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Governor : Sale of Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center is Complete
10.27.2003
Mixed-Use Development, Assisted Living Community Planned for 850 Acre Site
Governor George E. Pataki today announced that the State has closed on the sale of the Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center in Dutchess County, putting this land back on the local tax roll and enabling the community to best decide its future uses. The purchaser, Dover Knolls Development Company, has preliminary plans to turn the property into a mixed-use development, including senior assisted living residences, retail stores and recreational facilities. The project would create 500 new jobs.
"This sale is great news for Dover and Dutchess County residents," Governor Pataki said. "This project will attract smart mixed-use development that will create jobs and opportunities for the people of Dutchess County. We will work with the developers and the local community and together will come up with a plan that best meets the area's housing and business development needs."
Under terms of the deal, Dover Knolls Development Company, LLC will pay to Empire State Development (ESD) $3.95 million. Included in this amount is a $1 million letter of credit that the State can draw down when the juvenile detention facility on Harlem Valley's grounds is vacated.
Al Benjamin, Principal of Dover Knolls Development Company, said, "We are extremely happy and excited to work with the local community to best develop this important parcel of land. We see the development of this property as a prime economic development engine for the entire region, and look forward to the housing and jobs we will create. The Pataki Administration was a great partner throughout this process and we know this has set a great tone for all of our future activities in the area."
Senator Vincent Leibell said, "I congratulate Governor Pataki for his efforts on behalf of our local community. I believe this will greatly assist the local taxpayers and ease the property tax burden for all our residents. We can all look forward to an even brighter future for the Town of Dover."
Senator Steve Saland said, "I am extremely pleased that the Harlem Valley site will soon be back on the tax rolls and that this property will be redeveloped, creating much needed housing and jobs for the citizens of the area. The local economy will reap considerable benefits from this sale and I commend the Governor and all the parties involved in this laudable undertaking."
Assemblyman Joel Miller said, "There is always a benefit when tax exempt properties, that are being minimally used, are put back on the tax rolls; it creates new jobs and benefits the immediate and larger surrounding communities."
Assemblyman Patrick Manning said, "The sale of the Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center is another great success story for all New Yorkers. Governor Pataki has once again demonstrated his leadership and ability to create positive change in New York. This majestic facility will finally be used as we all had hoped and will also create local jobs and bring needed tax revenue to the area."
Assemblyman Willis Stephens said, "I am very pleased that the sale has taken place. The future of the psychiatric center was a huge issue when Governor Pataki and I both took office in 1995. The Governor's economic development team has worked tirelessly with the town of Dover, the Harlem Valley Partnership and the chosen developer to make this project a reality and I applaud them for their concerted efforts. We look forward to a bright future for the former Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center Campus with the promise of new jobs and economic opportunity for the entire region."
Brad Kendall, Chairman, Dutchess County Legislature, said, "Congratulations to Governor Pataki on his continuing commitment to the Harlem Valley. The sale of the Psychiatric center will benefit the local tax base and lead the economic renewal of our entire area."
Charles A. Gargano, Chairman of Empire State Development, said, "Under the Governor's leadership, New York is a national leader in privatizing State assets. This is great news for the local economy and shows how we are utilizing public-private partnerships to meets the needs of our local communities."
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