New job growth could be coming to the area with a plan to restore part of the former Middletown Psychiatric Center.

Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano says the 250-acre property has abandoned buildings as the center downsized. The city owns some of the property, but the state and private groups also own some land. And New York State may sell a 34-acre parcel to Middletown for $1.

The land would be used for school, commercial and other similar uses. Some see this as a chance for economic growth in Middletown.

"Our interest is to redevelop the campus, create jobs, create economic opportunity for our neighbors, the people that live in and around the City of Middletown," DeStefano said.

The mayor added that the sale should close by early January.