Letter to Hon. Richard F. Daines, M.D Commissioner of Health

Letter

Today U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer released a letter to Richard F. Daines, New York State Health Commissioner, calling on the state to delay demolition of the former Veterans Home in Oxford, New York. Schumer said that local officials are currently pursuing a positive use for the building, and demolishing it while that process is ongoing makes no sense, particularly since the demolition would cost upwards of $1 million during unprecedentedly difficult fiscal times.

"To demolish the former veterans center when there is still a possibility that it can still serve the community is penny and pound foolish, especially when it would take upwards of $1 million knock down," said Schumer. "In difficult fiscal times we should be leaving no stone unturned in our search for savings, and leaving the vets center standing for the time being would both save money and potentially benefit the community. It's a win-win."

"Commerce Chenango is dedicated to finding a reuse for the former New York State Veteran's facility in Oxford," said Maureen P. Carpenter, President & CEO. of Commerce Chenango. "We have called out for the support of our legislators to put a stop to the reckless demolition of this important community asset and we appreciate Senator Schumer's continued support on this vital initiative."

Schumer is also the author of the Homes for Heroes Act which, if passed, could help provide funding to the community if they wanted to rehabilitate the facility to house or assist homeless veterans. To help provide much-needed housing for homeless vets, the legislation would establish a $225 million assistance program for community and nonprofit organizations to purchase, build or rehabilitate housing for low-income veterans. The organizations would also provide supportive services including substance abuse and mental health counseling, vocational and employment training, transportation, child care and other services to help veterans live independently.

The full text of the letter is below:

Hon. Richard F. Daines, M.D

Commissioner of Health

Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza

Albany, NY 12237

Dear Commissioner Daines:

I write out of concern for the former Veterans Home in Oxford, NY, specifically in regards to its future and the recently announced plans for demolition. It is my understanding that bids for demolition have been sought and the intention is to have this 30 year old facility demolished by January 2011. As you may know, the community of Chenango County, have expressed concerns over the intended demolition of this structure and have several questions to which they are seeking answers.

As you know, the completion of the new state of the art Veterans Home in Oxford is a tremendous success and a source of pride for the community, as well as a valuable resource for the brave men and women who served our country. This new structure not only provides critical services to our veterans, but also serves as an excellent economic resource for the region by providing numerous employment opportunities. I, along with Chenango County residents were pleased to learn that the facility would remain in the region. I write today in regards to the now vacant facility which I believe also has the potential to provide tremendous benefit to the region.

There has been extensive deliberation by community leaders, spearheaded by Development Chenango, affiliated with Commerce Chenango, who all agree that this 30 year old structure has tremendous potential and has in no way lived out is useful life. The existing structure could be repurposed in a variety of ways and even offer additional complementary support services to those offered by the Veteran's home. It is important to note, that there is no desire or expectation that our State provide assistance for the operation or development of alternative uses. In fact, the goal is to find self sufficient uses that will, create new economic and employment opportunities while utilizing an existing structure.

Development Chenango, has asked that time be afforded for a thorough and thoughtful review of such possibilities, before the obviously irreversible demolition. I join them in urging for a moratorium on the plans for demolition, to afford such a review to continue. The cost of demolition, I am told will be well over $ 1 million and certainly comes at a time of severe budget constraints. For a minimal investment, the structure could be made secure and weatherproofed while the community solicits input from private investors and reviews reuse opportunities.

As Development Chenango has begun to explore alternative uses, they have presented questions to the state that have been left unanswered. They have asked for confirmation on who the owner of the property is, where the funds for demolition are being allocated from, and what the intention is for the land once the building is demolished. They have respectfully requested answers prior to bids being sought to raze the building. I join them in asking for answers to these important questions and request that you consider delaying the demolition until we are certain we cannot find a smarter and more economically beneficial use for this property.

I thank you for your consideration and look forward to your reply. Please contact my office should you have any further questions.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer

United States Senator

Source