Unauthorized activity at the former Camp Monterey site is threatening efforts to bring jobs back to the Town of Orange.
FLX Gateway recently posted a photo of a truck on the property and asked on Facebook, “Do you know this truck?” The vehicle was not authorized to be on the site.
The 25-acre property, also known as the former Monterey Shock site, is under coordinated marketing through a July 2025 memorandum of understanding. The agreement authorized the Schuyler County Industrial Development Agency to lead marketing efforts alongside the state Department of Environmental Conservation, Empire State Development, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Schuyler County and other partners.
FLX Gateway, working on behalf of SCIDA, has been identifying prospective businesses and arranging site visits.
The goal is to attract a new employer to the property, which once provided more than 100 year-round jobs. Many of those former employees still live locally, and the positions supported households and small businesses in Monterey and the Town of Orange.
But officials say repeated vandalism and trespassing have complicated that effort.
Cameras were installed to deter unauthorized access, particularly from individuals coming from outside the county. Several of those cameras have since been damaged or destroyed.
“Unfortunately, we continue to face setbacks due to vandalism and unauthorized activity on the property — including incidents like the one shown here,” FLX Gateway wrote in its post.
“When this happens, it doesn’t just affect a piece of property. It hurts our chances of bringing new jobs and opportunities to town. If you know this person, we hope you’ll help them understand how actions like this can discourage new investment and impact the entire community.”
Wendy Shutter, an economic development specialist with FLX Gateway, told The Odessa File vandalism creates doubts for potential investors.
“When vandalism occurs, it doesn’t just damage property,” Shutter said. “It hurts our chances of bringing new jobs and opportunities to town. Every setback makes it more difficult to present the site as ready and receptive to prospective employers.”
Schuyler County Legislature Chair Carl Blowers said the county views the property as a key redevelopment opportunity.
“Our objective is to bring responsible, long-term employment back to this property,” Blowers said. “Camp Monterey represents a significant redevelopment opportunity for Schuyler County. Our goal is to bring new year-round employment to this area.”
The DEC, the Town of Orange supervisor, the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Department, New York State Police and community members have assisted in responding to unauthorized activity at the site.
Marketing efforts continue as officials work to maintain the property’s condition during discussions with potential employers.
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