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Seneca County IDA to present study progress and invites additional community input on Willard Campus

• Monday, October 2, 2023, 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM

The Seneca County Industrial Development Agency is hosting a second public engagement session on Monday, October 2 regarding the future of the Willard Drug Treatment campus in Romulus, NY. Since the center’s closure in March 2022, the Seneca County IDA and various community partners engaged in the Willard Taskforce have been interested in taking a proactive approach to the future use of the campus.

The IDA has contracted with a consulting team – MRB Group, EDR, Bero Architecture, and HRP Associates - to conduct a Highest & Best Use Study for redevelopment of the campus. The ultimate goal of this study is to better understand the feasibility of various uses at the site, as well as the most logical path forward for its redevelopment.

As part of this effort, the IDA held an open house-style Public Input Session in early July to gather comments and ideas from the community. During that session, attendees were provided with information about the site, its history and architecture, the local economy and demographics, and more. Attendees then responded to and shared their visions for the future of the site.

Some of the most common themes from that session included: historic preservation, creating community spaces, reopening Hadley Hall for public use, protecting and engaging with the natural environment, and a need for housing that is affordable for the workforce and seniors. The five development ideas with the most individuals supporting them were: waterfront access; new trails, bike lanes, and sidewalks; rehabilitation of old/vacant structures; senior/assisted living; and a community center. There were many other ideas as well, all of which are being considered as the team develops initial site concepts.

On Monday, October 2 from 4:30pm to 7:30pm, a second Public Input Session will be held at the South Seneca High School, 7263 Main Street, Ovid, NY. At 5:00pm, there will be a presentation by the consulting team to share initial concepts for the site’s redevelopment. After the presentation, the public will be welcomed to share additional comments and feedback via an open house, similar to the first session. Written comments will also be accepted at the event, as well as by email to d.hewitt@senecacountyida.org. After this session, the study team will finalize a preferred development concept for the site master plan and compile the final study.

"Engaging our community in these important discussions about the future of the Willard Campus has been invaluable. Their insights and perspectives reinforce our commitment to creating a future that not only respects Willard’s rich history but also meets the evolving needs of our residents. We look forward to sharing our initial concepts and hearing more from everyone on October 2," said Sarah Davis, Executive Director of the Seneca County Industrial Development Agency.

For more information about the Willard Campus Reuse Project, visit www.senecacountyida.org.

Location

South Seneca High School Cafeteria
7263 Main St.
Ovid, New York 14521

Last updated September 13, 2023