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Former YMCA will be used for new College programs
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — The Board of Trustees at SUNY Schenectady County Community College (SUNY SCCC) passed a resolution last evening to sublease space at 13 State Street from the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority to house new academic programs. SUNY SCCC will sign a five-year lease, from Sept. 1, 2018, through Aug. 31, 2023, with options to extend in five-year increments.
“SUNY SCCC has been a vital institution in in downtown Schenectady for nearly 50 years,” said Dr. Steady Moono, President of the College. “Our space at Center City has been a major success and now we expand our presence downtown by leasing space at 13 State, a historic building that has been restored through an extensive renovation project. A new group of students, empowering themselves by starting their academic journey, will be taking classes in this newly renovated building.”
13 State Street, which formerly housed the YMCA of Schenectady, is located directly across from the College. An $18 million renovation of the building was recently completed by Norstar Development turning a vacant building into a 61-unit apartment building for seniors 55 years or older. Norstar will now invest more than $600,000 to renovate 8,572 square feet of space on the first floor of the building for SUNY SCCC’s use as classrooms and lab space for new academic programs.
Courses are currently being developed for the new degree programs pending approval by SUNY and the New York State Education Department. The space to be leased by SUNY SCCC includes the former gym providing the College with wide open space for new programs.
“We are proud to take this step in providing our students with new learning spaces,” said Ann Fleming Brown, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Through our partnership with Metroplex, the College will have an even larger presence in the city of Schenectady.”
“As SUNY Schenectady County Community College continues to grow and expand its academic offerings, it is important that we work together to find flexible space that increases access to these programs for all of our students and the entire Schenectady County community,” said Rich Patierne, Chair of the County Legislature’s Committee on Education and Libraries.
Ray Gillen, Chair of the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority, said, “13 State Street will provide SUNY SCCC with low cost expansion space right next door to the campus. It is located across the street from a new park and is accessible to over $50 million in new development on lower State Street. Metroplex is pleased to work with the College on this expansion and we appreciate the ongoing investment by Norstar in the historic renovation of 13 State Street.”
About SUNY Schenectady County Community College:
One of 30 community colleges in the State University of New York system, the nation’s largest comprehensive system of higher education, SUNY Schenectady County Community College (SUNY SCCC) enrolls more than 6,200 students annually. Located in upstate New York, SUNY SCCC offers more than 55 degree, certificate and program options. The College opened its doors for classes in 1969 and continues to respond to local educational needs by providing affordable, comprehensive higher education and adult education opportunities. To learn more, visit sunysccc.edu.
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