OGDENSBURG -- Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell D-Theresea says Ogdensburg's designation as a Brownfield Opportunity Area is a positive next step as the city moves forward with its effort to restore prime waterfront real estate.

The Downtown Waterfront Core Brownfield Opportunity Area in the City of Ogdensburg focuses on approximately 330 acres near the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Oswegatchie rivers in the downtown core of the city.

These designations help participants develop strategies to revitalize neighborhoods affected by dormant and blighted properties. Projects in these areas will be given priority status for grants and the project developers may access additional Brownfield Cleanup Program tax credit incentives.

"This designation is simply further proof that city officials have been on the right track as they have worked on plans to bring prime waterfront property in the city back to public and private uses that will benefit Ogdensburg's economy," Assemblywoman Russell said.

She noted it is critical for a city plagued by a high rate of tax-exempt property to be in a position to return its brownfields to productive economic use.

"It was just a short time ago that I toured portions of Ogdensburg's waterfront with city officials and had an opportunity to listen to their future plans for the waterfront, both downtown and on vacant and underutilized property on the grounds of the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center," she said.

"I also visited the site of Fort de la Presentation this summer and have worked to secure funding for that effort to restore that brownfield site into a source of pride that will provide a first-hand look at the role Ogdensburg has played in our nation's history," according to Assemblywoman Russell.

"This week's announcement is the latest step in bringing the city's waterfront back to the important role it has played throughout Ogdensburg's storied history," she said.

"I'm pleased the Governor has seen the importance of giving Ogdensburg this designation that will help drive the public-private partnership necessary to move the plans for these brownfield properties into real actions that take advantage of the city's unique location of the shores of the St. Lawrence and Oswegatchie rivers," Assemblywoman Russell added.

Key recommendations focus on projects within four redevelopment districts, including the Diamond/Shade Roller District, the Marina District, the Fort de La Presentation District, and the Augsbury District.

Strategic public investment is expected to help leverage new privately-funded development and build momentum for the transformation of Ogdensburg’s entire waterfront. A $355,500 Brownfield Opportunity Area Program grant financed planning activities for the area.