County sells vacant stadium site for new military headquarters

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the declaration of surplus property and the sale of the Heritage Park site, located at 770 Aubrey Shaker Road. This property, which has been vacant since the demolition of a minor league baseball stadium in 2009, is set to be sold for approximately $4.5 million to the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs (DMNA). The sale is part of a broader initiative to establish a new headquarters for a National Guard division, representing a significant investment of at least $120 million.

The proposed facility is expected to create 60 full-time active duty military positions in the county and will serve as a venue for assembly events, attracting hundreds of Guard members and boosting local hospitality businesses. Officials emphasized the positive economic impact of the project, noting that it aligns well with existing community structures, including a nursing home and a historic heritage society.

Concerns were raised during the meeting regarding the potential impact on local traffic and the need for coordination with nearby facilities, such as the airport. While officials acknowledged that outreach to the airport had not yet occurred, they expressed openness to exploring future collaborations.

Despite the general support for the project, one official proposed tabling the resolution for a month to further evaluate the implications of selling the property, especially in light of recent county expenditures on other properties. The discussion highlighted the complexities of managing public assets and the need for careful consideration of community needs and development strategies.