New York State Urban Development Corporation, doing business as Empire State Development (ESD), has released a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) to determine interest from qualified parties in the reuse and redevelopment of the former Beacon Correctional Facility.

Located one mile from downtown Beacon and seventy miles from New York City, the site consists of approximately 39 acres and 22 buildings. The site was vacated in 2013 and is available immediately for redevelopment as part of New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s initiative for the Department of Correctional Services and Community Supervision (DOCCS) to decommission a number of facilities in order to reduce costs and consolidate prison inmates at correctional facilities around the State of New York.

ESD will consider proposals for any and all potential uses of the site including but not limited to residential, commercial, industrial and mixed uses. Because of the local area’s existing transit infrastructure, its growing reputation as an artistic and cultural center and its proximity to New York City combined with financial support from the State, the Beacon Correctional Facility provides a unique development opportunity. ESD encourages respondents to submit development proposals that will create new jobs, stimulate economic activity, integrate the local community, and satisfy the other development objectives.

Lastly, the State is prepared to allocate up to US$6 million in grants from the State and Municipal Facilities Program in conjunction with the redevelopment of the site. Therefore, if applicable, Respondents may also suggest ideas to use up to US$6 million of this funding, which is expected to be made available for eligible capital purposes on the site.

The deadline for submitting proposals is September, 15. Further information about this business opportunity is available here.