Photo Credit: Daniel Berehulak, Getty Images
Photo Credit: Daniel Berehulak, Getty Images
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Herkimer Mayor Anthony "Tony" Brindisi said the P&C site on Route 28 in the village could work as the new Herkimer County jail if the county is willing to come up with the right amount of money.

Brindisi, speaking to WIBX's First News with Keeler on Thursday, said "We need to take the mitts off and everybody's got to work together," in reference to the P&C site which has been opposed up to this point by the village.  The Herkimer County Legislature has selected the site on Route 28 as the best location for the new jail, which has been mandated by New York State, to replace the current jail which was built some 30 years ago.

During the interview, when Keeler stated, "At the end of the day, it's going to come down to money," Brindisi agreed.  "Of course, it's always about money," said Brindisi.  "We just need them (Herkimer County) to pay their fair share."

Supreme Court Judge Erin Gall ruled in favor of Herkimer County back in 2012; but on appeal, the Appellate Division overruled her decision and sent the case back to the Supreme Court for further review.  If Justice Gall rules again in favor of Herkimer County, that would give them the 'green light' to begin construction on the proposed 130-bed facility at the P&C site, according to a county official who asked not to be identified.

Herkimer County officials say they've made several offers to the village, including a $1 million dollar pay out, and each time the village has rejected the offer.  Brindisi, who was elected in the spring, feels the new board is open to talking about a deal at the P&C site as long as it's fair to the village; however, he feels it best that their attorneys conduct the negotiations going forward on behalf of the village.

Listen to the interview with Mayor Tony Brindisi:

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