PLATTSBURGH — A newly completed feasibility study envisions a mix of housing, recreation, hospitality and community uses for the former Clinton Community College campus at Bluff Point.
The County of Clinton Industrial Development Agency released the final study, prepared by CPL, examining the physical condition, infrastructure, environmental characteristics and redevelopment potential of the roughly 104-acre property overlooking Lake Champlain.
The report was positively received by both the CCIDA Board of Directors and Clinton County Legislature.
“This study gives us a thoughtful and realistic starting point for considering the future of an incredibly important property,” CCIDA Executive Director Molly Ryan said. “The final concept reflects extensive feedback from stakeholders, community members, economic development partners, and county leaders.”
The study found the property physically suitable for mixed-use redevelopment, citing its existing infrastructure, natural setting, utility access and opportunities to reuse existing buildings.
VOYAGE CHAMPLAIN
A conceptual framework called Voyage Champlain divides the property into four complementary areas that could include housing, recreational facilities, hospitality, cultural programming, educational uses and community gathering spaces.
Potential uses outlined in the study include workforce and market-rate housing, townhomes, trails and other year-round recreational amenities, adaptive reuse of campus buildings, community and educational spaces, restaurants and hospitality development.
The concept also calls for preserving open space, the historic character of the property and views of Lake Champlain.
The framework is not a final development plan, and officials stressed that not every element included in the study would necessarily be built. Instead, the plan is intended to guide future decisions as market conditions, infrastructure needs, funding and development partnerships become clearer.
“Our analysis confirmed that the Bluff Point campus has strong potential for mixed-use redevelopment, supported by its existing infrastructure, natural setting, adaptable buildings, and proximity to regional transportation assets,” CPL Principal Andrew Kosa said.
Kosa said the plan was designed so redevelopment could happen in phases and change based on market conditions and other factors.
PHASED APPROACH
Clinton County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry, R-Area 3, Chazy, said redevelopment of the property will require additional planning and financial analysis.
“This is a unique property with tremendous history and potential,” Henry said. “The Legislature’s positive reception of the report is an important step, but we also recognize that successful redevelopment will require careful planning, realistic financial analysis, and strong public and private partnerships.”
Housing is identified in the report as one possible early phase of redevelopment. New residents could bring activity to the property while supporting later recreational, commercial, hospitality and cultural development.
Economic Development Committee Chairman Joshua Kretser, D-Area 9, Plattsburgh, said the revised study reflects feedback gathered during the planning process.
“It reflects the feedback that was provided throughout the process and recognizes that redevelopment must happen thoughtfully, in phases, and with a clear understanding of market demand and infrastructure needs,” Kretser said.
Kristy Kennedy, vice president of marketing, operations and business development at the North Country Chamber of Commerce, said the proposal could help address community needs while leaving room for the plan to respond to future market conditions.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the Bluff Point redevelopment take shape and the potential it has to help address some of the needs within our community,” Kennedy said.
NEXT STEPS
Before major redevelopment decisions are made, the study recommends more detailed analysis of utilities and infrastructure, environmental reviews and site investigations, market and financial feasibility studies, continued public engagement and the identification of potential public, private and philanthropic partners.
It also recommends developing a governance and implementation structure to oversee future work at the property.
The completion of the feasibility study is an early step in what officials expect will be a longer redevelopment process.
Ryan said upcoming work will focus on studying the market and infrastructure needs, exploring potential partnerships and continuing discussions with county lawmakers and the public.
“The release of this report does not mark the end of the planning process,” Ryan said. “It gives us a responsible path forward.”
The final Clinton Community College Bluff Point Campus Feasibility Study and concept materials are available through the Clinton County Industrial Development Agency website and online with this article.