Wayne County is actively seeking innovative ideas for the redevelopment of the former Butler Correctional Facility, a closed prison straddling the towns of Butler and Wolcott. The county’s goal is to acquire the facility from New York State and reintroduce it to the tax rolls.
Brian Pincelli, the county’s economic development director, emphasized that solid redevelopment plans are essential for the state to consider transferring the property. The Wayne County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) is inviting expressions of interest from real estate developers, businesses, and others. The former prison site, encompassing 201 acres, includes housing units, gyms, dining halls, and administrative buildings, and has been closed since 2014.
The IDA, with consulting firm MRB Group, plans to combine these redevelopment ideas with a completed market study to present a proposal to the state. Successful transfer of the property to the county would lead to a formal request for proposals. Local officials, including the supervisors of Butler and Wolcott, have expressed optimism about the potential for redevelopment, noting the site’s existing utilities like public water, sewer, and high-speed internet. The county hopes this initiative will contribute to local economic growth and transform the former prison into a productive asset. Interested parties can find submission details on wedcny.com, with a deadline of February 7.
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