Curry Road Developer Closes Land Deal in Rotterdam
Contact: Ray Gillen, Metroplex
(518) 377-1109
(518) 461-7137 (cell)
Curry Road Developer Closes Land Deal in Rotterdam
Metroplex Support for Demolition and Site Prep
Schenectady, N.Y., January 14, 2015 — The Board of Directors of the Schenectady Metroplex Development met today and approved funding to move forward with site work and demolition at the former Curry Road Plaza in the Town of Rotterdam.
Anthony Jasenski, Chairman of the Schenectady County Legislature said, “The redevelopment of Curry Road Plaza has been a top priority for me and the County Economic Development Team and is something that the residents of Rotterdam have wanted. The site has been mostly vacant for more than two decades, but by working together we are breathing new life into this long-time eyesore. Thank you to Forum Industries for their commitment to this project and investment in Schenectady County.”
Forum Industries of Clifton Park, NY, closed on the sale of the 12-acre site with Rotterdam this week netting the Town $375,000. The next step is for demolition and site work to occur followed by new construction. Metroplex approved a $350,000 grant for site work and demolition that will be matched by the developer.
Ray Gillen, Metroplex Chair, said, “We level the playing field with greenfield development sites by providing this demolition and site work grant to be matched by the developer. This project is about smart growth and the removal of blighted buildings. Both are core to the Metroplex mission.”
Town Supervisor Harry Buffardi said, “We are grateful to Forum Industries and to Metroplex for their cooperation in moving this project forward. Working closely with the County’s economic development team, the Town of Rotterdam looks forward to the day when these buildings come down.”
The developer plans to demolish 85,000 square feet of vacant retail space and develop 180 units of senior housing plus green space and walking paths. The front of the site will contain two new retail buildings one with 2,200 square feet and the other 4,000 square feet. The total project cost is expected to be $20 million.
The new apartments will be a mix of one and two bedroom units including a business center, gym, outdoor patio and other amenities. Approximately 2.5 acres of the 12 acre site will be preserved as a nature area with trails. Another .27 acres will be donated by the development team to Rotterdam Fire District #2 for future expansions.
.
Forum Industries performs construction and development work in Upstate New York. The firm successfully developed a 70 unit senior housing project in Clifton Park. Mr. Sciocchetti also owns and operates AJS Masonry, Inc., a major construction subcontractor in the Capital Region.
In other action, the Board also approved $105,000 to purchase new cameras that service Metroplex’s parking assets in downtown including eight surface lots and the Metroplex parking garage.
Also approved was up to $305,000 in funding to restore the former Weigh Station on Broadway. The historic building is located in the Metroplex-owned Broadway parking lot.
Ray Gillen, Metroplex Chair said, “We have a new $7 million mixed use office and residential building going up on one side of the weigh station and a new $6 million office building proposed for the other side. Now is the right time to restore the Weigh Station, improve landscaping, and add lighting.”
Finally, the Board voted to add $68,500 to the project budget for the major renovation of the sidewalks, curbs and tree planters at the County Library. The Board thanked Mr. Werner Feibes for donating $16,000 to this project to repair and relocate an outdoor sculpture at the Library. Mr. Feibes was a partner in Feibes and Schmitt. The firm designed the Schenectady County Library which opened in 1969. The Board also thanked ReTree Schenectady for their help in donating trees and providing advice and assistance on the Library renovation project.
-30-