Rockland Community College is considering buying Nyack College’s campus in Rockland – an acquisition that could come at great cost.
Back in November, the Christian school announced it is selling the property to operate solely out of its New York City location in the fall. The news piqued the interest of RCC, which was already looking to expand its Suffern campus.
"We were considering building residence halls and, ultimately, the Nyack campus already has residence halls,” says Dr. Michael Baston, president of RCC.
Officials say the space would allow them to offer more middle skills courses, including in health care.
There's also the matter of cost. So far, there's no price tag posted for the space in the downtown area, but there's already concern the potential purchase could impact taxpayers.
"Rockland Community College is just that – a Rockland County college which is supported 30 percent or so by Rockland County taxpayers," says Ed Day, the county executive.
Day says he is not opposed to the idea if it benefits the community, but RCC would need additional funding.
"My hope is that with the help and support of the community, they will help us take this promising idea and turn it into a real reality,” says Dr. Baston.
RCC is unsure if it would want to buy some of the campus or all of it. Officials say there are multiple buyers interested in purchasing the Nyack College property.