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Bill

S 9538

Authorizes the commissioner of general services to convey real property at the former Buffalo psychiatric center to the Richardson Center Corporation

2025 Regular Session Introduced by April Baskin

authorizes transferring 1.62 acres of former Buffalo Psychiatric Center land to RCC for a mixed-use campus with affordable housing; if not used, land reverts to the state.

RETURNED TO SENATE
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Bill Summary · S 9538

Summary of Bill S. 9538-A (2025-2026 Session, New York)

Main purpose and intent

  • Authorizes the Commissioner of General Services, with the consent of the Commissioner of Mental Health, to transfer and convey a defined parcel of state land to the Richardson Center Corporation (RCC) for fair market value.
  • The conveyed land is a portion of the former Buffalo Psychiatric Center.
  • The conveyance is intended to support the RCC’s development of a mixed-use campus for community benefit, including affordable housing. When the use conditions terminate, title to the land reverts to the State, with a caveat that a pre-existing City of Buffalo reversion right remains unaffected.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 1: The transfer/conveyance is authorized "subject to the provisions of this act" and requires the consent of the Commissioner of Mental Health. The transfer would be for fair market value and on terms fixed by the Commissioner of General Services.
  • Section 2: Specifies the exact land parcels to be conveyed:
    • A 1.00-acre tract located generally north of Forest Avenue, east of Rees Street, and southeast of Rockwell Road (with a detailed lot description and bounds).
    • A 0.62-acre tract located at the intersection of the easterly bounds of Rees Street and northerly bounds of Forest Avenue (with a detailed lot description and bounds).
  • Section 3: Requires RCC to provide the Court/Commissioner with an accurate survey and description of the conveyed lands for conveyance purposes.
  • Section 4: Requires RCC to apply for transfer within one year after the act’s effective date.
  • Section 5: Uses of the land are restricted to RCC for constructing a mixed-use campus with community benefits, including affordable housing. If RCC ceases such use, title reverts to New York State. The reversion does not alter a separate City of Buffalo right of reversion.
  • Section 6: Effective immediately upon enactment.

Affected parties and stakeholders

  • State of New York (specifically the Office of General Services and the Office of Mental Health): responsible for approving terms, ensuring the land description, and administering the transfer.
  • Richardson Center Corporation (RCC): the purchaser/conveyee; responsible for developing the land as a mixed-use campus with affordable housing, and for providing a precise survey/description.
  • City of Buffalo: retains an existing right of reversion related to the conveyed lands (as noted in Section 5).
  • Buffalo community and surrounding residents: potential beneficiaries through the development of affordable housing and community-oriented amenities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The act requires RCC to submit a survey/description for approval before conveyance.
  • RCC must apply within one year of the act’s effective date to trigger the transfer process.
  • The bill passed the Senate and Assembly in June 2026 and becomes effective immediately upon enactment.
  • Conveyance is to occur at fair market value and on terms set by the Commissioner of General Services, with the mutual consent of the Commissioner of Mental Health.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Enables redevelopment of a portion of the former Buffalo Psychiatric Center site into a mixed-use campus that includes affordable housing, potentially stimulating neighborhoods and addressing housing needs.
  • Establishes a defined, time-bound process for transfer and requires precise land surveys to ensure accurate conveyance.
  • The land transfer is structured with a reversionary mechanism, ensuring state ownership returns if RCC does not maintain the stated use, while preserving a separately vested City of Buffalo reversion right.
  • Financial aspect hinges on “fair market value” pricing determined by the Commissioner of General Services.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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