Plattsburgh Explores Former Air Force Base Museum Site for Housing

City officials weigh contamination concerns and development potential of 5-acre property.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:35am

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An abstract, out-of-focus scene depicting a residential neighborhood with homes, trees, and a distant lake, conveying a soft, dreamlike atmosphere through muted tones of blue, green, and yellow.The former Champlain Valley Transportation Museum site in Plattsburgh could become a new residential development, but environmental concerns must first be addressed.Plattsburgh Today

Thirty years after the closure of the Plattsburgh Air Force Base, most buildings at the U.S. Oval have been repurposed, but a cluster of properties including the former Champlain Valley Transportation Museum remain empty and shuttered. City officials are now taking a closer look at the 5-acre museum property as a potential site for new housing development, though past studies have raised concerns about possible PFAS contamination from a former paint booth used by the Air Force.

Why it matters

With housing remaining a top priority for the city, officials see the former museum site as an ideal location for residential development given its proximity to the bike path and scenic views of the lake. However, the city must first address lingering questions about environmental contamination before moving forward with any plans.

The details

The city's director of community development says they recently received funding for a feasibility study at the site, which will cost the city $30,000 with another $30,000 coming from the city administrator. Past studies have recommended against long-term housing due to the possibility of PFAS contamination from a paint booth used by the U.S. Air Force nearly 31 years ago. However, the mayor believes the location would be amazing for residential development, citing the site's access to the bike path and beautiful lake views.

  • The Plattsburgh Air Force Base closed 30 years ago.
  • The former paint booth was used by the U.S. Air Force nearly 31 years ago.
  • The federal government tested for PFAS at the site four years ago but has not disclosed the results to the city.
  • The feasibility study is expected to wrap up by this winter.

The players

Wendell Hughes

The Democratic mayor of Plattsburgh who believes the former museum site would be an ideal location for residential development.

Andrew Durin

The director of community development for the City of Plattsburgh who says past studies have raised concerns about potential PFAS contamination at the site.

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What they’re saying

“We need every type of housing known is what we need in the city.”

— Wendell Hughes, Mayor, Plattsburgh

“The city will be paying $30,000 for it and the city administrator will be paying for another $30,000.”

— Andrew Durin, Director of Community Development, City of Plattsburgh

“Well, I think it would be amazing. It is right off the bike path. There are so many bonuses, the views of the lake, I mean, it's such a beautiful place for residential.”

— Wendell Hughes, Mayor, Plattsburgh

What’s next

The feasibility study on the former museum site is expected to wrap up by this winter, at which point the city will have a clearer understanding of the site's development potential and any necessary remediation efforts to address potential PFAS contamination.

The takeaway

This story highlights the ongoing challenges cities like Plattsburgh face in balancing housing needs with environmental concerns, as they work to responsibly repurpose former military sites for new community uses. The feasibility study will be a critical step in determining whether the former museum property can be transformed into much-needed residential development.