Historic Madison Barracks (2008 LGAA)

Village of Sackets Harbor (Winner)
County: Jefferson County
Population: Less than 5,000
Village Hall: (315) 782-8130

This initiative was the redevelopment of the historic Madison Barracks from an abandoned army barracks into a mixed-use development of residential, commercial and recreational uses. This redevelopment effort included obligations to upgrade the water and sewer systems as well as other infrastructure. The public/private reconstruction of the sewer system has allowed for growth and development opportunities in an otherwise abandoned critical property in the Village of Sackets Harbor.

The old system was troubled and had extensive leaks that also contributed to hydraulic problems in various areas of the Village. The corporate entities that managed the Madison Barracks were unable to resolve the issue on their own. Because of the projects benefits Village-wide, a private/public partnership was established to replace the aged sewer system. With this project complete, the Village has taken over maintenance and service of the now combined sewer operations, providing the same service to other customers in the Village. This has vastly improved efficiency and operations and has removed liability issues associated with a private entity operation and infrastructure system.

This project allows the Village to control the sewer user rates, provides for other development in the Village and, of course, allows for the development of otherwise dilapidated structures in Madison Barracks. During project development, the Fort Pike property was given to the Village for a public park space. The community will benefit from rehabilitation of this historic property with the arrival of more retail, hospitality, restaurants, waterfront and recreational development. The Village was the recipient of a $500,000 grant from the NYS Financial Aid to Business program administered by New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation. Madison Barracks matched this grant with $300,000 and the Village of Sackets Harbor contributed $300,000 to complete this project. This project has set the stage for further cooperation and development of this significant and historic asset in the Village.