Clarkson University To Study Leishman Point's Future
BY DICK STERLING
WADDINGTON - The Waddington Redevelopment Association (WRA) has hired Clarkson University
to conduct a marketing study of Leishman Point to determine possible uses for the
property.
The study, which will be completed in April, will suggest the best way to market the
property. The final decision on what to do with the property will be up to the Waddington
Town Board.
The group is paying Clarkson $3,000 to conduct the study.
According to Mark Scott, one of WRA's organizers, a surplus lands committee, formed in
December, decided that the most common sense way to see what is best for Leishman Point,
would be to pay to have a professional study done. "That's why we've asked Clarkson
to help us out with a detailed, study on Leishman Point," said Scott. The property
involved is a 45-acre peninsula on the St. Lawrence, that has been acquired from the New
York Power Authority (NYPA) as part of the relicensing agreement.
The Waddington Town Board had decided to convert the property into 16 building lots that
would eventually be a subdivision of luxury homes. WRA disagreed with the intended use of
the land and wanted further studies completed to see what the people of Waddington wanted
done with the property. Late this fall the board stopped site work at Leishman Point and
indicated that they will wait until spring to listen to any ideas before commencing with
the original plan.
The Clarkson study, which will cost WRA $3,000, will not be completed until spring, and is
scheduled to be presented to the community in late April. Scott was looking forward to the
Clarkson study, and its results. "There has never been a study like this done before
on Leishman Point. It's a benefit analysis study that should give a pretty clear
indication of what should be done at the point. I hope the board is willing to wait until
the report is presented in April before they resume site work." Scott said. He added
that the money to pay for the Clarkson study would be raised through fundraisers or
possibly by applying for a grant. "We think it's very important, and well worth the
money."
A report from Clarkson University's Clarkson Consulting Group (CCG) indicates that the
group, "will perform to analyze various development options for Leishman Point. The
CCG will provide a comparative analysis of specified possible uses for Leishman Point.
Alternatives will be compared in terms of near-term cash flow implications, return on
investment, as well as the effect on job creation and long-term economic development for
the town."
The report said that Clarkson, at the request of WRA, would research six possible uses for
the property:
* The town undertakes the development of the property for subdivision into residential
building lots that would be sold on the market.
* The town would develop higher density residential usage, such as smaller lots, or
condominium development.
* The town would operate the property as a revenue generating park for recreational
vehicles.
* Implications of establishing a hotel/conference center on Leishman Point.
* Town development of a marina.
* Implications of establishing an independent living retirement community on the point.
The report stated that the CCG will perform an economic analysis of each of the
alternative uses of the property. Each analysis will include implications for the town tax
rolls as well as possibilities for job creation.
The report stated that Justin Bucciferro, the managing consultant for the corporate and
global division of CCG will direct the day-to-day activities of the team assigned to the
Leishman Point study. Staffing will consist of both MBA and MS students from Clarkson. The
project will be guided by the skill and judgment of faculty advisor E.E. "Stub"
Estey.
Final written, and oral reports on the findings of the Clarkson study will be presented in
late April.
news 1/17 ras Leishman/Clarkson
Publication: Advance News Category: LOCAL News
Pub. Date: 01/16/2003 Pub. Page: 0
Used with permission.