Abandoned auto-garage site in Canton to be converted into green space

A release from Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, who announced the agreement, said the property is considered a key link in the development of the village’s Riverside Renaissance Project. The project is an initiative to create open space and recreation opportunities along the Grasse River as part of revitalization efforts.

The Oil Spill Fund, which is administered by DiNapoli’s office in coordination with the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), pays for the cleanup of petroleum contamination when the parties responsible either cannot be identified or refuse to clean up or pay. The OAG assists in recovering costs expended from such parties.

For this project, the Village of Canton will demolish the existing building and then landscape the parcel. The DEC will oversee the cleanup efforts.

“We work closely with local government officials to turn abandoned property into assets for their communities,” said DiNapoli. “Our partnership with St. Lawrence County has helped remediate polluted parcels and turn them into safe places for residents to enjoy. This project is a good example of how state and local governments can collaborate to restore contaminated land to public use.”

“St. Lawrence County is thankful for the generous partnership and support we have received from Comptroller DiNapoli and the Oil Spill Fund,” said Kevin Acres, chairman of the St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators. “Without the assistance of the Comptroller and the Fund, many of these properties would have remained dormant and blighted within our various communities. The state’s help has made it possible for us to return these parcels to productive use.”

Contact McChesney at cmcchesney@cnybj.com