Authorizes the commissioner of general services to convey real property at the former Buffalo psychiatric center to the Richardson Center Corporation for the purposes of constructing a mixed-use campus for the community benefit.
Summary
This bill authorizes the Commissioner of General Services, with the consent of the Commissioner of Mental Health, to transfer and convey two parcels of state-owned land at the former Buffalo Psychiatric Center in the City of Buffalo to the Richardson Center Corporation for fair-market value. The bill includes detailed metes-and-bounds descriptions of the parcels, totaling approximately 1.62 acres, and requires the corporation to submit an accurate survey and legal description for approval before conveyance.
The conveyed land must be used exclusively by the Richardson Center Corporation to construct a mixed-use campus for community benefit, including affordable housing. If that use ends, title to the property reverts to the State of New York, while preserving any separate reversionary right benefiting the City of Buffalo. The corporation must apply for the transfer within one year of the bill’s effective date, and the act takes effect immediately.
Impact
The bill creates a specific statutory authorization for the state to dispose of a defined portion of land at the former Buffalo Psychiatric Center, overriding contrary provisions of law for this transaction. It affects state property disposition rules by empowering the Commissioner of General Services to set the terms and conditions of sale, subject to Mental Health’s consent, and by imposing use restrictions and reversion provisions that govern the future ownership and development of the site.
Sentiment
The available legislative history suggests a generally favorable view of the bill. It was introduced, read twice, referred to committee, reported favorably, and advanced with amendments, indicating committee support and no recorded opposition in the provided materials. The bill’s purpose—redevelopment for community benefit and affordable housing—appears to align with a positive policy rationale.
Contention
The main points of potential contention are the transfer of public land at fair-market value, the redevelopment of former state mental health facility property, and the long-term control of the site through reversion clauses. Any concerns would likely center on whether the parcel should remain in state ownership, whether the valuation and conveyance terms are appropriate, and how the project’s mixed-use and affordable housing commitments will be enforced. No specific objections or opposing viewpoints are included in the provided transcripts or vote record.
Same As
Authorizes the commissioner of general services to convey real property at the former Buffalo psychiatric center to the Richardson Center Corporation
Authorizes the commissioner of general services to convey real property at the former Buffalo psychiatric center to the Richardson Center Corporation for the purposes of constructing a mixed-use campus for the community benefit.
Authorizes the commissioner of general services to transfer and convey certain state land to the Syosset Central School District for the purpose of building new and expanding current facilities at Berry Hill Elementary School; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.
Authorizes the commissioner of general services to transfer and convey certain state land to the Syosset Central School District for the purpose of building new and expanding current facilities at Berry Hill Elementary School; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.