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CHEMUNG COUNTY, N.Y. -- A new push for the Southern Tier as the Sikorsky Military Completions Center gets ready to close.

Senator Charles Schumer is trying to help create jobs after more than 500 people were laid off.

In a personal letter addressed to the Sikorsky president, Schumer asks the company to settle with Chemung County. He also wants the site to be available to the public to try and attract new companies. That site will be vacant by the beginning of next year.

In his letter, Schumer said, "Sikorsky’s rash decision to cut 570 jobs in Chemung County was a slap in the face and showed a total disregard to both the dedicated workers and the community."

Schumer fears that the building will become an "economic black hole."

Sikorsky blames the closure on difficult economic times and the need to stay competitive.