Exclusive: Wellsville village offices proposed to move to former Burrous Building - Senior housing as well

L-R: Earl Johnson, Village Treasurer; Bill Whitfield, Director of Public Works;
Mayor Randy Shayler; Susan Kimmel, President, Two Plus Four; Peter Wilson, VP, Two Plus Four; Bob Sobeck, Executive Director, Alfred Housing

Wellsville Regional News learned exclusively today that the Village of Wellsville wants to sell the Municipal Building and relocate its offices to the former Burrous Building - rebranded as "23 North." It's far from a done deal, but Mayor Randy Shayler is confident. Shayler admits the concept is "quite a ways down the road." However, the local government appears to be moving at warp speed. Here is the plan - The village wants to sell (at market value) the "Burrous Building" to Two Plus Four construction company in East Syracuse which has a long history of development locally, including extensive work with Alfred Housing. The construction company, in turn, would lease at $0 (less utilities) the property back to the village. If funding is obtained, the sale would close in the summer of 2018 with occupancy in 2019 - potentially. Susan Kimmel, president of Two Plus Four, said she was "confident" outside funding sources could be obtained. She said this project has been "on the state's radar."
Shayler said, "movement of the village offices into the first floor commercial space will provide advantages and efficiencies of new construction as well as make Village Hall ADA compliant.  The current village offices need to be renovated at considerable cost to meet those codes. The village would enter into a long term lease for the 23-33 North Main space with Two Plus Four Companies.  The Village would be required to pay only utility costs. The upper floors would consist of 16, single unit apartments. A new elevator would be installed.
Mayor Shayler was quick to applaud former Mayor Judy Lynch. He said "none of this would have happened without (Judy's) involvement." 

In a press statement, Shayler said, "At this time the village is faced with two options: Option 1 is to demolish the 23 North Main building which is estimated to cost roughly $750,000.  Option 2 would be to sell 23 North Main to Two Plus Four Companies recouping funds already spent to stabilize the building, utilizing awarded grant funding and saving the iconic structure.  The Village has already received commitments from New York State for $1,000,000 of Empire State Development funds, $500,000 of Restore NY funds and $500,000 of CDBG-Main Street funds.  These funds can only be used to reimburse costs associated with the renovation of 23-33 North Main Street. If the renovation project does not move forward these funds would be forfeited back to the state."The press statement further said,"as a result of these options the Village of Wellsville Board of Trustees is considering an option offer from Two Plus Four Companies to purchase the building which is contingent upon Two Plus Four Companies garnering the additional funds they need to complete the project.  This option would likely be exercised in 2018 when they have received notification regarding these funds. At that point the sale would take place, and the development would proceed as proposed.
Public Works Director Bill Whitfield told us about a proposed traffic change. He said the current thru traffic behind the 'Burrous Building' would end under the plan. He said it would become a parking area with no thru traffic.
What about town government?
Shayler says the town, which rents space in the current Municipal Building, has been informed of the plan. Shayler says they (the town) can move or stay and have a new owner.
If the Village leaves the Municipal Building, what will happen to that space?
Mayor Shayler said a local business has expressed interest in assuming the property, but beyond that, he couldn't comment.
Mayor Shayler noted to us that that the big victory is putting two properties back on the tax rolls.
The village plans to hold a public meeting next month to discuss the project.
Senator Cathy Young
Village officials told us today that NY Senator Cathy Young played a role in the project. Senator Young issued this statement late today -
“I applaud today’s exciting news that the redevelopment of the iconic Burrous Building is set to move forward. This renovation, in the heart of downtown Wellsville, will transform the face of Main Street and serve as a catalyst for further revitalization of this historic community,” said Senator Catharine M. Young (R, C, I – 57^th District). “I’ve been working alongside the Mayor and local officials for years to bring this project to fruition, including advocating for the $2 million in New York State funding that was awarded to assist with renovation costs.
Today, we are seeing our vision begin to take shape. This is a great day for Wellsville.”
The village says it plans to hold a public meeting to explain the issue early next month.