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Planned visit to Potsdam by Lt. Gov. for economic announcement creates suspense among local leaders

Posted 10/17/19

BY CRAIG FREILICH North Country This Week POTSDAM -- A planned visit by Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul Tuesday afternoon for an “economic development announcement” is creating suspense among community …

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Planned visit to Potsdam by Lt. Gov. for economic announcement creates suspense among local leaders

Posted

BY CRAIG FREILICH
North Country This Week

POTSDAM -- A planned visit by Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul Tuesday afternoon for an “economic development announcement” is creating suspense among community leaders.

Speculation about what she will reveal centers naturally on the as-yet unannounced winner of the North Country’s 2019 Downtown Revitalization Initiative $10 million prize.

Some people are guessing it might have something to do with an “incubated” business at Clarkson University, which is hosting the lieutenant governor’s visit, or a development at the university’s Old Snell Hall, which is in line for refurbishment.

Many other Regional Economic Development DRI awards were announced two months ago elsewhere in the state. Canton, Massena, Potsdam and Ogdensburg -- all applicants for the 2019 award -- have been waiting to hear which of them, if any, will get the big check. So Hochul’s visit certainly raises hopes in Potsdam.

Speculation here is tempered by thoughts from some officials that the big prize will go to another St. Lawrence County community for reasons that might not be related to downtown revitalization. And that doesn’t take into account the desires and rumors in municipalities in the other six counties in the North Country region: Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson and Lewis.

All of the people we have spoken with that might have an idea what Hochul will offer say they have no clue about the exact nature of her trip here. The shroud remains in place for the time being, at least until Tuesday, or until we reach someone who is willing to share the secret. Of course we don’t want to ruin anyone’s surprise. But stay tuned.