Posted at: 03/05/2009 11:10 AM | WHEC.com
Updated at: 03/05/2009 6:16 PM
By: Berkeley Brean

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Governor says money in the bank for Midtown Plaza asbestos removal

At a press conference this afternoon, Governor David Paterson says the money for Midtown is rock solid. Paterson made that promise at City Hall today.

Governor Paterson said the money the get the asbestos out and tear Midtown down is in the bank but there are questions about what else PAETEC is demanding to make it's move downtown.

The governor walked into a packed City Hall today. He said a lot of projects in the state have fallen through because of the bad economy but he told the crowd Midtown is not one of them.

Recently, PAETEC CEO Arunas Chesonis was quoted by the paper saying they're counting on the city and state to come through with a "effective package for us to want to make the move downtown."

This extra money is not something the public has heard much about and today Paterson was asked is he believed PAETEC was hedging. Paterson said, “Mr. Chesonis has never said anything about relinquishing his commitment, neither have we. It's going to lead to one of the greatest economic achievements in revitalizing Midtown Plaza and this administration regards it as too big to fail.”

Mayor bob Dufffy said, “PAETEC is working hard. the city and state is working hard to make this happen  and if there was a doubt about this project, Governor Paterson would not be here today pledging over $30-million dollars for the first stage.”

PAETEC Spokesman Chris Muller says an incentive package, beyond the $55-million to make the site ready, has always been part of the deal and must be for PAETEC to come downtown. Muller says there's no change to the plan, he says PAETEC is moving it's headquarters downtown.

The first stage of the project, removing the asbestos, will cost $30-million. The mayor says they'll start putting out bids for the work within the next month.

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