Washington County, NY
07/19/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/19/2024 12:19
Board of Supervisors Issue Statement Regarding the Closure of Great Meadow Correctional Facility
For Release: July 19, 2024
Contact: County Administration
518-746-2103
PRESS RELEASE
Washington County Board of Supervisors Statement Regarding the Closure of Great Meadow Correctional Facility
FORT EDWARD, NY - The members of the Washington County Board of Supervisors (WCBOS) are deeply disappointed with the announcement made on July 18, 2024, of Governor Hochul's decision to permanently close Great Meadow Correctional Facility (GMCF) effective November 6, 2024.
The WCBOS was further dismayed to learn about the Governor's decision via local news media. Understanding the potentially devastating impact to local communities, New York State requires major employers to issue WARN notices of pending closures. "We had to learn about this decision by watching the news. New York State does not hold itself accountable to its own laws and this lack has increased the likelihood of harm to our communities. Advance and official notification would have been very helpful for planning purposes. The common courtesy of advance official notice would have been helpful," stated Robert Henke, Chairman of the Board.
GMCF has been in operation since 1911 and serves as one of the largest employers in Washington County. This closure will undoubtedly have a significant negative impact on our region which will not only affect the dedicated employees and their families, but also enormous detrimental impact to our communities, local businesses, and the economy.
In this difficult time, the WCBOS is committed to supporting the displaced employees in their transition. Though the State indicates they will offer a transfer option to all employees, forced relocation of our community members is not the way to address the state's financial woes and the decision is short-sighted. Additionally, many employees and their families are vibrant members of our communities and schools and may not want to relocate. The County will work closely with our local career center and other resources to provide assistance to secure local jobs. Assistance is also needed to support the emotional and physical well-being of employees and their families during this highly stressful time. "Our priority is to ensure these individuals have access to the necessary support services, including retraining opportunities and job placement assistance," said Director of Economic Development Laura Oswald.
In addition to the immediate devastating impact to local residents and economy, the likelihood of the long-term term potential for blight in an area already impacted by pervasive poverty alarms the Board of Supervisors. It is essential a redevelopment plan be immediately initiated. In a site of this nature, environmental hazards are probable, and this must be investigated thoroughly as part of the plan to bring the 113 year-old facility back to being an integral component of the local and regional economy.
The WCBOS challenges Governor Hochul to provide the redevelopment plan and funding for the site, and to get it back on the tax rolls. "We do not need a vacant, decaying building. We need to be apprised of the Governor's plans for funding and redevelopment and get this property back on the tax rolls and supporting jobs and housing. We do not want to be left holding the bag on a vacant building, especially considering this was not our decision," stated the County Administrator, Melissa Fitch.
"We stand with our community in expressing our profound disappointment regarding the closure of GMCF," noted Dave O'Brien, Vice Chairman of the Board. "The abrupt nature of this decision has left many of our hard-working community members and their families uncertain about their future. We are committed to providing support to them during this challenging time. Furthermore, we urge Governor Hochul to swiftly outline a comprehensive redevelopment plan for the site, ensuring its revitalization and contribution to our local economy and mitigating potential for economic hardship throughout Washington County. New York risks further outmigration from those who choose not to accept an unacceptable offer to relocate to another job within the state."