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September 5, 2019, Schenectady, N.Y. – The Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority today joined with the Capital Region Land Bank, the City of Schenectady and Schenectady County to provide an update on neighborhood development. The organizations are working together as part of Schenectady County’s unified economic development team. In total, 36 demolitions and $96 million in neighborhood development projects are moving forward this fall.
Anthony Jasenski, Chairman of the Schenectady County Legislature said, “We have a busy fall season ahead of us. We are very pleased to see this much activity taking place to stabilize and improve our neighborhoods.”
Mayor Gary McCarthy said, “Working with our partners, we are moving forward with a focused effort that is carefully designed to fight blight and improve the quality of life in City neighborhoods.”
Richard Ruzzo, Chairman of the Capital Region Land Bank and a member of the Schenectady County Legislature said, “The Land Bank is pleased to be part of the team effort to boost neighborhoods. We are moving ahead with demolitions, renovations and new construction all designed to bring new investment to our neighborhoods.”
The Capital Region Land Bank is underway with eleven demolitions. Buildings at 16 Jefferson Street and 1568 Van Vranken Avenue have already been taken down, 1002 Crane Street is currently in the process of being demolished and 702 Crane Street is currently undergoing asbestos abatement in preparation for demolition in September. A home at 760 Eastern Avenue was recently abated for asbestos and will be rehabbed by Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County. The other Land Bank demolitions that will occur this fall include: 602 Hattie Street, 1213 First Avenue, 602 Orchard Street, 1520 Fifth Avenue, 1336 Eighth Avenue, 625 Crane Street and 1227 Sixth Avenue.
The City of Schenectady is currently underway with six demolitions to take place this fall including:
1706 Carrie Street, with the site to be used for new construction by Habitat for Humanity 9 Backus Street – building down and hauled away; back fill in progress 410 Schenectady Street and 412 Schenectady Street require extensive abatement with demolition to follow 955 Strong Street 410 Summit Street
The City is also moving ahead with a new demolition bid that will be issued shortly and includes the following properties:
1023 Bridge Street 821 Congress Street 869 Emmett Street 511 Schenectady Street 2022 Williams Street 873 Strong Street 934 Davis Terrace 930 Davis Terrace 492 Hulett Street
Metroplex is moving forward with two demolition projects in the towns including long vacant structures at 102 Mohawk Avenue in the Village of Scotia and 1220 Main Street in Rotterdam Junction. Four major neighborhood development projects worth $96 million continue to move forward in Schenectady this fall.
To make way for the new $40 million Hillside Crossing project on Hamilton Hill, three demolitions will occur this fall including 749, 759 and 763 Albany Street.
In preparation for a new $24 million investment at Yates Village, demolition of two buildings facing Van Vranken Avenue will be demolished starting in late September so that new construction can follow.
The $19 million Renaissance Square Project on Eastern Avenue also begins this year with the demolition of three vacant buildings on Eastern Avenue. Renaissance Square also includes a major renovation to the former St. Mary’s School.
Finally, the new $13 million Boys and Girls Club is under construction in Mt. Pleasant.
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