The Peru Gazette

June 30, 2025 CCIDA Press Release – Plattsburgh, NY — The Clinton County Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) today unveiled a visionary feasibility presentation outlining three transformative redevelopment concepts for the Clinton Community College campus. The presentation, developed in partnership with CPL Architecture, Engineering & Planning, offers a bold reimagining of the 104-acre, County-owned property along the Lake Champlain shoreline.

The event, held at the Clinton Community College Atrium, brought together County legislators, IDA board members, and local and regional economic development stakeholders to review the study’s findings and discuss the site’s potential future.

“This study represents the start of a new chapter for this incredible asset,” said Molly Ryan, Executive Director of the CCIDA. “We now have a forward-looking roadmap that reflects the needs of the region and the input of our partners. We’re excited to move from vision to action.”

Trent Trahan, Chair of the CCIDA Board, emphasized the importance of collaboration in making this vision a reality. “The work ahead will take all of us—our partners in education, government, and industry. We’re proud to have helped lead this process and look forward to supporting its implementation.”

Mark Henry, Chairman of the Clinton County Legislature, added, “As owners of the Clinton Community College property, the County Legislature is committed to seeing it used in ways that benefit our residents and strengthen our regional economy. This study provides a solid foundation for those conversations.”

The feasibility study presents three distinct redevelopment concepts for the campus:

• Lake Champlain Adventure and Discovery Campus – A family-oriented destination focused on immersive education, cultural storytelling, and recreation.

• Champlain Nexus – A hub for environmental research, sustainable manufacturing, and innovation.

• Eco-Voyage Champlain – An eco-tourism campus emphasizing smart design, renewable systems, and regional identity.

Each concept integrates educational, recreational, cultural, and commercial components to support both seasonal tourism and year-round activity. The study also includes a phased development strategy designed to promote financial viability and attract public-private partnerships over time.

“This property offers a unique opportunity to create a regional destination that drives tourism, fosters innovation, and celebrates the natural and cultural richness of the Champlain Valley,” said Andrew Kosa, PE Principal at CPL. “We’re thrilled to work with the CCIDA and Clinton County on shaping this vision.”

The CCIDA is now entering the next phase of the process—gathering additional stakeholder and public input to refine the vision and begin positioning the project for funding and partnership opportunities.