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County moves ahead on $2M for Chester advanced training facility design and abatement
Summary
The Legislature approved $2 million to advance conceptual design, hazardous-material abatement and stabilization work at the former Chester School building to create an Orange County Advanced Training Facility. County officials said the building was purchased for $1 and partners may include BOCES and SUNY Orange; staff estimated a new-build equivalent could cost about $100 million.
Legislators approved a $2,000,000 appropriation for initial improvements to the former Chester School building to develop an Orange County Advanced Training Facility.
Erik Denega said the county acquired the building for $1 and plans an initial phase covering hazardous-material abatement, exterior masonry restoration, utility separation and preliminary conceptual design so the building can be used for training programs. He said the county will attempt to preserve the gymnasium for school or village use while stabilizing other parts of the facility. Mr. Torelli, speaking about program goals, said the project was "brought forth by the County Executive" and described potential advanced-manufacturing and clean-room training, with partners such as SUNY Orange and BOCES for curriculum and employer partnerships for equipment and sponsorship. Torelli said, "If you had to build this building it would $100 million," underlining the value of reusing the existing structure.
Legislators and staff emphasized that program details, security features and tuition models remain to be determined and that further design and market-demand work will shape the facility's ultimate use.
