Troy, NY – March 19, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Empire State Development today announced it has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the purchase and redevelopment of the former Monterey Shock Correctional Facility, an approximately 25 acre site located in Beaver Dams, NY. The site was vacated in July 2014 as part of Governor Cuomo’s initiative to save New York taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars by consolidating the state’s correctional facilities based on a declining inmate population.
“Spring begins this week, and now is the ideal time for the renewal and redevelopment of the Monterey Shock site,” said ESD President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky. “This RFP will generate new employment opportunity and spur investment in Schuyler County, which is known for its natural beauty, access to the Watkins Glen State Park, and world-famous wines and spirits.”
“Schuyler County appreciates the opportunity to partner with ESD to consider transformational proposals for adaptive reuse of this significant property,” said Schuyler County Administrator Tim O’Hearn. “We look forward to the eventual repurposing of this facility in a way that provides substantial economic development and employment opportunities for our region.”
The Monterey Shock site includes 40 structures totaling approximately 87,000 square feet of floor area and related infrastructure. The site is situated within the Sugar Hill State Forest, and is located within close proximity to more than six additional state or national forests, supporting a multitude of recreational visitors. The property maintains parking for at least 94 cars, and additional parking can be created on the perimeter of the site.
ESD has posted an adaptive re-use study, closure plan, environmental site assessments, and video of the site on ESD’s website at www.esd.ny.gov/CorporateInformation/RFPs.html. 
The materials provide a comprehensive analysis of the site, including descriptions and layouts of the site’s structures and infrastructure. Tours of the former Monterey Shock Correctional Facility will be offered on April 28 and responses to the RFP are due by May 18. Respondents to the RFP may propose uses that will create new jobs—both permanent and construction, stimulate economic activity in the local municipality and region, and satisfy selection criteria specified in the RFP.
In January 2014, ESD issued an adaptive reuse study for the site in consultation with State and local stakeholders. ESD has also met with a local advisory group to discuss ways to promote and partner in advancing the site’s redevelopment. The RFP can be found at http://www.esd.ny.gov/CorporateInformation/Data/RFPs/MontereyShock/03192015_MontereyShock_RFP_FINAL.pdf.
To support the communities affected by the closure of the facility, New York State has made available funding through the Economic Transformation Program (ETP) for development in and around the Monterey Shock site. Preference will be given to projects that create or retain jobs; prevent, reduce or eliminate unemployment or underemployment; or increase business activity. The site is also eligible to qualify as a tax-free area under the State’s START-UP NY program, which would require partnership with a sponsoring academic institution.
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Contact:
ESD Press Office | PressOffice (at) esd.ny (dot) gov | (800) 260-7313
Maria Michalos | Maria.Michalos (at) esd.ny (dot) gov | (800) 260-7313
