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"Today we happily mark the end of an era in Rockland County government," Day said as he stood on the steps of the New Hempstead Road building. "The Sain Building is now officially closed. It is now a six-story paperweight."
The last county office in the Sain Building, the Department of Finance, moved over the weekend.
Those employees joined the Department of Personnel, Consumer Protection, Economic Growth and Tourism and the Youth Bureau in spacious and newly renovated offices in Building A at the Dr. Robert Yeager Health Center complex in Pomona.
Following the closing, Day again urged the Rockland County Legislature to declare the six-story building surplus and sell it.
"The Sain Building outlived its usefulness to the county long ago," he said. "It is now time to move into the future."
Day says he is making good on a promise to reinvent local government by making it more efficient and boosting services. Building A at the Health Center is becoming a health and human services hub
A developer has offered to buy the Sain Building for $4.51 million – $510,000 over the assessed value.
The developer wants to knock down the deteriorating building and build a two-story assisted living complex for seniors on the property.
The Town of Clarkstown has endorsed the plan, which will return the property to the tax rolls.
The developer has also offered to create a small pocket park in the front of the property bordering New Hempstead Road for the public to enjoy at no charge.
Day has earmarked some of the proceeds from the sale toward settlements of expired union contracts.
"We have an opportunity to give our dedicated employees a raise," Day said. "Let's take that opportunity."
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