Good News for Chester! (New York, Blooming Grove: house, camp, closing)

[Jason_Els]

On Thursday, Orange County, along with the New York City Department of Homeless Services, announced plans to close Camp La Guardia, which can house up to 1,001 homeless men, by July 1.

The shelter has been in the towns of Chester and Blooming Grove for 72 years, after it was transformed from a women's detention facility in 1934.

-Times Herald Record, 11/17/06

For ages it seems, Chester has borne the brunt of Camp LaGuardia. Given the proximity to Chest, Camp LaGuardia residents have been frequently seen loitering about the streets of Chester. A great many of the residents are respectful but there are many who, because of untreated mental illness or criminal desires, cause problems for the residents up to and including robbery, mugging, rape, theft, and drug trafficing. It's absolutely the case of a few bad apples spoiling the reputation of the rest of the residents.

Closing Camp LaGuardia should have the immediate effect of improving the desirability of living in Chester. Orange county has commissioned an environmental review of the facility and is entertaining ideas for what to do with the 258 acre grounds and building.