OXFORD – The controversial demolition of the former New York State Department Of Health Veterans’ Home on state Hwy 220 in Oxford is officially scheduled to begin in the fall.

A spokesperson for the New York State Dormitory Authority said competitive bids will be opened on Wednesday and the low bidder and cost for the project will be known about six weeks later. A completion goal is set for late fall, but landscaping work for the project would continue into the spring of 2011.

Over the past two years, a grassroots group consisting of Oxford residents, business owners and local government officials – along with Commerce Chenango and state officials – have repeatedly advocated for reuse of the 30-year-old facility. Staff and residents moved into a brand new, state-of-the-art facility adjacent to the old one last fall.