Metroplex Board Okays Two Corridor Upgrade Projects

Metroplex Board Okays Two Corridor Upgrade Projects

Contact: Ray Gillen, Metroplex

(518) 377-1109

(518) 461-7137 (cell)

 

Metroplex Board Okays Two Corridor Upgrade Projects

Schenectady, N.Y., June 10, 2015 — The Metroplex Board of Directors met today and approved funding for two corridor improvement projects.

The first project improves the corridor on lower Union Street in downtown Schenectady from Lafayette and Park Street to Erie Boulevard.  Improvements will also occur on Yates Street from Union Street to Liberty Street.  The project will bring new curbs, sidewalks, crosswalks, trees and lights to both streets. Both streets will also be repaved.  The cost of the project is $1.811 million with the City paying $820,000 and Metroplex paying $991,000.  The project was competitively bid and the winning bid was submitted by Callanan Industries of Schenectady.
Ray Gillen, Metroplex Chair said, “This project continues the rapid pace of development downtown improving Union and Yates Streets.  Metroplex has already completed work connecting North Jay Street and Union. This better links Union College, Little Italy and the strong development we are seeing on lower Union Street to the rest of downtown.”

The second corridor project is located in Glenville on Route 50 from Glenridge Road to Maybrook Drive.  This corridor will see a $1.38 million upgrade to include new sidewalk, crossings and new LED street lights.  The goal of the project is to create a Town Center in this portion of Glenville adding to the momentum in this area including the new Target, Mohawk Honda, County Airport Business Park, Fortitech, Socha Plaza, the new Applebee’s and many other developments.

The Glenville corridor project is designed to improve walkability, lighting, safety and create a Town Center environment for this major commercial corridor in Schenectady County.

The Route 50 project is being paid for by New York State DOT funding of $825,000 for sidewalks and crossings, Town funds, private donations and a $90,000 grant from Metroplex.

Gillen added, “Metroplex promised to cost share in this project cost when the Town submitted funding applications to the State.  We are pleased to see this project moving forward as it will help continue the revitalization and growth that is occurring in this key commercial corridor.”