Clinton Co. looks to economic growth with Bluff Point property

PLATTSBURGH | Consultants hired by the Clinton County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) presented three concepts for reuse and development of what will soon be the vacant Clinton Community College campus at Bluff Point. CCC is expected to relocate to buildings on the SUNY Plattsburgh campus in August. In a video conference with the IDA board and county legislators, staff from CPL Architecture, Engineering & Planning presented a series of mixed-use options for the 104-acre site, envisioning development based on input from regional stakeholders, including elected, business and civic leaders. The meeting was held in the atrium lobby of the Moore Administration Building. The historic Bluff Point site is owned by Clinton County and sits within the Town of Plattsburgh, which provides sewer, water and roadway access. A town water tower supports drinking water infrastructure on the campus. Clinton County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry was asked if the county plans to sell the property. "We are going to look to synthesize these concepts," he said, having just viewed design ideas for the first time. But development investment could open doors for real estate agreements. Use in the mix includes housing and vacation rentals with potential for retail sites, museum centers, and recreational facilities. Design ideas suggest options for light manufacturing or outdoor adventure amenities that connect bluff trails to Lake Champlain. Family recreation, camping and eco-tourism are integrated with several design elements. Area 5 Legislator Kevin Randall indicated support for public recreational access to the property with trails and waterfront options, including kayak rentals, beach access and camping. Area 6 Legislator Patty Waldron said she would like to see the property kept available, to be enjoyed by all. Land-use planning staff at CPL said the three concepts presented are focused to maximize buildable area, job creation and revenue. Maps envision three unique destinations that leverage local strengths, the natural beauty of Lake Champlain and the Bluff Point landscape. CONCEPT MODELS Models presented by CPL were composed using sections arranged in various ways to achieve unique goals in a common campus setting. Concept 1 would establish a Lake Champlain Adventure and Discovery Campus, a family destination to encompass a Champlain Discovery Center museum and planetarium with interactive, tech-driven exhibits that interpret the lake ecosystem and rich local history. This concept incorporated an Adirondack Adventure Park, a cultural and culinary plaza and an eco-lodge retreat center with a festival village. Concept 2, the Champlain Nexus, could site facilities for manufacturing, incorporating, for example, environmental research or light industry, such as food or beverage processing. A research component would require significant investment partnership, planners said, but could benefit from proximity of Plattsburgh International Airport. Components such as an adventure and recreation discovery park could fit the land-use plan with room left for expansion. An initial residential section in Concept 2 is situated on the western edge (Route 9 side) of the property. Concept 3 was presented as Eco-Voyage Champlain with flagship eco-tourism components using smart technology, e-bikes and public adventure trails built around a town green with retail and event-ready spaces for seasonal and year-round use. Campus development would evolve in phases over ten years, planners said, to begin with an outdoor learning facility, mixed-use vacation rentals, trails and an outdoor glamping center. The second phase would build on success in the first to add lodging and housing, including the Champlain Flats for families and a section for rental properties -- Lookout Cottages -- with lake access. The third phase in years seven to 10, would add a major anchor amenity, possibly an eco-education or adventure center, with additional acres assigned for mixed-use expansion. Maps and outlines of each concept are available for review on the Clinton County IDA website: clintoncountyida.com/our-projects/clinton-community-college USE OF EXISTING STRUCTURES Maps indicate some existing structures could be removed to encourage development. Clinton College campus buildings on Bluff Point include the gymnasium -- the Forrence Center for Health, Physical Education & Recreation; an academic hall -- the Stafford Center for Arts, Science & Technology; the Alumni and Foundation Cottage; and the Moore Academic & Administrative Building, originally built as the Hotel Champlain. The Institute for Advance Manufacturing (IAM) facility was built starting in 2016. CPL Land Use Planning Project Manager Chirag Date said the IAM facility is maintained in place in all concept designs. As for the centerpiece historic hotel building, he said, "it is a beautiful building, but it's an old building. So it will need to be retrofit or redeveloped." The building was restored, updated and weatherized about four years ago. STUDY, PLAN, IMPLEMENT Officials agreed that CPL's designs presented unique use and innovative options. "They are forward-thinking and with vision," Waldron said. Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman thanked the IDA and county for taking steps to study, plan and implement. He encouraged legislators to retain the land in public trust. "We're standing in a place that was a summer white house for five presidents," he said. Clinton County IDA will enter the next phase of review, gathering stakeholder and public input to refine the vision, said IDA Executive Director Molly Ryan. "This study represents the start of a new chapter for this incredible asset. We now have a forward-looking roadmap that reflects the needs of the region and the input of our partners. We're excited to move from vision to action." Chairman Henry said the county is committed to seeing the campus used in ways that benefit residents and strengthens the regional economy. "This study provides a solid foundation for those conversations."

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Clinton Co. looks to economic growth with Bluff Point property

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