Former BAE Westover Site Turned Over to Development Agency

The vacant lot in Westover that once housed the likes of General Electric and BAE Systems is taking a step forward toward redevelopment after being destroyed in the 2011 flood.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer says the property, owned by the U.S. Air Force is being turned over to the local development group: The Agency and 200-thousand dollars is being allocated for a study for the best use of the site. That money is coming from the federal Office of Economic Adjustment.

Local officials have been fairly tight-lipped about ideas for the plot but there has been talk about a solar farm and mixed-use retail space bandied around over the past several years.

The last occupant of the site: BAE Systems abandoned the heavily damaged factory and the government determined the historic facility could not be saved.  The Air Force footed the bill for hazardous materials removal and demolition of the property, which was finished last year.