing the older structure. He said the Dormitory Authority would do the work as advised by the state DOH.
Demolishing the older structure has raised the ire of Chenango County supervisors, Oxford Village officials and at least one resident who said he planned to handcuff himself to the older structure when they come to tear it down.
“We have a lot of people on board trying to come up with a use for it that would employ people. We don’t want the state to waste that kind of money. It’s only 30 years old. It’s pathetic that they would want to tear it down,” said David Emerson of Georgetown Road.
“I am seriously going to be handcuffed to the front door. I think there’s a monstrous need for more public awareness on this.”
Village Mayor Terry M. Stark said he received just yesterday a consultant’s study that recommended demolishing the structure. He said he would be going through it to determine what the obstacles are for making the older facility viable for an alternative use.
“I support trying to do something with it. I see no reason to tear the thing down, but can’t make any rational statements until I read the study,” he said.
Chenango County Health and Human Services Committee member James Bays has repeatedly suggested using the home as a nursing home or rehabilitation center for veterans returning from Iraq. The board of supervisors adopted a resolution last year that opposed tearing it down.
“I can’t believe we are going to let them throw away a perfectly good asset,” said Emerson. “If you can’t come up with an economic development plan for it, and you’ve been given this asset carte blanche, you ought to be shot.”