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11/6/09 - City Releases 2010 Preliminary Budget
The City's 2010 Preliminary Budget was made public on Wednesday. The proposed Expenditure Plan for 2010 totals $18,091,668. The tax levy and tax rate show the City is returning to the decade norm on taxes.
11/19/09 - Remedy Proposed for the Former Diamond International Paper Mill Site - Public Meeting, Comment Period Announced
The NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation have issued a FACT SHEET for the Former Diamond International Paper Mill Site. Working cooperatively with the NYS Dept. of Health, the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation has proposed a no further action cleanup for the Former Diamond International Paper Mill Site located on Pearl Street, in the City of Ogdensburg, St. Lawrence County, New York, based on the successful completion of the Interim Remedial Meausres (IRM) Program. The removal of asbestos containing materials (ACM), petroleum and metal contaminated soil and debris and the solidification of lagoon sludge and paper making waste during the IRM have made the site conditions acceptable for restricted residential use. This proposal is described in the site's Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PRAP). The PRAP was developed following a comprehensive evaluation of the site. The PRAP evaluates different options to clean up the site and presents the alternatives proposed by the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation and NYS Dept. of Health.
Release of the PRAP begins a process to finalize slection of the cleanup for the site. Your comment and input about the proposed cleanup are important and encouraged. Oral and written comments about the PRAP are welcome at the public meeting to be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2009, at 7:00 PM in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, and during a public comment period which runs until December 29, 2009. Written comments may be mailed until the end of the comment period to: Peter S. Ouderkirk, NYS DEC, Div. of Environmental Remediation, Region 6 Office, 7th Floor, 317 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601, psouderk@gw.dec.state.ny.us.10/29/09 - City Receives Agreement for Preliminary Design of $7.5 Million Paterson Street Reconstruction Project to Design/Manage Project
In late June, Ogdensburg City Manager Arthur J. Sciorra received a Federal-Aid Highway and Marchiselli-Aid Local Project Agreement and Authorization to Proceed with the Preliminary Design of the $7.5 Million Paterson Street reconstruction project, which is being funded with Federal Coordinated Border Infrastructure funds. The project includes full reconstruction of Paterson Street, including new sidewalks, curbing, and the separation of sanitary and storm sewers from the City limits to the entrance of the Port of Ogdensburg. The project will result in improving the primary access route to the Port of Ogdensburg as well as implementing another phase of the City’s long term control plan.
“The rebuilding of Paterson Street recognizes that the Port of Ogdensburg remains an important trade link in Northern New York, while respecting the fact that local residents should not independently shoulder the cost burden of maintaining this vital link,” said Mr. Sciorra.
“We worked with the Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority, Sen. Darrel Aubertine’s office, and the DOT Region 7 staff, on a coordinated effort to improve Paterson Street; we appreciate the hard work of all of our partners resulting in the City receiving this funding,” added J. Justin Woods, Director of Planning & Development.
“We are excited about the project and look forward to working with the City,” said Scott A. Docteur, Director of Planning & Program Management, DOT Region 7.
To date, the City invited all 15 engineering firms on the state approved list to submit statements of qualifications. Following a rigorous review of the 11 firms that responded to the request, the City’s project committee, which included Sciorra and Woods as well as Comptroller Philip A. Cosmo, DPW Director Kit W. Smith, and Project Coordinator Patricia Paquin selected the firm of Barton & Loguidice for the design and project management. The next step in the process is for City staff to work with DOT and B&L to scope the project, collect data and develop the Preliminary Design for the project. There will be public informational meetings and opportunities for area residents to comment during the design of the project.
“B&L is a well established, reputable firm and, all other things being equal; they have a very good track record of working successfully with the City. I have complete confidence in their ability to deliver on this project,” said Mr. Smith.
“B&L is pleased with its selection to design the Paterson Street Project and appreciates the opportunity to continue our relationship with the City. We will strive to deliver a quality project on time and on budget,” said John Donahue, B&L Sr. VP of the Transportation Group
9/18/09 - City Receives Certificate of Achievement from ICMA
A Certificate of Achievement has been awarded to the City of Ogdensburg, including the Library and the Remington Museum, by the ICMA Center for Performance Measurement. On September 13, at the ICMA Annual Convention in Montreal, the City was presented with the Certificate of Achievement in recognition of the City’s Strategic Management Plan.
The award is a result of the visioning and goal setting sessions held with City Council, Department heads, staff, and the public, including the citizen survey, that formed the pillars of the City’s Strategic Management Plan; a process that began three years ago. This award recognizes the City’s commitment to performance measurement and is an exciting step in the City’s commitment to continuous improvement and a commitment to open accountable government. Staff, Council and the citizens have worked as a team to make this happen. Everyone needs to share in this milestone, to celebrate this success.
Councilor Nick Vaugh, ICMA Executive Director Robert O'Neill, City Manager Arthur Sciorra
6/4/09 - CITY RELEASES 2008 STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN ANNUAL REPORT CARD
The City of Ogdensburg is pleased to announce it has released the 2008 Strategic Management Plan (SMP) annual report card. The SMP allows for the specific tracking of the objectives of each City department’s business plan for the overall achievement of the City’s goals. The Plan also provides a framework for the integration of all departments’ objectives into a single effort to achieve the greater goals of the citizens and the Vision of the City as set forth in policy by the City Council. To view the Report of the 2008 Strategic Management Plan, please click here.
10/1/09 - CITY SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT FOR TWO DRAFT U.S. EPA BROWNFIELD GRANT APPLICATIONS
The City of Ogdensburg is preparing two U.S. EPA Brownfield grants this fall.
The first grant application is a Brownfield Cleanup Grant for the former Standard Shade Roller (Newell Company) property located at 541 Covington Street in the City of Ogdensburg, St. Lawrence County, New York. The site has been found to be contaminated by metal, volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, including petroleum hydrocarbons. Lying in the City of Ogdensburg’s Waterfront Redevelopment Area, the site requires remediation to prepare it for residential development, public green space and access to the river.
The second application is for a Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund Grant for the City to establish and capitalize a revolving loan fund to make loans and provide subgrants to carry out cleanup activities.
Written comments on the draft proposals will be accepted until October 13, 2009, at 3:30 PM, by the Office of Planning & Development, 330 Ford Street, Ogdensburg, NY 13669, by e-mail to jwoods@ogdensburg.org, or by fax to 315-393-1136.
A public hearing will be held during a special City Council meeting on October 14 to discuss the draft proposal and consider public comment. The U.S. EPA Brownfield programs are very competitive and the Mayor urges public attendance and comments to demonstrate support for the grant applications. The City will submit its final applications on October 16, 2009.
6/18/09 - PRESS RELEASE - OPEN BURNING AND RECREATIONAL FIRES
Summer is fast approaching and more time will be spent outside enjoying recreational activities. Outdoor woodburning appliances have become very popular and, when used properly and within State regulations, they can provide an enjoyable atmosphere to a summer evening. State regulations provide strict guidelines that must be observed by the property owner or resident. These guidelines are listed in Chapter 3, Section 307, of the Fire Code of New York State, as follows:SECTION 307 - OPENING BURNING AND RECREATIONAL FIRES
307.1 General. A person shall not kindle or maintain or authorize to be kindled or maintained any open burning unless conducted and approved in accordance with this section. Section 307
The Ogdensburg Fire Dept. will be enforcing this section of the code with City residents. In the event the Ogdensburg Fire Dept. is called to your residence after receiving a complaint regarding an open burning issue, an investigation will be conducted to validate the complaint. A valid complaint will result in the Fire Dept. ordering the fire extinguished. A verbal warning will be issued at that time. ANY and ALL subsequent valid complaints WILL result in a SUMMONS being issued to the resident. The Ogdensburg Fire Dept. is respectfully requesting that all residents strictly observe Section 307 of the Fire Code of NYS. Please contact the Dept. at 393-2321 or stop by the station at 718 Ford Street if you have any questions concerning the requirements of the Code.9/9/09 - CITY OF OGDENSBURG TO HOST A COMMUNITY PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT
The City of Ogdensburg is hosting a community planning & economic development summit, “Defining Ogdensburg’s Future”, which will be held at City Hall on Saturday, September 26, 2009. The City will also be hosting a number of focus groups on the City’s Housing programs and on Planning & Economic Development issues on Thursday, September 24, and Friday, September 25, as a lead up to the summit. If you are available and interested in participating in the focus group sessions or to RSVP for the summit, please contact J. Justin Woods, Director of Planning & Development, at 315-393-7150.7/23/09 - Mayor Seeks Volunteers for City Boards
Ogdensburg Mayor William D. Nelson is looking for interested candidates to consider appointing to fill vacancies on the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and Ogdensburg Historic Commission. The Mayor is utilizing an application process used in many municipalities and is the preferred recommendation of the International City Manager’s Association (ICMA) because it takes the stigma out of political appointments and elevates the significance of being selected for each position.
There are currently positions for two regular and two alternate seats on the Planning Board, three vacancies and one alternate on the ZBA, and a number of seats on the Historic Preservation Commission. Staff in the City’s Planning Department will accept applications from interested candidates and the City Manager will recommend candidates for appointment by the Mayor in September.
Candidates interested in serving on the Planning Board or ZBA must be City residents and should fill out an application. Candidates interested in serving on the Historic Commission need not be residents of the City, but should also fill out an application. The applications and descriptions of the duties of each board and the individual board members can be downloaded by clicking on the following links: Planning Board Job Description; Zoning Board Job Description; Historic Commission Job Description; Planning Board/Zoning Board Application; Historic Commission Application.
UPDATED: 1/22/09 - CITY OF OGDENSBURG COMPLETES MAIN STREET ASSESSMENT RECEIVES PLANNING GRANT TO DEVELOP REVITALIZATION STRATEGY
The City is pleased to announce that Dadras Architects have completed the Main Street Assessment and that the New York State Office of Community Renewal has granted the City a $25,000 Community Planning Grant for the purpose of developing a Downtown Revitalization Plan. Last October, the City of City Ogdensburg announced the creation of its Downtown Improvement/Main Street Revitalization Program and the City hired Dadras Architects, a nationally recognized architectural firm specializing in downtown revitalization to work with the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) to conduct a Main Street Assessment. The City also submitted an application for a CDBG Community Planning Grant to build the Main Street Assessment into a comprehensive revitalization strategy that integrates the City's planning and economic development tools to focus on creating positive impacts in the historic downtown. The Main Street Assessment is the first step in the process of planning to revitalize the downtown. This initial assessment examined the existing situation of the City’s downtown commercial and civic center – historically centered around the intersection of Ford Street and State Street (see attached map) and to serve as a baseline for determining a feasible commercial revitalization strategy for the district. Accordingly, the assessment identifies some of the commercial district's major problems, opportunities, and needs. This full report and recommendations are available for review by clicking here, or can be obtained from the Department of Planning and Development. “The Assessment recommends that we conduct visioning and develop a comprehensive revitalization strategy. This is exactly what we proposed in our application for the Community Planning Grant,” said Arthur J. Sciorra, City Manager. “We're excited about working with the Office of Community Renewal and our community partners to build on this momentum.”10/29/08 - CITY SUBMITS APPLICATION FOR NOMINATION STUDY TO THE NYS DEPTS OF STATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATIONS' BOA PROGRAM
The City of Ogdensburg has completed a Pre-Nomination Study and submitted an application for a Nomination Study to the New York State Departments of State and Environmental Conservation’s Brownfield Opportunity Areas Program that addresses the clean-up and redevelopment of contaminated areas on the City’s waterfront.
These documents are available for review through the above links or between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, from November 3, 2008, to December 5, 2008, at the City of Ogdensburg’s Department of Planning and Development, City Hall, 330 Ford Street, Room 11, Ogdensburg, NY 13669. Written comments may be submitted to J. Justin Woods, Director of Planning & Development by email at jwoods@ogdensburg.org or regular mail at the address above.
A public meeting on the application for a Nomination Study will be held on December 2, 2008, at 7 pm in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 330 Ford Street, Ogdensburg, NY 13669.
1/8/07 - CITY COMPLETES STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN
In 2006, the City of Ogdensburg undertook a Strategic Management Planning process to ensure quality services to our citizens while continually improving the way we deliver those services. The first work session involved the City Council, City Manager and City Department Heads conducting a strategic analysis to identify the community’s various strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
The next work session involved City Councilors articulating the mission, vision, values and goals of the City. Mission statements are brief written descriptions of the purpose of the organization. Vision statements present a compelling description of how the organization will or should operate at some point in the future. Value statements list the overall priorities in how the organization will operate. Program goals and objectives are the heart of the strategic plan. Mission and vision answer the big questions about why the City exists and how it seeks to benefit society, but the goals and objectives are the plan of action; what the City plans to “do” over the next few years.Once the mission, vision and values statements were completed and realistic goals established, each City Department was required to develop a “Departmental Business Plan” to identify specific objectives to accomplish the goals established by City Council. Departmental Business Plans specify responsibilities, timelines and performance measurements and milestones to measure and report progress. Completed Business Plans were then compiled by the City Planner.
Another important step in the strategic management planning process is allocating the resources necessary to carry out the strategies and accomplish annual objectives to meet overall goals. This was accomplished through adoption of the 2007 City Budget in December 2006.
In September 2006, the City Manager submitted the Strategic Management Plan, including a mission statement, vision statement, values statement with goals and objectives to the Ogdensburg City Council for adoption. The Strategic Management Plan, in its entirety, is available for review at the Public Library and by clicking here.
Vision Statement: The City of Ogdensburg is a vibrant and vital commerce center in the St. Lawrence region, with clean, safe and beautiful neighborhoods, streets and parks.
Mission Statement: The mission of the City of Ogdensburg is to provide quality public services and facilities to promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of its residents, businesses and visitors in a cost effective manner.
The City’s Strategic Management Plan is guided by three fundamental elements: our mission, our vision, and our core values. Our mission statement is based on the principles of high quality and continuous improvement. Our vision statement presents a compelling future toward which are strategic plan is directed. Both our mission and our vision are founded on the following core values that guide all our actions. Ogdensburg is a place with strong values, traditions and heritage where people choose to live, work, socialize and recreate. Core priorities include:
Waterfront: clean, developed, mixed use public/private
use, psychiatric center, international use
Tax Base: expanded
Economic Development: port, downtown revitalization, plazas, jobs
Infrastructure: improved, support growth
Technology: expanded services, utilization of internet
Tourism: 4-lane highway, cultural opportunities
Housing stock: improved
Organizational Goals:
1. Financially Secure City Government
2. Safe and Secure Community
3. Balanced, Sustainable Local Economy
4. Revitalized Aging Neighborhoods &
Commercial Areas
5. Beautiful City
The project schedule for the Strategic Management Plan is as follows:
2007 May Conduct
citizen survey
August Present survey results to public
September Prepare department budgets, business plans
& capital
improvement plan
November Prepare preliminary budget
December Adopt final budget, capital improvement plan,
strategic management plan
2008 February Evaluation of department performance measures
March Report card to city council and citizens
City of Ogdensburg
Press Release
State-Funded Brownfield Investigation and Cleanup Activities Ongoing at the Former Diamond
International Paper Mill Site
The investigation and cleanup of the former Diamond International Paper Mill site, a vacant 17-acre parcel situated on the eastern
bank of the St. Lawrence River, is expected to be completed by the end of this year. According to information provided by Barton & Loguidice P.C., of
Syracuse, New York, the engineering firm hired by the City of Ogdensburg in January 2005 to conduct the site investigation and oversee the cleanup
activities, the removal of residual wastes and demolition of affected structures that still remain on the site should begin in late summer, and is anticipated to
take approximately three to four months to complete. Following the completion of site remediation activities, and subsequent
approval of the Site Investigation/Remedial Alternatives Report (SI/RAR) and Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PRAP) by the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), the City of Ogdensburg can proceed with development of the site. The City has included the former Diamond International Paper Mill site as part of
its Waterfront Redevelopment Action Plan, and the site was initially assessed by the City under an EPA Brownfield Pilot Program. The City intends to conduct a developer solicitation to realize the
City’s vision of an appropriate mix of low and moderate density residential with water-dependent, commercial and service uses in a unified site plan that
allows economies of scale, creative planning, smart growth techniques and design concepts that provide for open space, recreation and public access to the
waterfront.
In January of 2005 the City of Ogdensburg was awarded funding from the NYSDEC, under the provisions of the Environmental Restoration Program (a.k.a. Municipal Brownfield Program), to conduct a Site Investigation and related activities at the former Diamond International Paper Mill site. The Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act of 1996 (Bond Act) provides funding to assist municipalities that have assumed ownership of Brownfield properties to investigate and clean up these properties so that they can be redeveloped. Funding provided by the Bond Act is used to repay municipalities for up to 90% of the eligible costs for the investigation and subsequent clean up.
The former Diamond International Paper Mill site was used for a paper mill from 1921 to 1987. Pulp and paper production at the Site ceased in 1987, and subsequent activities consisted of salvage operations to remove recyclable materials from the buildings. The site was investigated in 1995 by the NYSDEC for environmental concerns. Additional investigations were conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1996 and 1997. Subsequent to the federal actions, the buildings and most aboveground structures on the site were demolished by the City of Ogdensburg. The remaining site features include the wastewater lagoon, two clarifiers (which are concrete wastewater structures), underground chests contained within a concrete vault, and an underground kerosene storage tank.
According to Mr. Martin Murphy, Director of Planning and Development for the City of Ogdensburg, “keeping the public informed is an integral component of the Municipal
Brownfield Program.” Mr. Murphy went on to state that “in June 2005 a Public Information Fact Sheet was
distributed to all property owners adjacent to the site, as well as local government officials, NYSDEC, NYSDOH, various radio and television stations in
St. Lawrence County, and other interested environmental groups.” In addition to the project specific information included in the Public
Information Fact Sheet, Barton & Loguidice also issued a Citizen Participation Plan in May 2005 that describes activities to keep the public
informed and involved during the investigation and cleanup of the former Diamond International Paper Mill site. Mr.
Murphy also noted that the public will be invited to review and provide comments
on the PRAP when it is issued by the NYSDEC this coming winter. Copies of the Citizen Participation Plan, as well as the Site
Investigation Work Plan, are available for public review at the Ogdensburg
Public Library, City Hall, and the NYSDEC Region 6 office in Watertown.
3/25/06 - OGDENSBURG SELECTED AS A FINALIST FOR 2006 ALL-AMERICA CITY AWARD
34 Communities to Compete in California for Civic AwardOGDENSBURG - The City of Ogdensburg was recently selected as a finalist for the 2006 All-America City Award program. The City was among 34 finalists from across the nation to have been selected as a finalist for the prestigious award, which is sponsored and promoted by the National Civic League. A delegation from the City will now travel to Anaheim, California in June to be reviewed by the All-America City Jury in the hopes of being one of the 10 communities chosen for the coveted award. To view the full text of the National Civic League’s press release regarding the 2006 All-America City finalists click on the following logo:
9/23/04 - BreconRidge to Create 100 Jobs in City
Governor George E. Pataki recently announced that BreconRidge Inc., a global provider of a full range of electronic manufacturing services, will establish its U.S. manufacturing headquarters in Ogdensburg. The Canadian manufacturer will create 100 jobs at its new headquarters, which will bring its total workforce in the City to 159 employees. The company already operates a separate telecommunications equipment repair facility in Ogdensburg with 59 employees.
The company will lease an existing building in Ogdensburg's Commerce Park, which is currently owned by the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority. BreconRidge will invest approximately $2.2 million to construct a 20,000-square-foot addition to the building. Additionally, the company will invest $5 million in equipment and working capital and $750,000 in employee training. "BreconRidge Inc.'s decision to establish their U.S. headquarters in Ogdensburg and create 100 new jobs is tremendous news for the people of St. Lawrence County and for the region's economy," Governor Pataki said. "BreconRidge's multi-million dollar commitment is proof positive that our pro-growth policies and ambitious agenda to strengthen New York's manufacturers are succeeding in creating new job opportunities for hardworking New Yorkers in the North Country and across the State." "As more and more companies like BreconRidge invest and express their confidence in our State's economy, we will be well-poised to achieve our ambitious goal of creating one million new jobs in New York by the end of the decade," Governor Pataki added. Senator Jim Wright said, "This investment by BreconRidge is another positive step forward for the manufacturing industry in St. Lawrence County. These 100 jobs in the City of Ogdensburg will compliment existing manufacturers and add to the City's continuing economic success. I want to thank Governor Pataki for his efforts in securing the necessary funding to bring this project to the City of Ogdensburg and for recognizing the manufacturing strengths in St. Lawrence County. I am glad that I was able to secure Senate funding for this initiative for the economic success of the people of Ogdensburg." City of Ogdensburg Mayor William Nelson said, "This is great news for the City of Ogdensburg and the North Country. This is another example of how working together and forming partnerships can benefit a community. We are extremely grateful to Governor Pataki for his initiatives and policies that are helping New York State to move forward with retaining and creating more jobs." BreconRidge Inc., based in Ottawa, Canada, with a repair operation in Ogdensburg, is a global provider of a full range of electronic manufacturing services, including design, concurrent engineering, manufacturing, test, systems integration, distribution and repair. The new facility is located in the Ogdensburg Empire Zone. Charles A. Gargano, Chairman of Empire State Development Corporation said, "Governor Pataki's plan to strengthen and support manufacturers is helping maintain New York State's leadership in creating and retaining jobs. Companies like BreconRidge are recognizing New York State's pro-business environment and helping to strengthen and build our communities." BreconRidge Inc. is eligible to apply to Empire State Development for a $250,000 Capital Grant to offset costs of equipment acquisition. The company will also benefit from a low-interest real estate loan from the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency that will be provided to the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority. BreconRidge has received a pledge of $50,000 in training assistance from the St. Lawrence County Workforce Investment Board. The Ogdensburg Growth Fund has offered a $100,000 low interest loan, and the Company is eligible to apply to the Governor's Office for Small Cities for a $750,000 grant to the City of Ogdensburg, which will be used to offset the equipment and working capital costs associated with the project. Additionally, Senator James W. Wright has secured $250,000 in State funds for efforts associated with the BreconRidge expansion project. The funds will be administered by the Development Authority of the North Country (DANC). In addition to promoting sound economic programs and initiatives to help manufacturers and other businesses succeed, Governor Pataki has promoted new initiatives specifically designed to strengthen New York's manufacturers. His plan includes a new, targeted manufacturing job-training assistance program -- NY SMART -- which will provide manufacturers with the support they need to maintain and enhance the skills of their employees. The Governor has also directed Empire State Development to create a new Manufacturing Assistance Program - MAP – that will coordinate Federal, State and local assistance programs and will link manufacturing companies to the appropriate research and development grant funding.
3/4/04 - CITY GETS HIGH RANKING FOR NEW INDUSTRIES
Climbs From 74thIn Nation To 36th
Ogdensburg’s recent successes in creating new jobs have not gone unnoticed. Site Selection Magazine - which monitors industrial projects throughout the United States - recently ranked the Greater Ogdensburg Area as 36th in the nation for new industrial facilities.
The City’s ranking climbed from 74th place in 2003, the first year the City made the ranking, to 36th place in 2004, the magazine reported in its March 2005 issue.
New York State was tied for 6th place nationally for having a total of seven smaller geographical areas, called Micropolitans, make the top of the rankings. The Ogdensburg to Massena area was termed a Micropolitan under new U.S. Census Bureau designations that are designed to track rural economies.
Ogdensburg has seen tremendous success recently in its ongoing efforts to attract and retain new businesses. Most-recently, Ainsworth Lumber Company, Inc., of British Columbia, recently announced its interest in building the Chatham Forest Products, Inc., Oriented Strand Board (OSB) plant in Lisbon that is projected to create 100 new jobs and cost $110 million to build. If the company’s due diligence phase is successful, construction could start this fall or in Spring 2006. As a new project, the OSB mill was not included in the Site Selection ranking.
Other successful economic development projects over the past 4 years include:
|
Company
Name |
New Jobs Projected |
|
|
|
|
Acco
Brands, Inc. |
124 |
|
ANSEN
Corporation |
112 |
|
St.
Lawrence Food Corp. |
200 |
|
Dew
Engineering |
100 |
|
BreconRidge |
100 |
|
Med-Eng. |
40 |
Additional details of the rankings can be found at www.siteselection.com
3/4/04 - The City of Ogdensburg, New York is one of America’s Top Small Towns for new and expanding facilities, according to a listing in the March 2004 issue of Site Selection magazine. The ranking was based on a community’s record of attracting new and expanding corporate facilities.
Six of New York's small cities made this prestigious list including:
Governor Pataki hailed the announcement, which also ranked New York State #2 on the listing of States that have attracted new and expanding businesses.
"All across Upstate New York and the North Country, we are creating an environment where businesses can grow and create jobs," Governor Pataki said. "Company executives from throughout the country recognize the tremendous attributes that cities like Plattsburgh and Watertown, Ogdensburg and Ithaca, and Johnstown and Cortland have to offer their businesses, and that is great news for the Upstate economy."
Recent expansion projects in the City have included:
| Company Name | New Jobs Projected |
| ACCO Brands, Inc. | 124 |
| ANSEN Corporation | 112 |
| Premo Foods, Inc. | 200 |
| Dew Engineering and Development, Inc. | 90 |
| Chatham Forest Products, Inc. (Proposed) | 200 |
Cheese Plant Reopens - 200 New Jobs Expected Over 3 years
It was recently announced that St. Lawrence Food Corporation (“SLFC”), a newly formed associate of Ahava Food Corp. and Lewis County Dairy Corp.(“LCDC”) will acquire and operate the former Ogdensburg Cheese plant on Main Street in the City. SLFC will invest over $3.26 million and has pledged to create 200 jobs at the plant over the next three years.
“This is exceptional news for Ogdensburg and the surrounding area,” stated Mayor William D. Nelson. “The reopening of this plant will breath new life into our local economy by providing new jobs at the plant and a market for local milk.”
Moise Banayan , the President and Chief Executive officer of St. Lawrence Food Corp.(SLFC) said, “General Manager, Tom Spencer, and I are excited at the prospect of opening a Supervised Kosher Cheese Production Facility in Ogdensburg at the former Ogdensburg Cheese Plant. This opportunity allows for expansion and diversity of Ahava Food Corp. efforts in the distribution of Kosher Cheeses and also opens opportunities for area farmers to join our Kosher Production Team, allowing them substantial premiums for milk, under the auspices of our Farm Resident Rabbinical Staff.
“SLFC is now in the advanced planning stages for commencing operations in Ogdensburg and firmly believes that this venture will be a huge success based in no small measure on the teamwork already exhibited in assisting us by Empire State Development, the County of St. Lawrence and the City of Ogdensburg. It is refreshing to have such a dedicated professional team working with us.”
Ahava, located in Brooklyn, NY, is the USA’s largest distributor of Kosher dairy products, which are generally manufactured at LCDC under the brand names of Morning Select, Golans, Ahava, SlimU, New Square and Best Moo. Having limited space to increase production in Lewis County, SLCF will purchase and operate the former Ogdensburg Cheese plant in order to meet current and future market demand. The addition of the Ogdensburg plant will allow Ahava to increase distribution, add new product lines and share processes with Lewis County Dairy.
City, County and State economic developers attracted Ahava to Ogdensburg after undertaking a 400-piece direct mail campaign to dairy producers in the Northeast to advertise the availability of the property when the Ogdensburg Cheese Plant closed in May 2003.
____________
VISITOR CENTER GROUNDBREAKING – New York State Secretary of State Randy A. Daniels recently visited Ogdensburg to announce a $250,000 grant to the City for the construction of its new Waterfront Visitor’s Center on the St. Lawrence River. Pictured (left to right): NYS Senator James W. Wright, Daniels, Mayor William D. Nelson, Governor George Pataki’s North Country Liason Joanne Dicob and Ogdensburg Recreation Committee Member Tom Pinkerton.
7/29/04 - NY Awards City $250,000 for Waterfront Visitors Center
New York Secretary of State Randy A. Daniels visited Ogdensburg recently to announce that the State had awarded the City of Ogdensburg a $250,000 grant for the construction of its waterfront Visitors Center.
Daniels was greeted by Mayor William D. Nelson and Senator James W. Wright in the Greenbelt for the announcement and ceremonial groundbreaking on the center. Mayor Nelson lauded the partnership between the State and City in its plans to redevelop and reinvigorate the waterfront. Nelson said that Ogdensburg’s waterfront was going through a renaissance with the announcement that the Visitors Center would be built. He noted progress at other waterfront sites, such as the demolition and cleanup of the former Diamond International site, the proposed reconstruction of Fort LaPresentation and the construction of the new boardwalk at the municipal marina. Daniels said that Ogdensburg was a model for the rest of the State, setting an example for how abandoned and underutilized waterfronts must be reclaimed and put back into productive use to stir the economy and tourism. Funding for the 5,000 – 6,000 s.f. visitor center, which is presently in its design stage, will come from Senator Wright, the Clean Water Clean Air Bond Act, the Environmental Protection Fund, the Land and Water Conservation Fund and City funds. Construction is anticipated to start next Spring.12/18/03 - River Street Planning & Development has submitted its final draft of the Waterfront Redevelopment Action Plan to the Ogdensburg City Council. The City Council is reviewing the planning document and expects to approve the plan in the near future.
River Street was selected from an impressive list of qualified consulting firms to prepare a comprehensive study specifically involving eight vacant or underutilized waterfront properties within the City of Ogdensburg. The eight sites include the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center, the former Diamond International site, the former Shade Roller site, the former Mobil Oil tank farm site, the former Augsbury tank farm, the Oswegatchie Pumping Station site, the Municipal Greenbelt Park and Lighthouse Point.The objective of this plan is to capture the significant redevelopment opportunity these sites represent, aimed at new job creation, business growth, tax revenues and overall revitalization. The final draft is a market-oriented Vision Plan that builds upon local strengths and resources, and forms a basis for further discussion among the City, business leaders and the community to reach its objectives.