OGDENSBURG – Ogdensburg City Council will hold a special meeting tonight (May 28) at 8 p.m. to act on a resolution that would allow the city to receive 50 acres of land at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center.

The property is owned by New York State. Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell and Senator Patty Ritchie have asked the city to pass a home rule request to allow for the property transfer. The resolution will allow City Manager John Pinkerton to sign a “Home Rule Request” so the state may enact a special law to facilitate the sale of the property at fair market value.

The portion of the property is along the river front, but a price for the sale is not included in the resolution.

The property transfer has been in the works for more than a year. Originally the city had hoped to receive four parcels consisting of 160 acres, however it was later determined they would need to be purchased at fair market value.

The goal is to provide opportunities for redevelopment, such as waterfront housing, public access to the river, and land for industry, retail and recreation.

The city originally hoped to sell the parcels to develop a revolving fund that would allow the community to redevelop other properties and buildings.