News
| 19 Jun 1997 | [Printable Version] |
Potsdam, N.Y. –Clarkson University President Denny Brown announced todaythat the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) has approved an Urbanand Community Development Grant of up to $61,500 for the preparation of areuse plan for Clarkson University's 15-acre "village" campus. The area islocated along both sides of Main Street between Park Street/PierrepontAvenue and State Street in the Village of Potsdam and is within theState-designated boundaries of the Potsdam Economic Development Zone.Funds for this project were sought by the University, in conjunction withthe Village of Potsdam.
Potsdam Village Mayor Ruth Garner also warmly greeted the news. "I amdelighted with the grant decision from Empire State Development," saidGarner. "Working together with Clarkson, this kind of support greatlyenhances the prospects for success in marketing the village campus."
Clarkson University will more than match the State outlay by providing$73,500 in funding for the project, including commitments forarchitectural and engineering services, planning and marketingconsultants, and appraisal and administrative services. The $135,000project will be completed about nine months after release of State fundsfor this purpose. The study will yield recommendations concerning thefacilities' optimal reuse, zoning and parking, and costs associated withbuilding repairs and alterations.
Clarkson appreciates the support of Village Mayor Ruth Garner and herstaff for their help in preparing the successful grant application, saidBrown. "We are also grateful for the work in Albany by State Senators RayMeier and Jim Wright, Assemblywoman Chloe Ann O'Neil, and theircolleagues, which aided our efforts to secure ESDC funds for this project.While this is by no means the largest project backed by ESDC Chair CharlesGargano, it is part of Governor Pataki's plan for New York's economicrenewal. We also know that it is very important to Potsdam."
The Village of Potsdam will co-administer the study with theUniversity. In addition, a 27-member Village Campus Reuse AdvisoryCommittee (the Committee) composed of Village officials, members of thePotsdam Economic Development Zone Board, Village business leaders, Stateofficials, and Clarkson representatives (see attached list) will guide thedevelopment of the study findings and recommendations. Clarkson SeniorVice President for Business and Financial Affairs Bruce T.H. Knill willlead the University reuse efforts and chair the Committee.
After World War II, Clarkson began expanding its dormitories andacademic buildings to its "hill" campus, in accordance with Board ofTrustees' decisions, which date back to 1921. The current Clarkson Boardof Trustees' recently adopted University Master Plan calls for theconsolidation of all operations on the hill campus by the year 2000 andfor vacating its village campus.