Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

August 13, 2012

Dan Keefe
518-486-1868

Kings Park Demolition Begins

Long-awaited removal of deteriorated buildings begins under Governor Cuomo's New York Works initiative

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Rose Harvey today announced that demolition work began today on a $6.4 million project to demolish abandoned buildings and related structures at the former Kings Park Psychiatric Center in Smithtown, Suffolk County. Building 123, a 20,000-square-foot brick kitchen and dining hall with a collapsed roof, will be the first of 15 buildings to be removed.

"It's gratifying to see this long-awaited project is moving forward," said Harvey. "Governor Cuomo and the Legislature are committed to building stronger communities and revitalizing our economy, and this project is a great example of how they have New York State on the right track."

Funding for the project comes from a $25 million appropriation secured by Senator John Flanagan, and authorized in this year's state budget as part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's New York Works initiative. Overall, the New York Works initiative is providing $89 million statewide, leveraging $143 million in total funding to rehabilitate state parks, representing the single largest infusion in history of capital dollars for New York's parks.

"The start of work on project is great news for the Kings Park community and for all Long Islanders. It is encouraging to see the cleanup begin at this location after years of planning and I applaud Governor Cuomo and Commissioner Harvey for their commitment to this critically important project," stated Senator Flanagan. "I look forward to continuing to work with State Parks to utilize the remaining funds in the best possible way and am excited about the great promise this property holds for the people of Kings Park."

National Salvage & Service Corporation, headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, was the low bidder for the contract. Over a dozen New York State subcontractors and suppliers work on the project. National Salvage & Service Corporation will subcontract 20 percent of the project to minority and women-owned businesses enterprises, including five companies from Long Island, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. Project information and updates are available at: http://www.kppccleanup.com/

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