June Update - County Office Building Space Study

Barton and Loguidice /JCM Associates recently submitted the final CCOB space analysis. It was delivered on June 24. I am currently reviewing the data and hope to form a committee to begin laying out the master plan for the facility. Copies have been distributed to the entire Legislature.

We hope to couple the plan with the NYSERDA energy audit findings, and apply for funding to help offset renovation costs as we upgrade lighting and HVAC systems with more energy efficient technology.

Some of the alternatives being considered are the consolidation of the Mental Health facility on Clayton Avenue and the Horizon House on Grant Street into the COB. Both facilities were identified as undersized and poorly laid out for the services provided. Co-locating these departments with the Health Department should provide better services for the community and more efficient operations, saving taxpayers money.

The Horizon House facility is currently owned by Cortland County. The Mental Health building is currently leased through the end of 2010.

June Update - South Main Street

At the June Legislature session, a resolution was passed to begin design on a new Area Agency on Aging Office.

For those unaware with the function of the program - http://www.cortland-co.org/ofa/Default.htm

The space study performed by Barton and Loguidice and JCM Architectural Associates indicated that the Aging Offices was in need of more and better organized area. The optimal program would require approximately 17,300 square feet. This is approximately 35% more than the current program.

The resolution passed called for a two story, 22,400 square foot building with full basement (making the total building area 33,600 square feet). The Democratic caucus and debate on the floor during the vote led to an overall decision to proceed with the design of the building. The additional space at this point (more than 5,000 square feet) appears to be surge space to optimize building size on the site.

I voted to proceed with the building design, however I stressed that the building in its current orientation, siting and size may be subject to change based upon further Code review and development of the plan. I agreed that two or three options will be developed for selection by the Legislature in conjunction with the area residents. May largest concern was access to the parking lot, which is currently shown as two single one-way driving lanes: an entry lane from William Street and and exit lane to Randall Street. These details will be worked out as the project moves ahead.

I plan to form a subcommittee to work with the Aging Office, the consultants, and the neighborhood residents. I will be inviting members of the Concerned Citizens for Neighborhood Preservation to participate in the subcommittee meetings.

June Update - DMV

On Thursday, June 26 the Legislature voted to proceed with the design of a nominal 7500 square feet DMV and Board of Elections office on River Street. There were two other sizes of building considered at 6500 and 4000 square feet, respectively however the first vote passed to provide adequate space for the DMV, BOE office and storage of the new voting machines.

The new voting machines are scheduled to arrive in the immediate future, and they will be temporarily be stored at County owned or leased property until the permanent facility is completed. The machines require routine maintenance and testing, and must be contained in a temperature and humidity controlled environment with power connections to allow for the machines to function properly. That, combined with the fact the the BOE and DMV are both independent departments from the remainder of the County yet share Motor Voter registration was the reason I supported and voted for the 7500 square foot building option.

Moving the BOE out of the Cortland County Office Building is one of the first steps to renovate and upgrade the CCOB. At only 1000 square feet, their current space can be utilized for other departments as the master plan is developed and implemented.

I will be forming a sub-committee to work the the consultant, the County Clerk, Elections Office, County Planning and the area residents.