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Feedback: Mercy Complex Has Potential Developer

Story Published: Feb 22, 2013 at 5:24 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 22, 2013 at 9:17 PM EDT

Out of the blue, someone - we don't know who - may want to do something - we don't know what - with the Mercy complex. 

The surprise was relayed to a local development agency from the finance group that controls the property.

"He was anticipating a letter of intent from the developer any day now," said Don Rutherford, Chief Executive Officer of the Watertown Local Development Corporation.

Next month, Mercy's nursing home residents will move out. 

It's a nightmare for local officials, envisioning an empty shell, falling apart, and landing in the city's lap for back taxes.

"The thing we were struggling with was what could it possibly be used for," said Rutherford.

If someone were to actually take over the place and make something of it, it would be a huge relief to local leaders.

But the mystery developers expressing interest in the property would certainly have their work cut out for them.

"The buildings over there are quite old, ranging, I would guess, from the 1930's to the 1970's, so there's the potential for things like asbestos that would have to be taken out," said City Planner Ken Mix.

So the message for now is no one should get their hopes up too high.

"I've had other people contact me and we've carried it on for a little while, showing interest in the property. Then they just disappear off the face of the earth," said Rutherford.

Still, it's good news someone's interested.

And if one is, who knows, there could be others.

 

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Saturday, May 18, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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