LONG ISLAND REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL

Joftn D. CAmeron Jr., Cfrair

?au[ {oT wL6L, Tice Cfrnir
T. Efaine Qro.r.r, Secretary
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3{on. Steve tseffone
?eter TfF.otvitz
Ricftard Quarfiino
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3{on. Jon S{aiman
9{on. ?auf ?ontieri
Tfreresa San{ers
3{on. Qeorge StarLie

Svticfraef f. ^Vyftite, Txecutive Director

March 27.2009
Thomas Lyons, Director of Resource Management
New York State Office of Parks
Recreation and Historic Preservation
Empire State Plaza
Agency Building I
Albany, NY 12238

Re: State Property at Kings Park, Long Island, NY

Dear Mr. Lyons,

This letter is submitted on behalf of the Long Island Regional Planning Council ("LIRPC")
respecting the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation ("OPRHP") decisions about the
future of the 365 aues of the former Kings Park Psychiatric Center. Simply stated the LIRPC, by
unanimous vote of the Council, encourages the OPRHP to prepare and implement an adaptive reuse and
economic redevelopment plan for the site at the earliest possible time, rather than transferring the entirety
of the site into parkland. As vast areas of the site are not parkland, but consist of numerous structures,
impervious surfaces and contaminated land left from prior abusive uses, it represents a perfect opportunity
for a Brormfield site to be remediated. rec.,'cled and reused.

It is no secret that the State is struggling to survive this severe economic downturn. The State
itself is, to say the least short on funds, with reports that even the Environmental Protection Fund may be
empty, perhaps not even able to cover existing obligations. Moreover, all levels of government are
looking for ways to stimulate, indeed restart the economy. On Long Islando we are particularly interested
in seeing projects move forward which will create secondary economic benefits, independent of those
resulting from actual construction activities, address key regional issues such as workforce/next
generation housing and most of all, projects which are consistent with regional sustainability goals.

OPRHP has consistently stated that decisions about the future of the 365 acres must be based on
an accurate understanding of clean-up and remediation costs. We are also encouraged by the OPRHP
consideration of the potential for structures on the site to be adaptively re-used as noted in the February
2009 "Phase I Demolition Plan" Project Description. However, the timing and cost in connection with
the current course of action respecting the "Phase I Demolition Plan" and "comprehensive remediation
study" requires funher consideration.
1864 Muttontown Road, Syosset, New York 1f 791 (516) 571-7613
100 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, New York 1f 788 (631) 583-6148
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As an example, OPRHP states that "the one source of available funding is the $29 million for
Kings parks remediation activities appropriated in the State budget at the direction of the State Senate."
So tie baseline question is whether, given the State's fiscal condition, the State has and the Governor
is
committing to spend $29 million for Kings Park's remediation activities. Indeed the question of
..available}rnding" must be answered against a backdrop where we see the State using the payments for
increased tuition at S.U.N.Y institutions to fund deficits in the general fund and the MTA imposing
..doomsday" transit fare increases for lack of State funds. Furthermore, previous report and comment
respectingthe cost of remediation activities at the Kings Park site indicates that the remedial cost is more
likily than not to cost two to three times the $29 million amount. The lack of sufficient remedial funding
anA ine timing of remediation is spotlighted by the February 2009 Project Description. According to this
o'Phase
publication an estimated $14,000,000 will be used for 1 Demolition", which will be procured
ihrough normal competitive bidding and contracting processes. It is also reported that a "finaloo
compiehensive remediation study, estimated at a cost of over $3 million, is due by summer 2010. So
before any actual remediation, which is already long overdue but still years away, the majority of the so
called "available funding" will be utilized.

We suggest that there is an altemative that should be considered. To the extent that a form of
planned
Generic Environmental Impact Statement may be prepared with consideration of a mixed use
development for the site; a public-private partnership for the remediation, reuse and redevelopment could
be reconsidered. Surely consideration would be given to expanding the Nissequoge River State Part,
perhaps even a link to ih. r*p*rive Sunken Meadow State Park, a mere stones throw away (see attached
aerial-map). But what could also be considered is allowing a smart redevelopment, including such public
oocenter",
uses as a cultural and performing arts consistent with a parks use, which has been suggested by
New york State Assemblyman Englebright. And to recycle an idea previously considered by the State, a
selected site developer would contribute to funding the remediation activities in exchange for certain
development rights, including the right to develop critically needed workforce/next generation housing as
well as other mixed uses.

We welcome the opportunity to meet with you regarding these suggestions and working with you
and your offices on this matter so critical to the State, but also to all residents of Long Island.

Re spectfully submitted,

Michael E. White
Executive Director

cc: Honorable David Patersotr, Governor

Carol Ash, Commissioner, NYSOPRHP
LI NIYS Legislative Delegation
Members of the Long Island Regional Planning Council

1864 Muttontown Road, Syosset, hlew York ll79l (516) 571-7613

100 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, New York 11788 (631) 583-6148