New County Mental Building Has Tentative Move-In Date For February, Says County Administrator

Following delays, Cortland County’s new Mental Health Facility at 111 Port Watson Street in the City of Cortland is expected to open sometime in February, County Administrator Michael Ponticiello said during the Finance & Administration Committee meeting Tuesday morning.

The question on when the new facility would open up came after a vote was taken by the committee to authorize a temporary lease extension for the Mental Health Department’s current facility at 7 Clayton Ave in Downtown Cortland. Ponticiello added the county will be vacating the building at 7 Clayton Ave shortly.

“Any day [the county] should have the [certificate of occupancy]. It is really close and that will trigger the state inspection and have a tentative move-in date in February.” Ponticiello told the committee.

Cortland County received $5 million dollars in federal funding to help with the major renovation project at the new Mental Health Building at the corner of Port Watson and Pendleton Streets in Cortland. Work was originally anticipated to be completed back in September 2025.

According to the county, the new building is part of a commitment in enhancing mental health resources within the community, providing expanded services offered, accessibility as well as overall support for residents.