State seeking proposals that would enhance the area around the center
WASSAIC – The state is looking to sell 330 acres of the former Wassaic Developmental Center and the state’s Empire State Development Corporation is seeking expressions of interest for future use of the property.
Officials said the goal of the request for expression of interest is to solicit ideas that will advance public policy goals and maximize economic benefits to the Harlem Valley area of Dutchess County and the state.
Proposals should enhance the property as an economic engine for the region, said ESD Vice President for Real Estate Development Thomas Conoscenti.
The expressions of interest should also discuss creation of new workforce housing, use green building and sustainable design practices, and include participation of minority-owned business enterprises, women-owned business enterprises and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.
The residential portion of the campus was closed in 2014 as persons with disabilities, who had lived there, were assimilated into the community. The campus currently serves as administrative offices for the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities as the Wassaic Campus of the Taconic Developmental Disabilities Services Office.
