In her latest state of the state supplemental document, Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled a significant constitutional amendment targeting the state’s “Forever Wild” clause. This proposal specifically addresses several shuttered correctional facilities situated in and around the Adirondack Park, marking a pivotal moment for regional development. The initiative seeks to transform these abandoned properties into productive assets that could benefit local communities while addressing critical housing shortages across the region.
The amendment represents a major policy shift for properties that have remained dormant for years. Among the facilities identified are Camp Gabriels in Brighton, Moriah Shock in Moriah, and Mount McGregor, which spans across the towns of Moreau, Corinth, and Wilton. These locations, once vital correctional institutions, now stand as environmental hazards and represent missed opportunities for communities that call the North Country home.
Understanding the constitutional hurdle facing Mount McGregor
The Mount McGregor facility presents a unique legal challenge despite being located outside the Adirondack Park boundaries. The property sits on a 643-acre parcel that borders the park, creating a bureaucratic complication that has stymied development efforts for years. According to state law, any transfer of state-owned property adjacent to the “Blue Line” in parcels exceeding 100 acres requires a constitutional amendment.
This legal requirement has created significant obstacles for local and state officials who have been attempting to redevelop the property since its closure in 2014. The bureaucratic hurdle has prevented meaningful progress on transforming the site into something that could generate economic activity and serve community needs. Assemblymember Carrie Woerner, representing District-113, expressed satisfaction with the governor’s recognition of this issue, noting that making the site available for redevelopment constitutes a significant victory for Saratoga County and the towns of Moreau and Wilton.
| Facility Name | Location | Status | Key Challenge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount McGregor | Moreau, Corinth, Wilton | Closed since 2014 | Constitutional amendment required |
| Camp Gabriels | Brighton | Shuttered | Forever Wild clause restrictions |
| Moriah Shock | Moriah | Closed | Forest preserve designation |
Historical significance and previous uses of the property
The Mount McGregor site carries remarkable historical importance that extends far beyond its recent incarnation as a correctional facility. Originally home to the elaborate Hotel Balmoral, which burned down in 1897, the property has served multiple purposes throughout its existence. Its various roles have included functioning as a tuberculosis sanitarium, a World War II veterans’ rehabilitation camp, and a training center for the developmentally disabled.
Perhaps most notably, former President Ulysses S. Grant spent his final days at a private cottage on the property, where he completed his memoirs. The Grant’s Cottage National Historic Landmark continues to welcome visitors during summer months, preserving this important piece of American history. The site transformed into a medium-security correctional facility in later years, operating until state authorities shuttered it over a decade ago.
Throughout the years, numerous redevelopment proposals have emerged for this historic location, including :
- A mixed-use residential, retail, and service business complex
- A law enforcement training center
- A conference center facility
- A paranormal education center and museum
Legislative efforts and bipartisan support building momentum
The push for redevelopment has garnered significant bipartisan support from regional legislators who recognize the economic potential of these abandoned facilities. In 2023, Assemblymember Matt Simpson from District-114 and State Senator Dan Stec from the 45th District introduced legislation requiring the state to pay property taxes on closed correctional facilities. Their initiative aimed to motivate state authorities to either maintain or dispose of these properties responsibly.
Senator Stec commented at the time that the state has a poor track record at closing these facilities and subsequently abandoning them, suggesting that financial accountability might provide motivation for action. Similar versions of this legislation have been reintroduced by both lawmakers for the current legislative session, demonstrating sustained commitment to resolving this issue.
Both legislators have embraced Governor Hochul’s plan to prioritize these long-shuttered facilities. Stec noted in his legislative column that the concept echoes something he has specifically fought for throughout his Senate tenure, welcoming the governor’s response to his longstanding effort. Simpson emphasized that allowing communities housing these facilities to reinvest in those properties would represent a huge win for all involved, acknowledging years of strong bipartisan advocacy from Assembly and Senate members representing Camp Gabriels, Moriah Shock, and Mount McGregor.
Economic opportunities and community benefits ahead
The proposed amendment acknowledges that these crumbling sites represent more than just eyesores; they constitute environmental hazards and lost opportunities for people living in the region. Governor Hochul’s proposal specifically authorizes these facilities to be redeveloped for productive and critically needed uses, such as housing development, addressing urgent needs across the state.
The governor’s approach also emphasizes conservation of pristine forest land, attempting to balance development needs with environmental protection. This dual focus reflects recognition that economic development and environmental stewardship need not be mutually exclusive goals. The amendment would unlock potential for communities to generate tax revenue, create employment opportunities, and address housing shortages that have plagued many regions throughout New York State.
For Saratoga County specifically, the Mount McGregor redevelopment could catalyze broader regional growth while preserving the historical significance that makes the property unique. The combination of strategic location, historical importance, and development potential positions this site as a model for how abandoned state facilities can be transformed into community assets rather than remaining as deteriorating reminders of past policy decisions.
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