BEACON, NY—New York State's Empire State DevelopmentCorp. reports it has issued a Request for Proposals forthe purchase or long-term lease and redevelopment of the 39-acreformer Beacon Correctional Facility here.

The site was formerly a minimum-security facility and closed inthe fall of 2013 as part of a statewide consolidation ofcorrectional facilities. The Beacon property includes 21 modernconstruction structures totaling approximately 100,000 square feetof floor area and related infrastructure. The correctional facilitydid not utilize perimeter security walls or fences whenoperational. The campus-like setting is ideal for businesses andinstitutions that have a need for multiple uses on a single site,state officials say. The facility is located on one mile fromBeacon's downtown area and Main Street and within close proximityto Dia Beacon and Storm King.

“One of our main goals at ESD is to help local economies grow bymaximizing the economic impact and new jobs generated by ourinvestments, and we want to ensure that the redevelopment of theBeacon Correctional Facility achieves these goals,” says EmpireState Development president, CEO and commissioner KennethAdams. “This RFP provides an opportunity to create newemployment and encourage private investment in Dutchess County,which is known for its historic tourism attractions, major retailoperations, and manufacturing and agricultural industries.”