What is Madison County's interest in the former Cazenovia College campus?Madison County Purchase of Reisman Hall & Sigety Hall – FAQ

Madison County Purchase of Reisman Hall & Sigety Hall - FAQ

Make sure to listen to the episode entitled "What's going on with the former Cazenovia College campus?" of the Madison County Milk House. Madison County Administrator Mark Scimone, Town of Cazenovia Supervisor Kyle Reger, Village of Cazenovia Mayor Kurt Wheeler, and Lt. Jonathan Morticelli from the Madison County Sheriff's Office sit down and discuss the purchase offer and the potential plans for the properties.

Why is Madison County purchasing properties on the former Cazenovia College campus?

For several years, Madison County has been evaluating options to address long-term space needs. Initially, the County planned to renovate a tax-foreclosed facility in Canastota at a cost of nearly $10 million. In late 2024, an alternative option emerged when 9Fresh[1] offered the County to purchase buildings on the former Cazenovia College campus. After review by County leaders, the Board of Supervisors approved purchasing Reisman Hall and Sigety Hall in May 2025 for $1.9 million; a far more cost-effective solution that saves taxpayers millions.

Over the past few years Madison County has expanded and relocated four county departments to the City of Oneida and expanded our presence in the Town of Eaton, where they have been warmly welcomed by the community. However, additional space is still needed.

Which buildings are being purchased?

The County is purchasing Reisman Hall and Sigety Hall a part of the former Cazenovia College campus.

How much will the purchase cost?

The County agreed to purchase the two properties for approximately $1.9 million. This represents significant savings compared to the originally planned $10 million renovation of a property in Canastota.

What will these buildings be used for?

Current plans include:

• Relocating some Sheriff's Office staff, including administration and members of the Road Patrol, to Reisman Hall.
• Possibility of relocating the Office of Emergency Management administration staff.
• Using the facilities for law enforcement classroom trainings, which would bring participants to the Village to shop and eat locally.
• Exploring the possible removal of Sigety Hall to create much needed parking.

The specific uses will depend on a professional engineering review after the County closes on their purchase.

Will 911 services move to Cazenovia?

At this time, relocating 911 services is not financially feasible. If considered in the future, it would require significant grant funding.

How many employees will be relocated?

The County estimates 40-60 employees could move to downtown Cazenovia, which would bring daily activity and economic benefit to local businesses.

What is the potential economic impact on the Village?

The relocation of County employees will generate foot traffic, with staff eating, shopping, and doing business locally. Public Safety training at Reisman Hall will also bring visitors from other areas into the community. This activity is expected to provide a boost to the local economy.

What about parking?

Because parking in the Village of Cazenovia and near Reisman Hall is limited, the County is considering removing Sigety Hall to create additional parking spaces. Any demolition of a building and parking layout changes will be guided by engineering review and planned in consultation with the Village of Cazenovia.

Will there be generators or other site changes?

Facilities housing emergency services require reliable backup power. Any placement of generators, landscaping, or site layout changes will be guided by engineering review and planned in consultation with the Village of Cazenovia.

Did the Village of Cazenovia approve or direct this purchase?

No. The Village of Cazenovia has no control over private real estate transactions and has issued no statements directing or opposing the purchase. Madison County discussed and authorized the purchase in open public meetings held on January 22, May 13, and July 23, 2025.

What happens if this purchase falls through?

Per the Village of Cazenovia, if the purchase does not move forward, the campus could remain vacant through the winter. Carrying costs for the bondholders are about $1.5 million annually for taxes, insurance, and essential maintenance. There is currently no "Plan B", 9Fresh is the only entity that has successfully negotiated to purchase the campus after more than two years of effort.

Prior to Cazenovia College closing these properties were not on the tax roll. It is only recently that they have been added to the County, Town and Village.

Has Reisman Hall been considered for other uses?

Yes. Since the College announced its closure in 2022, Reisman Hall was marketed to multiple arts-related organizations and others, but no offers were made. The current agreement with Madison County is the first serious proposal.

Will the Sheriff's Office presence change local policing?

No. The Madison County Sheriff's Office is completely independent of the Village of Cazenovia Police Department, which will continue to serve local needs. Sheriff Hood has also confirmed that ICE does not have an presence in Wampsville and there are no plans for a presence in Cazenovia.

At this time, the Sheriff's Office only plans on relocating administration staff and road patrol staff. There is no plan to move any correctional staff to Cazenovia. They also may use the facility for classroom trainings and evidence lockup.

The Madison County Sheriff's Office Road Patrol deputies are assigned a zone within the County when they are on duty. The deputies assigned to those zones are expected to be in those zones. There is not a lot of in and out of the law enforcement buildings currently in Wampsville and the same would be for Cazenovia.

How will this decision save taxpayer money?

By purchasing Reisman and Sigety Halls, the County will save approximately $8 million compared to the previously planned renovation project. The properties require only minor renovations for County use, making this a fiscally responsible solution.

How can residents provide feedback or stay up to date?

Residents are encouraged to share their input through the County's public feedback form:
Madison County Community Feedback Form

Sign up for Madison County news: https://portal.civicplus.com/NY-MadisonCounty/notifications?tab=alerts

[1] 9Fresh LLC, later to become Matta Fresca, LLC