The Peru Gazette

August 14, 2026 – Clinton County, NY – The County of Clinton Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) has released the final feasibility study for the future redevelopment of the Clinton Community College property at Bluff Point. Prepared by CPL, the study examines the physical condition, infrastructure, environmental characteristics, and long-term redevelopment potential of the approximately 104-acre campus overlooking Lake Champlain. The final report was positively received by both the CCIDA Board of Directors and the Clinton County Legislature.

“This study gives us a thoughtful and realistic starting point for considering the future of an incredibly important property,” said Molly Ryan, Executive Director of the County of Clinton Industrial Development Agency. “The final concept reflects extensive feedback from stakeholders, community members, economic development partners, and county leaders. That input resulted in a stronger, more flexible plan that can be pursued in phases and adjusted as additional information becomes available.”

The study finds that the property is physically suitable for mixed-use redevelopment. Its existing infrastructure, natural setting, accessible utility corridors, and opportunities for adaptive reuse provide a strong foundation for future investment.

“Our analysis confirmed that the Bluff Point campus has strong potential for mixed-use redevelopment, supported by its existing infrastructure, natural setting, adaptable buildings, and proximity to regional transportation assets,” said Andrew Kosa, Principal at CPL. “The final framework was deliberately designed to be flexible and phased. The feedback received throughout the process helped refine the vision into a more practical roadmap that can respond to market conditions, infrastructure capacity, available funding, and future development partnerships.”

The conceptual framework, known as Voyage Champlain, envisions four complementary areas that could incorporate housing, recreation, hospitality, cultural programming, education, and community gathering spaces. Potential elements include:

• Workforce and market-rate housing
  • Townhomes and residential development
  • All-season recreational amenities and trails
  • Adaptive reuse of existing campus buildings
  • Community, cultural, and educational spaces
  • Hospitality, dining, and complementary commercial uses
  • Preservation of open space, historic character, and views of Lake Champlain

The framework is intentionally flexible and is not a final development plan or a commitment to construct every element shown in the study. Rather, it provides a roadmap for evaluating opportunities, attracting potential partners, and making informed decisions about the property over time.

“This is a unique property with tremendous history and potential,” said Clinton County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry (R-Area 3, Chazy) “The Legislature’s positive reception of the report is an important step, but we also recognize that successful redevelopment will require careful planning, realistic financial analysis, and strong public and private partnerships. This study provides us with a foundation for that work. We have an opportunity here and we must be prepared to seize it.”

The recommended approach emphasizes phased implementation based on market demand, infrastructure capacity, funding availability, and the interest of qualified development partners. Housing is identified as a potential early component that could establish activity on the property and support future recreational, commercial, hospitality, and cultural uses.

“The revised study offers a much more practical and responsive vision for the property Economic Development Committee Chair Joshua Kretser (D-Area 9, Plattsburgh). “It reflects the feedback that was provided throughout the process and recognizes that redevelopment must happen thoughtfully, in phases, and with a clear understanding of market demand and infrastructure needs. The committee looks forward to continuing that work as additional information and potential partnerships are developed.”

Before any major redevelopment decisions are made, the report recommends several additional steps, including:

• Detailed utility and infrastructure analysis
  • Environmental review and site investigations
  • Market and financial feasibility studies
  • Continued community and stakeholder engagement
  • Identification of public, private, and philanthropic partners
  • Development of an appropriate governance and implementation structure

“We’re looking forward to seeing the Bluff Point redevelopment take shape and the potential it has to help address some of the needs within our community,” said Kristy Kennedy, Vice President of Marketing, Operations & Business Development at the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “The revised framework appropriately combines vision with flexibility, providing a foundation for continued analysis and partnership while allowing the ultimate direction of the property to respond to real market opportunities.”

The study represents the beginning of a longer planning and redevelopment process. Future decisions will be informed by additional technical analysis, market conditions, potential partnerships, available funding, and continued input from county leaders and the community.

“The release of this report does not mark the end of the planning process. It gives us a responsible path forward,” Ryan said. “Our next steps will focus on validating the market, understanding infrastructure needs, exploring partnerships, and continuing to engage the Legislature and the community. Any future development will need to be financially sustainable and provide a clear long-term benefit to Clinton County.”

The final Clinton Community College Bluff Point Campus Feasibility Study and concept materials are available at:

https://www.clintoncountyida.com/work-with-us/featured-projects/p/item/2811/clinton-community-college-feasibility-study