Not confident they can change the Governor’s mind, local leaders will nonetheless make an appeal to keep Summit Shock open.
At the same time, those leaders will focus on Plan B: Positioning Schoharie County to get money and tax credits offered to communities where prisons are closing.
Senator Jim Seward, Assemblyman Pete Lopez and several county supervisors and officials met Thursday to plan strategies in wake of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s announcement two weeks ago to close seven prisons, Summit among them.
“I think it was a done deal back in February, when they were working on the [state] budget,” said Harold Vroman, chairman of the Board of Supervisors.
He held out little hope of saving Summit Shock, as did Assemblyman Lopez and county Planning Director Alicia Terry.
“There’s some chance, but it’s very slim,” Assemblyman Lopez said.
At Thursday’s meeting, he added, officials discussed the appeal they’ll make to Govenror Cuomo.
Some wanted an aggressive tone on saving Summit; others thought not.
“If we’re too aggressive, it may affect our ability to get aid afterwards,” Assemblyman Lopez said.
That aid amounts to $50 million in economic development funds and $150 million in tax credits for the seven communities.
The criteria for competing for and receiving those benefits aren’t known, officials said.
Closing Summit Shock would put between 100 and 130 people out of work. The loss of those well-paying jobs is a huge blow, Ms. Terry said.
“Schoharie County is still recovering from significant job losses 10 years ago,” she said, referring to the closing of Guilford Mills in Cobleskill and Storyhouse in Charlotteville in one week in 2001.
“This is yet another hit.”
She and Assemblyman Lopez agreed Schoharie County must be united in trying to get the economic development funds.
“We have to make our voices heard in Albany and Washington,” Ms. Terry said.
Mr. Vroman added that even though Schoharie County is among the smallest of the seven communities affected, “We have to try to get in there.”
He pointed out that the funds, if received, wouldn’t have an immediate impact.
“Even if we get that money, is it going to help those families losing their jobs? No,” Mr. Vroman said.
The appeal for funding will highlight the need for the Route 7 water and sewer lines from Cobleskill to Howe Caverns, which is considered a future boon for development, Ms. Terry said.
“In terms of projects, that’s the one that’s most ready to go,” she said.
They’ll also point out the need for aid for vacant Guilford Mills. Tax credits and capital funding could help there,” Ms. Terry said.
The appeal was to go out early this week, she added.
As for Summit Shock itself, Mr. Vroman is unsure what would happen to the vacant prison.
“I don’t know what it would be used for,” he said. “It’s not clear what will happen.”