WEST SENECA, N.Y. -- Time could be running out for lawmakers and a coalition of concerned citizens, former patients, families and mental health workers who have all argued for keeping the Western New York Children's Psychiatric Center where it is. The West Seneca facility treats young patients dealing with a variety of often severe mental, emotional and behavioral problems.

The state Office of Mental Health plans to merge the CPC with the Buffalo Psychiatric Center, where adults are currently treated.  Renovations on that site are expected to finish early next year to make way for the move.

"I'll keep trying until a move actually happens, I think it's wrong, and I think we can head it off," said state Sen. Pat Gallivan, R - Elma.

Opponents of the state's plan say it's a bad idea to have kids and adults on the same campus, and the suburban setting in West Seneca is better for the healing process. Officials with the Office of Mental Health have said the merger will save about $3 million annually, and allow for better treatment and outreach from the updated facility.

The challenge for those against that plan became tougher late last year, when Gov. Andrew Cuomo vetoed a bill from the state legislature that would require the facility remain in West Seneca. Gallivan was a sponsor of the bill.

"Two different paths to take. One is to try to get this corrected and changed in the budget process and I'm pursuing that. The second would be to advance legislation again," Gallivan said.

However, he is somewhat pessimistic about either of those options. Cuomo has shown no signs he would change his mind about the merger. Gallivan would also need help from his colleagues in the Assembly, which could be more difficult since Mickey Kearns left his seat to become Erie County Clerk. Kearns and Gallivan worked closely trying to keep the Children's Psychiatric Center as is. There will be a special election to fill the vacancy in April, after the budget process is finished.  

Instead of moving kids to the Buffalo Psychiatric Center, Gallivan wants the state to consider an has an alternative use for space.

"We're in tremendous need of treatment facilities, residential treatment facilities for opiod addiction when we see the problem that we have," Gallivan said. "I think the state should step up and provide that space for opioid treatment."

Meanwhile, the fight continues in a courtroom as well. The coalition fighting to save the WNY Children's Psychiatric Center is suing Cuomo and Mental Health Commissioner Sullivan in an effort to keep the facility open. That group won a couple of important legal matters last fall, and await their next date in State Supreme court.