Schenectady County Projects Win Regional Economic Development Funding
(Schenectady County, NY) Schenectady County officials today thanked Governor Cuomo and the Capital Regional Economic Development Council for funding several projects under the Governor’s Regional Council Award competition.
Anthony Jasenski, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature said, “We are proud of our record in competing for these regional council awards. This funding helps us leverage private investment that will continue the momentum of our redevelopment efforts throughout Schenectady County. We thank Governor Cuomo for his continued support.”
The Schenectady Innovation Project (SIP) received $2.9 million to renovate the former Breslaws Department Store in downtown Schenectady. The project will transform the largest building on lower State Street, via a $15 million investment that will create space for craft breweries and distilleries, SCCC’s culinary and craft beverage programs, plus loft housing and offices for tech companies. The SIP Project award was the third largest in the Capital Region.
“The total renovation of Breslaws will add to the momentum on lower State Street that also includes the $20 million Electric City Apartments, the $11 million Mill Artisan District, the new Gateway Park, the New York BizLab, the $20 million renovation of the former YMCA and more to come,” said Ray Gillen, Metroplex Chair.
The second project selected for state funding of $503,251 will create dock space on the Mohawk River at Mohawk Harbor. The project will allow larger boats to visit Schenectady complimenting a new 50 boat marina now in place at Mohawk Harbor. A new trail will connect the docks to the Rivers Casino & Resort and the Alco Heritage waterfront hike/bike trail built by Schenectady County.
“Mohawk Harbor is by far the largest waterfront attraction on the NYS Canal system,” continued Chair Jasenski. “Many larger boats use this great waterway and now these vessels will be able to dock and stay and enjoy the casino, our new hotels, our revitalized downtown and so much more.”
SUNY SCCC will benefit from a grant of $37,800 to work with the not-for-profit Albany Can Code, to help address the shortage of web and software developers in the local workforce. The project will provide an opportunity for unemployed individuals to acquire targeted training that can lead to local, permanent employment.
The City of Schenectady received grant funding of $205,417 to renovate Jerry Burrell Park in Hamilton Hill. The project involves a joint effort by the City and the Schenectady YMCA benefit to create a cleaner, greener, safer park. The funding will allow for the reconstruction of a handball court, tennis and basketball courts and spectator bleachers in the park. The project also includes repaving walkways, new sidewalks, landscaping, fencing, smart lighting, new park signage, and a splash pad/water play area for children. This continues the momentum in the Hamilton Hill neighborhood which now has more than $80 million in construction work planned or underway.
In another boost for Hamilton Hill, the new makers space at the former St. Columba’s School received a grant of $85,000. This will help the Albany Barn to build a makers space that will be a place for artists and entrepreneurs, start-up companies and to gather and work.
Working with the City of Schenectady and Metroplex, miSci will construct a trail connecting miSci and Vale Park using a grant of $415,120. The project also includes an outdoor classroom that will increase miSci’s capacity to offer environmental and conservancy educational programs in an outdoor setting, complete with area for lab activities. Finally, the funding will open up access to five acres on the northern side of the front pond in Vale Park.
The Town of Rotterdam is receiving a grant of $48,750 to purchase the former Bobby Young Auto service station which is located in Zone 1 of the County’s Aquifer Protection Zone. This will help protect the Great Flats Aquifer, the source of Schenectady County’s drinking water. The County and Metroplex will work with the town to demolish and clean up the site as part of ongoing effort to protect the aquifer including the recent demolition of the derelict L&M motel.
Proctors received $500,000 to install new seating and improve audio services at the historic theater which is the centerpiece of downtown Schenectady’s renewal. The New York Folklore Society on Jay Street received $75,000 and the Schenectady Community Action Program received $99,806 for training programs.
Contact:
Joe McQueen
Director of Communications
Schenectady County
(518) 388-4772