BILL NUMBER: S9538
SPONSOR: BASKIN
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act authorizing the commissioner of general services to transfer and
convey certain state land to the Richardson Center Corporation
 
PURPOSE:
This bill authorizes the Commissioner of General Services, with the
consent of the Commissioner of Mental Health, to transfer and convey
approximately 1.62 acres of state-owned land located on the former
Buffalo Psychiatric Center campus to the Richardson Center Corporation
for the development of a mixed-use campus that will serve the public and
advance community revitalization.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1: authorizes the Commissioner of General Services to convey
specified parcels of land, notwithstanding any other provision of law,
upon terms and conditions deemed appropriate.
Section 2: provides a general description of the parcels to be conveyed,
totaling approximately 1.62 acres in the City of Buffalo.
Section 3: clarifies that the description is not intended as a legal
description and requires the Richardson Center Corporation to provide an
accurate survey prior to conveyance.
Section 4: requires that the Corporation submit an application for the
transfer within one year of the bill's effective date.
Section 5: mandates that the conveyed land be used exclusively for the
development of a mixed-use campus for community benefit. Should such use
cease, the property will revert to the State of New York, ensuring long-
term public interest protections.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The former Buffalo Psychiatric Center campus represents one of Western
New York's most architecturally and historically significant sites. In
recent years, portions of the campus have been successfully revitalized
through a public-private partnership led by the Richardson Center Corpo-
ration, transforming underutilized state property into a hub for econom-
ic activity, tourism, and community engagement.
However, several smaller parcels remain under state ownership and are
currently underutilized, creating gaps in the cohesive redevelopment of
the campus. Without legislative authorization, the transfer of these
parcels cannot proceed, limiting the ability to fully realize a unified
vision for the site.
The subject parcels are no longer needed for state operations. Convey-
ing them to a capable steward ensures they are returned to productive
use rather than remaining idle. The Richardson Center Corporation has
demonstrated a strong commitment to preserving the historic integrity of
the campus while creating accessible, community-oriented spaces. This
bill ensures the land will be used for a mixed-use campus that benefits
residents and visitors alike.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.