Town of Watertown ends funding for events center as mall retrofit is weighed

The Thousand Islands Local Development Corporation is considering a retrofit of Salmon Run Mall as a possible site for a smaller Thousand Islands Events Center in the Town of Watertown. The future of the project remains uncertain after the town ended its existing multiple-event-center project and barred additional town funding without a new board-authorized capital project.

The Watertown Town Board voted 5-0 on Resolution 40 of 2026, dated Oct. 1, to discontinue the project. The resolution says no capital project had been adopted and no lease or construction agreement exists. The town’s decision followed a project that was first proposed in 2022 as an $80 million multipurpose sports facility on Route 3.

The development corporation has revised the plans several times. A September meeting indicated the center would not be built on agriculture park land and that the group was instead targeting the mall for renovation of an existing building. Salmon Run Mall was put up for sale in February 2026.

A retrofit could reduce costs compared with constructing a new facility, said Mike Campbell, vice chairman of the Thousand Islands Local Development Corporation. Chad Green, who runs the North Country youth athletics organization 1812 Sports, has also supported the mall option.

Funding remains a central issue. Thomas Bowie, the corporation’s treasurer, said the group has limited time without additional funding. The corporation is seeking new funding sources, including public and private support.

The project has drawn attention because it could provide a multipurpose sports venue for families and youth athletics in Jefferson County and the wider North Country. A renovated mall would place the proposed center on New York Route 3 in the Town of Watertown, near the existing Salmon Run Mall site.

The town’s resolution says future town money cannot be used for the project unless the Town Board authorizes a new capital project. Residents can check the Town of Watertown agenda page for upcoming meetings and updates. The corporation’s next steps include continuing to seek funding while considering whether the mall retrofit can move forward.