NORWICH – Camp Pharsalia, a minimum security prison in Pharsalia, was closed by New York State earlier this month. The existing New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford is about to be vacated, and is slated for demolition. What will replace lost jobs? How can we stimulate new investments, and make use of these multi-million dollar facilities which could be assets to Chenango County for years to come?
Commerce Chenango will be hosting a public forum to discuss alternative uses for these facilities. It presents an opportunity for local residents and business owners “to share their vision for our future and provide their thoughts on identifying viable options for these sites,” said Maureen Carpenter, president & chief executive officer of Commerce Chenango. The public forum will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on July 29, in the Summit Room on the fifth floor of the Eaton Center.
The Center for Community Alternatives of Syracuse will conduct the forum. Facilitator Lauren Melodia will lead a discussion about the Oxford Vets Home facility and finding economic development solutions to the closure of the minimum security prison.
By law, the Department of Correctional Services is required to come up with alternative uses for the Pharsalia prison camp that will create other economic opportunities for Chenango County residents, and they have a deadline of Oct. 1.
Oxford Mayor Terry Stark has been leading the call to find a viable alternative use for the Oxford Vets’ Home. He recently visited the county’s planning and economic development committee to urge further investigation into possible uses. He has also contacted state legislators to seek support in exploring creative ways to use the facility.
“Share your feedback and thoughts for re-use plans, and help make sure that these plans are economically viable and will meet the needs of local residents,” said Carpenter.
For more information, contact Commerce Chenango, at 334-1400. RSVP if you plan to attend at 334-1400, or by e-mail to info@chenangony.org.