CANAJOHARIE — Progress toward the exciting redevelopment of the former Beech-Nut site in the Village of Canajoharie continues as Montgomery County’s Business Development Center (MCBDC) team recently hosted a pre-bid meeting related to a new round of environmental cleanup work and asbestos removal to pave the way for new investment.
The request-for-bids is the latest step toward revitalization of the nearly 27-acre site, which saw major progress earlier this year, with the demolition occurring on much of the eastern portion of the site, performed by Gorick Construction Co., Inc. That work removed nearly all the old warehousing that existed to make way for a wider array of economic development options.
“We are continuing to build momentum that will lead to a site ready for significant private sector investment and job possibilities for Canajoharie and the county. Productive dialogue continues with the State and this latest step brings us closer to realizing the goal of turning this site into an economic engine once again,” said Montgomery County Business Development Center CEO Ken Rose, whose team is managing the redevelopment process. “Our team has been working diligently to ensure the site is remediated in a fashion that allows new businesses to quickly move in and breathe new life into the project and the village.”
“The Village of Canajoharie, its shops and the storefronts are deeply tied to the Exit 29 site and revitalizing that property remains a top priority for our team. We have been making great progress, thanks to strong partnerships with local & state officials, the MCBDC and contractors,” said Montgomery County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort.
“The Village is enthused about the progress of the BN site. We are anxiously awaiting the completion of the demolition and cleanup phase, so we can assist in plans for the future development,” Canajoharie Mayor Jeff Baker said.
Under the scope of work for the latest request-for-bid, contractors will be responsible for removal, transportation, and disposal or recycling of all asbestos-containing materials, hazardous wastes, and refuse. There will also be select interior demolition of the former Western Plant. Work under the contract is expected to get underway by December. The project is being funded, in part, through $6.5 million of grant awards secured by the MCBDC team from New York State through its RESTORE NY program.
The full scope of the RFP can be found at: https://www.mcbdc.org/montgomery-county-releases-request-for-environmental-cleaning-asbestos-abatement-former-beech-nut-plant/.
More information about the Exit 29 site can be found at www.exit29project.com, a website dedicated to these redevelopment efforts in Canajoharie.
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