Ontario County has released a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for the remediation and redevelopment of the Manchester Roundhouse site located in the Village of Manchester.
The Manchester Roundhouse was built by the Lehigh Valley Railroad in 1916 and is one of the last surviving roundhouses in the eastern United States. Because of its historic significance, the Landmark Society of Western NY named it as one of “Five to Revive”, and the Preservation League of NYS designated it as one of “Seven to Save”.
Redevelopment of the Roundhouse site – which is currently abandoned, in tax delinquency, and a known brownfield – is an issue Ontario County, the Town and Village of Manchester, and Finger Lakes Railway have been working on for over a decade. These partners have assembled a great deal of information concerning the building, the property, and the extent of contamination. Accordingly, the County is issuing the RFEI to identify a developer to advance the remediation and redevelopment of this key site.
Town of Manchester Supervisor Dave Phillips commented, “This Request for Expressions of Interest signifies a culmination of efforts among multiple partners with a common goal to remediate and redevelop the Roundhouse site. We look forward to hearing from prospective developers on their visions for revitalization.”
“The Manchester Roundhouse was once the economic backbone of our community,” states Village of Manchester Mayor Michael Buttaccio. “Because the property has sat dormant for so long, it has
negatively impacted our local economy and quality of life among residents.” Buttaccio continues, “Investment in the Roundhouse site would be a game-changer for the village. It would be a catalyst for bringing new life and development into our community.”
Ontario County Economic Developer Ryan Davis notes, “The successful remediation and redevelopment of the Roundhouse site would be transformational for the village and the broader region. It would fulfill multiple countywide goals in terms of putting vacant properties back on the tax rolls, stimulating economic growth, and attracting new people to the area.”
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