WAPPINGERS FALLS – A number of area officials Friday criticized the Veterans Administration’s proposal to shut down the Castle Point VA facility. The VA says that would only happen after a new modern center would be built nearby the more than 100-year-old center.
State Assemblyman Colin Schmitt (R, New Windsor) criticized the plan saying veterans deserve nothing but “gold standard” care.
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said there has been no local input requested by the VA.
“What has been the community engagement and partnership necessary to develop this plan? I can tell you as the only person who represents the 300,000 people who call Dutchess County home, there has been no such coordination. There has been information provided us since the rumors and announcement, but not the coordination necessary,” he said.
State Assemblyman Kevin Byrne (R, Putnam County) also criticized the plan.
A VA official said if the plan does move forward, a new modern center would be built and the entire process could take 10 years.
