After nearly 20 years of neglect, the state may try to find alternative uses for its long-abandoned J.N. Adam Developmental Center.
The 650-acre site in Perrysburg, 35 miles south of Buffalo, was donated to the city by former Mayor James Noble Adam. In the early 1900s the city built a tuberculosis hospital on the site which was eventually turned over to the state.
When Albany tried to sell the vacant property to a logging company 10 years ago, it was blocked by then Council President David Franczyk. He says state Senator Cathy Young recently proposed legislation for studying the property.
"Hopefully that study will produce something that we can all be proud of. That preserves this historic building, this beautiful building. Preserves this tremendous campus that is there for the enjoyment of people from the area for many decades to come."
The city still has reversionary rights to the property. If Governor Andrew Cuomo signs off on the legislation, public hearings on alternative uses for will be scheduled in Buffalo and the Cattaraugus County Town of Perrysburg.