New York State Executive Chamber | Governor Eliot Spitzer
Press Releases | Speeches | Executive Orders | Proclamations
GOVERNOR SPITZER UNVEILS PLAN TO TRANSFORM HARRIMAN CAMPUS
Redevelopment Will Build on the Capital District's "Innovation Economy"
Governor Eliot Spitzer today announced his support for a redevelopment plan that will accelerate transformation of the 330-acre Averill Harriman State Office Campus into an economic engine that builds on the Capital District's initiatives and encourages a regional adaptation of the Innovation Economy.
By the end of 2008, the plan will position this unique public asset to attract private investment to redevelop existing vacant buildings (653,000 square feet of space) and prepare shovel-ready sites for development. The new Harriman campus will also be a sustainable community featuring a diverse mix of private and public enterprise. The plan calls for a progressive blend of business, government, academic, and recreational pursuits.
"This pragmatic, comprehensive new plan will meet the area's existing needs even as it speeds the campus to an important role in Innovation Economy job growth," said Governor Spitzer. "This plan will transform an underutilized state asset into a center for technological innovation, job creation, and economic development in the Capital Region. The new Harriman campus represents a crossroads where technology and regional growth meet. This blueprint reflects the very essence of the Innovation Economy and it is now time to take these plans from the drawing board and make them a reality."
The Harriman Action Plan includes:
The Spitzer plan differs from previous plans in several important respects that will additionally benefit state taxpayers and further the Capital Region's economic growth. It emphasizes adapting and reusing existing buildings, which is more cost effective and environmentally friendly than original demolition and reconstruction plans; shortens the time frame for development; and keeps more state employees at the site, providing cost savings as well as a base population to attract private retail development.
Albany City Mayor Jerry Jennings said: "The Harriman Campus site's proximity to Albany Nanotech makes it an ideal location to attract new development, which will result in job creation opportunities and an increased tax base for the city. I commend Governor Spitzer for his vision and support as we pursue cooperative development of this location."
Senator Neil D. Breslin said: "I applaud the Governor's continued efforts to revitalize the economy of upstate New York. The Harriman Campus is a unique area and I am pleased to see the emphasis on a public and private partnership that will spur continued economic growth in our area."
Assemblyman Jack McEneny said: "The state University at Albany is indeed fortunate to have an extensive and valuable piece of property such as the Harriman Office complex so nearby its existing campus. It offers the potential to be transformed into a Tech Park complimenting the research capabilities which the University has already developed. Readapting the use of the Harriman Campus property will keep the Capital Region in the forefront of the technological advancements that have already taken root on the university's campus while at the same time providing jobs and enhancing the entrepreneurial competitiveness of Upstate New York for generations to come."
The Harriman Campus is an appealing destination for many reasons. It is located near the intersection of two major highways -- Interstates 90 and 87 -- sits next to SUNY Albany, and is also close neighbors with existing high-tech industry clusters. These features give it a distinct, competitive advantage.
The campus provides a vast array of opportunities for public/private partnerships. Governor Spitzer will oversee the positioning of this asset as a way to leverage private investment in high-tech industries, stimulating job creation in the Capital region. In this plan, the Governor's Upstate Economic Development Strategy fully realizes the goals of support to industry clusters, University Tech Transfer to the private sector to bring ideas to market, support for the State University System, and Smart Growth -- sensible, planned development that balances the need for economic development with the need to preserve and enhance our built and natural environment.
Additionally, the University at Albany's recent move of its College of Computing and Information to Harriman adds another link between academia and the private sector and sends a clear signal to the private sector about the project's positive direction.
Following Governor Spitzer's lead, best practices in sustainable buildings will be essential to the development's success, with the National Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards forming the foundation for future redevelopment at the Harriman Campus.
The plan presented to the Governor by the Office of General Services and the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) is the result of a collaborative planning effort by OGS, ESDC, and HRTDC.
John Egan, Commissioner of OGS said: "The transformation of the Harriman State Campus begins in earnest today. With the support of Governor Spitzer, we will transform the campus into a place where public and private development efforts will mesh seamlessly. We will utilize green building practices for new and existing buildings to create a place for innovation, while maintaining needed green space, a true work-life-recreation community right here in the State Capital City of Albany."
Pat Foye, Chairman of the Empire State Development Corporation/Downstate, said: "Governor Spitzer's plan to revitalize Harriman demonstrates how vital the Innovation Economy is to New York's future. By supporting industry clusters, cluster development, University Tech Transfer to the private sector, support for the SUNY system, and smart growth, Harriman is a model of progressive economic development in New York."
The RFQ for Harriman redevelopment will be available next week via the New York State Contract Reporter and can be downloaded at the HRTDC website at www.harrimancampus.com.