Shannon Wong wants your government center ideas
By Geri Corey
GOSHEN — Orange County Legislator Shannon Wong said this week she is “deeply disappointed” that legislators didn’t know earlier that renovation plans for the county government center in Goshen would be rejected by the New York State Historical Preservation Group in Albany — a rejection that affects Federal Emergency Management funding.
“We have to find some place to move ahead together, for all taxpayers of Orange County, businesses in Goshen, and restore some faith in County government," said Wong, a Democrat who represents the 21st District, which includes the Towns of Blooming Grove, Goshen, Wawayanda and the Village of Goshen. Businesses in the Village of Goshen have missed all the county workers who once dined and shopped downtown.
According to Wong, legislators have a choice between two scenarios: sell the government center and build new, or renovate diligently and assure workers that the building is safe for their health. There is concern about how much mold has affected the building.
If more studies are needed, she said, it could delay a decision. This she doesn’t favor. Demolishing the building is now off the table, she said.
If the building is sold, research must prove that it will bring vitality to the Village of Goshen, and that the buyer offers the highest and best use of the building. “Do a needs assessment uniting local officials, business people, and interested people to determine what’s the best use for that space,” said Wong. “Determine gaps in services and build programs to fill those gaps.”
She’d like to hear from people who have ideas for the use of the government center. Email Wong at shannoncountylegislator@gmail.com.
Wong belongs to an eight-member committee, formed by Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus , to assess the situation and determine what can be done. Town of Goshen Supervisor Doug Bloomfield, Village of Goshen Mayor Kyle Roddey, and Lynn Cione, executive director of the Goshen Chamber of Commerce, are also members of the committee.