A constitutional amendment sponsored by Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) to facilitate the sale of Camp Gabriels in the Town of Brighton today passed the state Senate. Senate bill S27 would enable the property to be sold or leased while ensuring the funds from the sale go toward forest preserve acquisition in the Adirondack Park. This is third consecutive year Stec’s legislation has passed the Senate.
“Camp Gabriels has laid dormant far too long and it’s had a negative impact on our local economy and quality of life,” Stec said. “If we’re serious about repurposing closed prisons, passing this constitutional amendment removes this financial liability from the state and generate the jobs, revenue and economic activity we’ve needed in Franklin County since Camp Gabriels was closed in 2009.
“In addition to the economic potential of a sale, this amendment ensures we continue forest preservation in the Adirondack Park for years to come,” he continued. “I’m hopeful that the Assembly will also take action this year, so we can get one step closer to bringing this amendment to voters and ensure this site is used to better our region.”