In the wake of the presentation at last Thursday’s work session promoting the possibility of a nonprofit running recreational programs at the Armory, I checked in with Heather R. Groll from the New York State Office of General Services Press Office to answer some basic questions.

Ms. Groll directed me to § 34 of the Public Lands Law (available online here.)

Groll: The Newburgh Armory was conveyed to the City of Newburgh pursuant to Section 34 of the Public Lands Law for the various purposes set forth in the statute. The purposes listed in the law are as follows: local mental health facilities, mental retardation facilities, park, recreation, playground, reforestation, street or highway [purposes.]

Johnston: Are there any limitations on a nonprofit running the programming?  Was there a contract between the city and state for specific uses?

Groll: There are no specific prohibitions on for profit or not for profit in the law. However, it allows only conveyances to municipal  governments (city, village, town.) It is possible for the  municipality to contract with another entity to run a program at the Armory consistent with the use restrictions. There was no “contract” in this transaction. The City applied for the property by City Council Resolution, as required by Section 34.