ROMULUS, N.Y. -- The fate of the former Seneca Army Depot remains up in the air, but some prospective buyers got a firsthand look Tuesday at the 7,000-acre facility.
What was once home to World War II bunkers filled with weapons and explosives now houses empty buildings, roads, railroad track and even an airstrip. The site has been empty for years, but the Seneca County Industrial Development Agency took those who are interested on a tour around the property, then held a Q&A session. Some 70 people showed up, including a large Amish presence.
IDA Executive Director Bob Aronson says the land here could be used for anything from agribusiness to manufacturing, warehouse and distribution and conservation. Most importantly, he wants to see the land get back on the tax rolls.
"It's time for the market to take over and make something of the depot, as opposed to government," Aronson said. "We've tried to market the depot, but we've had limited success. We'd like to see more there but let's see what the market does."
When asked who's interested, Aronson couldn't get into specifics, but said there has been a lot of agricultural interest.
One group that has shown interest from the beginning is hoping to save the rare white deer that live on this land.
"It's not only the white deer. The depot contains the world's largest herd of white white-tailed deer, but it also has fantastic military and civilian history," said Dennis Money, Seneca White Deer president. "Our main activity would be for eco-tourism. It could also a fantastic world headquarters for wildlife education as well as open space recreation."
Money said he believes partners, including those who could finance a purchase, are on board, but he also couldn't reveal specifics.
The bids are due by Feb. 29, 2016. Aronson says it could then take months to review all of them and decide which ones will be accepted.