I am writing to express my concerns regarding the long delay in finding proper re-use for the Taconic Developmental Disabilities Services Office campus inAmenia’s hamlet of Wassaic.
Over the past two years, I have met with constituents and town leaders who are eager to see the DDSO site brought back to life and once again transformed into a revenue source for the local economy. This institution, now closed, has been an anchor in the Wassaic community and a major employer in this region since as early as 1930. Since its closure in 2014, local residents and potential investors alike have been alarmed to see this magnificent resource, with breathtaking views of the Harlem Valley, deteriorate into a neglected site resulting in dilapidation, vandalism, and deterioration of historic architecture and loss of revenue.
Members of the community have already made major strides in improving the hamlet and many envision a redeveloped DDSO site as a major piece of this progression. However, they remain hesitant to move forward with plans because of the uncertain future of the site. In addition to this uncertainty, there is also a lack of maintenance at the campus. There are reports of an increased number of break-ins, property vandalism, including the theft of copper pipes, insufficient security, a lack of upkeep for the water mains — which could lead to a disastrous break, and no efforts to remediate the known asbestos contamination in the old architecture.
New York has already invested over $31 million in state funding to keep the infrastructure in working condition, including a sewer treatment plant on site which could be built out to service the surrounding community. It would be a significant loss to let that investment fall to the wayside. With the proper zoning already in place and with committed care for the facility — which has been lacking as of late — the remaining 348 acres on this campus could become a perfect spot for an enterprising entrepreneur to invest.
The owners of the non-state held portion of the site have been engaging in discussions with investors eager to transform the campus. Personally, I believe a film or post-production studio for the growing Hudson Valley film industry would be one fantastic use of the space. With its scenic views, proximity to the Wassaic Project, and easy access to the Harlem Line trains, the site is a natural asset for an arts centered smart growth community with plenty of room for housing, studio space, support businesses and farming.
There is great potential for this site, and the time to act is now. We, and the community, have waited for more than a year now for the Office for Persons with Developmental Disabilities to consider their options. There is real interest in moving forward and as the representative serving this region, I would be happy to work on exploring re-use to make this facility, once again, a stimulator for our local economy and for New York state.
This column was originally a letter that State Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, D-Hudson sent to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
