Schenectady, N.Y., July 9, 2025 – The Metroplex Board met this evening and approved five projects — three in the City of Schenectady, one in Duanesburg, and one in Rotterdam.

The board gave final approval to a new commissary that will be constructed within existing space at Building 14 in the Rotterdam Corporate Park. Over 42,000 square feet of space will be renovated with a $12 million investment that will create 100 new jobs. The goal of the project is to create a central commissary that will prepare fresh baked goods and prepared foods for distribution to local Market 32 and Price Chopper stores and act as a test kitchen for the company. Metroplex is providing a sales tax exemption for the project.

Metroplex also approved a mortgage recording tax exemption for a new building planned by the Schenectady Community Action Program (SCAP) at a now vacant 2.58-acre site at the corner of State Street and Brandywine Avenue in the City of Schenectady. SCAP is working with DePaul Properties to construct a two-story building that will house daycare, family support services and SCAP administrative offices. An adjoining building will provide 60 new apartments. The total planned investment is $37 million. The new SCAP building benefits from a recent award of $4.975 million from Governor Hochul in support of the daycare center. The new apartments are contingent on receipt of State and federal housing tax credits. The Capital Region Land Bank recently completed two demolitions of vacant, blighted buildings at the project site making way for new construction.

The Board also approved a sales and mortgage tax exemption for a project that will put 519 State Street in downtown Schenectady back on the tax rolls. Local developer Sumeet Gupta is purchasing the vacant former County-owned Public Defenders building and will convert the space to five new apartments and ground floor retail. The total investment exceeds $750,000.

Staying downtown, the Board approved a license agreement with Amtrak and a contract worth $44,000 to repair a wall and paint a new mural in the parking lot of Schenectady’s Amtrak Station. The new mural will be painted by Hannah Williams, whose artwork has been featured in Glens Falls, Lake Placid, downtown Albany and other locations. The mural will feature a design inspired by the Mohawk River and Erie Canal as well as the many contributions of GE and Alco employees who helped build Schenectady and the country as a whole. Work on the new mural will be completed this year.

Finally, the board approved a $75,000 grant for the construction of a new home for the popular Hickory Hill Smokehouse, LLC. Founded in 2010, the company plans to relocate and to construct a 3,000 square foot building on a 12.39-acre site on NYS Route 30 in Duanesburg. The new building will feature a butcher shop, smokehouse, butchery, large kitchen, café, retail space and a covered patio. Hickory Hill Smokehouse plans to start construction in August as all local approvals for the project are complete. Famous for handcrafted sausages, smoked meats and cheeses, the company looks forward to serving customers in their new location.

Metroplex is the lead agency in Schenectady County’s unified economic development team. The authority coordinates projects that attract new capital investments, jobs, property tax and sales tax to the County.

-30-

Governor Hochul announced today a series of County grants.  Schenectady County received $1 million to help fund the demolition of the former Glenhaven School in Glenville and build new single-family homes at the site.

Statements by Schenectady County Officials 

“We’re grateful to Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for awarding this $1 million grant, which will help remove a long-vacant eyesore,” said Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “Our unified economic development team worked closely with the Town of Glenville to put together a strong application, and we’re proud to see it pay off. This funding will remove a long-neglected structure and make way for high-quality single-family homes that will enhance the neighborhood.”

“I grew up in this neighborhood and remember when the school was a positive part of the community,” said Schenectady County Legislature Vice Chair Cathy Gatta, who represents Glenville, Scotia, and Niskayuna. “Though it’s been tough to see it sit empty for so long, this grant will help turn the long-abandoned site back into something the Town of Glenville and all of Schenectady County can be proud of.”

Acting Town Supervisor Robert Kirkham said, “We are thrilled to learn the news that the grant application prepared by the County’s economic development team led by Metroplex has been awarded a $1 million grant to demolish the former Glenhaven School on Cypress Drive.  We did not want to burden Town taxpayers with the cost of demolition so we worked closely with the County to submit this funding application.  With this news today, we eliminate one of the most blighted sites in the Town of Glenville and move toward a bright new future for the Cypress Road property.”

Background

Glenhaven Elementary School closed in 1981. It was part of the Burnt Hills Ballston Lake School District.  The school district used the facility for office space until 2008 when the site was closed permanently. The property was sold in 2016, but no development has taken place and the property located on Cypress Drive in Glenville continues to deteriorate.  The building is located on 38.8 acres. In recent years, the former school building has been badly damaged by vandalism.

(Former Glenhaven School)

(Former Glenhaven School)

-30-

SCHENECTADY, NY (June 26, 2025) – Discover Schenectady announced today that The Art of the Brick, the world’s most popular display of LEGO® art, will open on Thursday, August 7 at Armory Studios NY in downtown Schenectady. Following the success of immersive exhibitions like Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Dinos Alive!, and the inaugural season of NY Phoenix Basketball, this groundbreaking exhibit brings internationally acclaimed LEGO® artistry to the Capital Region.

Created by contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya, and presented by Exhibition Hub, The Art of the Brick has toured globally with celebrated runs in cities including New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., London, Paris and Berlin. The exhibition features more than 100 awe-inspiring works of art built from over one million LEGO bricks, combining Sawaya’s original sculptures with reimagined versions of iconic masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s David, Van Gogh’s Starry Night, and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

“From Van Gogh and Monet to Dinos Alive! and now the incredible LEGO creations of The Art of the Brick, we’re thrilled to welcome another remarkable exhibit to Armory Studios NY,” said Schenectady County Legislator Cathy Gatta, President of the Discover Schenectady Board of Directors. “This marks the fourth major exhibit to come to downtown Schenectady, and along with shows like Mesmerica at miSci, it’s clear that Schenectady County is the place to be for unforgettable, family-friendly experiences that inspire and attract visitors from across the region and beyond.”

Reserve tickets to The Art of the Brick are available now with standard admission starting at $19.90 for adults and $14.90 for children. Discounted tickets are also available for seniors, students, military veterans, families, and larger groups (over 8 people).

To purchase tickets click here or https://theartofthebrickexpo.com/schenectady

Tickets will also be available for purchase at the venue.

Among the exhibition’s showstoppers is a 20-foot-long Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton constructed from more than 80,000 LEGO bricks. Fans will also recognize Yellow, the life-sized sculpture of a man opening his chest as a cascade of yellow LEGO bricks spills out—a piece that has become a pop culture icon appearing in everything from fashion campaigns to Lady Gaga’s “G.U.Y.” music video.

The exhibition also features a multimedia collection created in collaboration with award-winning photographer Dean West, offering visitors an innovative fusion of LEGO sculpture and photography.

“We’re thrilled to begin installation of the summer blockbuster, The Art of the Brick,” said Ray Legere, Co-Owner of Armory Studios NY. “This exhibition is the next step in the fulfillment of our mission – to host and support the highest quality entertainment for the residents of the Capital Region and beyond.” 

Free parking, including ADA-accessible parking, is available for The Art of the Brick. Detailed parking information, along with details on where visitors can eat, drink, play and stay in Schenectady County while attending the exhibit, is available at Discover Schenectady’s dedicated web page located here.

The Art of the Brick promises an unforgettable, family-friendly experience for art lovers, LEGO fans, and visitors of all ages. Don’t miss the chance to see what CNN calls “A Top 10 Global Must See Exhibition”.

###

Governor Hochul today announced a Food Access Expansion Grant worth $2.1 million for Schenectady, the 2^nd largest grant awarded statewide.

“We’re grateful to Governor Hochul and the Department of Agriculture and Markets for supporting efforts to expand access to healthy food,” said Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “This funding moves us closer to opening a community-owned grocery store in Downtown Schenectady. Together with the $3 million committed by the County Legislature, it marks a significant step toward making this long-standing vision a reality.”

Mayor Gary McCarthy said, “We are very thankful to Governor Kathy Hochul for providing a huge boost to our efforts to launch the new food co-op by providing this State grant. This is a pivotal step forward for our efforts to establish a new grocery store downtown.”

Eric Johnson, President of the Electric City Community Grocery said, “We are thrilled to have the support of Governor Hochul and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets for our new downtown store. On behalf of our 1,200 plus members and all the organizations who support this effort, this grant is exactly what we needed as we push forward to sign a final lease and open the store. We are thankful to Metroplex, and their grant writing team led by Sue Lombardi, for helping us to complete and submit a winning application. Demonstrating strong support from the City and County was crucial to winning this funding. Together, the wind is truly in our sails.”

-30-

 

 

Schenectady, N.Y., June 11, 2025 – The Metroplex Board met this evening and approved seven projects that will bring more than $23 million in new investment to Schenectady County.

The board gave final approval to a $11 million investment in two new buildings totaling 90,000 square feet at the Airport Business Park in Glenville for P1 Industries.  The County developed the Airport Business Park to create shovel-ready sites for growing companies.  The board originally considered the project at its May meeting.

Next, the board approved a resolution calling for a public hearing for a project by The Golub Corporation to invest $12 million at Building 14 at the Rotterdam Corporate Park.  The project involves a lease for 42,000 square feet of space and 100 new jobs.  The goal of the project is to create a central commissary that will prepare fresh baked goods and prepared foods for distribution to local Market 32 and Price Chopper stores and act as a test kitchen for the company.   The board is considering a sales tax and mortgage recording tax exemption for the project and because benefits exceed $500,000 a public hearing is required.  Final consideration of the project is slated for Metroplex’s July meeting.

“Schenectady County is continuing to grow and thrive with more than $23 million in new investments that support jobs, innovation, and our local economy,” said Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “These projects show our strong commitment to making Schenectady County a great place to live, work, and do business.”

The Board also approved a $57,850 grant to help miSci bring laser projection technology to its planetarium so that it can offer new immersive music shows by artists like Taylor Swift.  These shows have proven popular at other planetariums, and the goal is to continue to boost visitation at miSci.  Earlier improvements to the planetarium funded by Metroplex allowed the facility to host new programming, including the immersive show Mesmerica which attracted over 10,000 new visitors to the museum.

A $75,000 grant was approved to help pave the City Hall lot, one of eleven downtown parking lots operated by Metroplex.  Metroplex is cost sharing the repaving and striping of this lot with the City of Schenectady as part of continuous effort to improve parking assets downtown. Additionally, $95,000 was approved to continue placemaking and public art projects downtown.  Recent placemaking investments in the Jay Street Marketplace, Jay Square, new murals downtown, new lighting,  the new Alco Tunnel, and other projects. These projects have proven to be very popular, the Board decided to create a special fund that can be used to move quickly on new projects.

Finally, Metroplex will acquire 427 and 429 Liberty Street for $350,000 so that the properties can be renovated.  The board also approved purchasing 1627 Eastern Avenue for $225,000.  All three buildings are now in poor condition and Metroplex is purchasing the properties to renovate them.

-30-

SCHENECTADY, N.Y.; June 5, 2025 – M&T Bank (NYSE:MTB) and the Galesi Group have launched a major partnership that will expand their collaborative efforts to accelerate and sustain the revitalization of Schenectady’s Mohawk Harbor. Under their agreement, M&T Bank has secured the exclusive naming rights to the new state-of the-art events venue that Galesi Group is building in the heart of Mohawk Harbor.

“We are truly honored to introduce our community to the M&T Bank Center. In addition to serving as an attraction for entertainment, we’re confident the M&T Bank Center will become a catalyst for economic development and civic pride, locally and regionally,” said Charles Pinckney, M&T Bank Regional President for the Capital Region and Hudson Valley. “Schenectady’s ongoing revitalization is critically important to the long-term growth of the entire Capital Region. When the M&T Bank Center officially opens, Mohawk Harbor will be further poised to emerge as an entertainment destination that will encourage tourism, business growth, new investment, residential activity, and more. We’re grateful to the Galesi Group for their vision and collaboration.”

Set along the waterfront of the revitalized Mohawk Harbor in Schenectady, the M&T Bank Center will become a regional hub for live entertainment, sporting events, community celebrations, and special functions. The venue is slated to open in Summer 2025, bringing new energy and economic opportunity to Schenectady and the Capital Region.

The M&T Bank Center will be the home of Union College’s Division 1 hockey programs and will host headline entertainment acts year-round.

“We are excited to partner with M&T Bank on what will be one of the Capital Region’s most vibrant and versatile event venues,” said David Buicko, President and CEO of the Galesi Group. “M&T’s commitment to community and regional growth makes them the perfect partner for this project at Mohawk Harbor.”

This naming rights agreement – a multi-year commitment from M&T Bank – reinforces the bank’s dedication to investing in the development and growth of the communities it serves in Upstate New York and across the Northeast. It also builds on longstanding efforts to support Schenectady’s revitalization. M&T Bank played an important role in convening financing partners and deploying capital to assist Galesi Group with the construction of the M&T Bank Center as well as previous phases of the Mohawk Harbor redevelopment.

Mohawk Harbor, a $650 million mixed-use development along the Mohawk River, is home to luxury apartments, hotels, offices, retail, and the Rivers Casino & Resort. The M&T Bank Center will further expand the harbor’s appeal as a premier destination for residents and visitors alike.

More details about the M&T Bank Center’s grand opening and programming schedule will be announced in the coming weeks and available at mandtbankcenter.com.

About M&T

M&T is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T’s principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, provides banking products and services with a branch and ATM network spanning the eastern U.S. from Maine to Virginia and Washington, D.C. Trust-related services are provided in select markets in the U.S. and abroad by M&T’s Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank. For more information about M&T Bank, visit www.mtb.com.

Equal Housing Lender. © 2025 M&T Bank. NMLS# 381076. Member FDIC. All rights reserved.

Media Contact:

Thea Pecht
(716) 512-4448
tpecht@mtb.com

 

###

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – NY Ovals and Discover Schenectady are thrilled to announce that the North East Premier Cricket League (NEPCL) will be holding its 2025 Youth Tournament at the NY Ovals Cricket Facility at 4281 Amsterdam Road in Glenville, NY on Saturday, June 28 through Sunday, July 6.

The NEPCL 2025 Tournament will feature a record number 40 youth teams, and nearly 500 athletes, from throughout North America competing across four age divisions (under 11, 13, 15 and 19). The tournament is one of the largest youth cricket events in the country and showcases the incredible growth of the sport in the United States, the Northeast, and Schenectady County.

Tournament admission and parking are FREE for all spectators.

“This tournament is truly a celebration of the fast-growing sport of cricket, and we’re proud that the NEPCL is holding such a prestigious event right here in Schenectady County at NY Ovals,” said NY Ovals Co-Owner, Ashok Adikoppula. “With free admission, lively crowds, music, food, and thrilling cricket on display, it’s the perfect summer outing for families, fans, and anyone curious about the sport.”

The Schenectady County Legislature contributed $975,000 to build the cricket facility, including the recent installation of fixed seating for nearly 1,300 spectators along with ADA accessible seating. NY Ovals is now renowned for its large, beautifully maintained grounds and natural turf wickets and professional grade playing surfaces – the perfect setting for high quality international-level tournaments and an enhanced experience for players and spectators.

“Schenectady County is quickly becoming a destination for sports tourism, and events like the NEPCL Youth Tournament are helping drive that growth,” said Schenectady County Legislator Raj Ishmael. “With the NY Ovals, the NY Phoenix, the future Mohawk Harbor Arena, and plans underway for a state-of-the-art Aquatic Center, we’re laying the foundation for long-term economic impact. These investments are not only growing local sports opportunities—they’re filling our hotels, supporting our restaurants, and energizing our local economy.”

“Schenectady County is fast becoming a hub for youth sports, and this tournament helps drive new tourism spending, increases demand for hotel rooms and brings in more business,” said Todd Garofano, Executive Director of Discover Schenectady. “This tournament is more than just a great sporting event – it’s a weeklong celebration of culture, community, and connection. It’s going to be a fantastic time for new and longtime fans of the sport.”

Acting Glenville Supervisor Robert Kirkham said, “Glenville is proud to host these young athletes and their families.  This is a great opportunity to showcase all that Glenville has to offer and this event will boost many of our local businesses.”  

NY Ovals continues to grow as a go-to destination for competitive cricket. The facility hosts Minor League Cricket games, including US Men’s National team players who took part in the World Cup, and the USA Cricket U19 National East Conference Championship games were held there last Labor Day weekend.

Check out the Discover Schenectady website for more Information on where visitors can eat, drink, play and stay in Schenectady County here.

About Discover Schenectady
Discover Schenectady is a non-profit organization responsible for promoting travel, tourism, conference and convention assets and opportunities throughout Schenectady County. Discover Schenectady inspires visitors to experience and enjoy that Schenectady County has to offer, from its vibrant communities with dining, entertainment and shopping to its gorgeous waterfront and outdoor activities. For more ways to Discover Schenectady County all year long, visit www.discoverschenectady.com

Five-Year Capital Projects Plan (2025-2029) Final

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — SUNY Schenectady County Community College and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have signed an agreement for SUNY Schenectady to become the next school in the Enhanced Air Traffic – Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program. SUNY Schenectady is only the sixth college or university across the country, and one of only two community colleges, that the FAA has authorized to provide the same thorough curriculum and advanced training technology offered at the agency’s Academy in Oklahoma City.

The Enhanced Initiative was created to allow qualified institutions to provide their students with equivalent FAA Academy Air Traffic Control curriculum and training. Graduates of the Enhanced AT-CTI offered at SUNY Schenectady, with FAA oversight, could be placed directly into a facility, if hired as Air Traffic Control Specialists. This means that students who graduate from the SUNY Schenectady program and pass the FAA-proctored Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) are able to bypass six months of training at the FAA site in Oklahoma City and can start working in an FAA tower. In addition to passing the ATSA, these graduates must meet medical and security requirements.

According to the FAA, “The program will increase the controller training pipeline and ensure graduates have the necessary skills to begin immediate facility training.”

Dr. Steady Moono, College President, said, “SUNY Schenectady is proud to be at the forefront of responding to a critical, national need for qualified Air Traffic Controllers by partnering with the FAA on the new Enhanced AT-CTI program. This is an extraordinary opportunity for students to gain the same rigorous curriculum and training that the FAA provides at the Academy in Oklahoma City. We welcome students from across the country as they train to begin their careers in the Air Traffic Control industry. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Senator Chuck Schumer who called on the FAA to include SUNY Schenectady in its Enhanced AT-CTI program, noting that the College was uniquely qualified and ready to create a pipeline of students to enter this high-paying career and address the nationwide shortage.”

New York Senator Chuck Schumer said, “Prepare for takeoff to better address the air traffic controller shortage because the FAA just approved SUNY Schenectady to join their prestigious Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative. As airports continue to struggle with the national air traffic controller shortage, I pushed to have Schenectady join this competitive program because they have proven themselves to be a leader in aviation training uniquely capable of helping equip students with the skill they need to enter this career. SUNY Schenectady’s air traffic controller training program is ready to create a local pipeline of students to enter this high-paying field tasked with protecting the safety of our skies. I’m thrilled the FAA heeded my calls and is helping the next generation of air traffic controllers reach new heights right here in the Capital Region. I commend SUNY Schenectady President Dr. Steady Moono and the college’s Aviation Program’s leadership for this new milestone and a continued high standard of training of our next generation of controllers.”

Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature, added, “We’re grateful to Senator Schumer for his steadfast support of SUNY Schenectady and his efforts to address the national shortage of air traffic controllers. The FAA’s designation highlights the strength of our Aviation Science and Air Traffic Control degree programs, which equip students with hands-on, career-ready training. With the College’s new Enhanced status, students will have even more pathways to success—including the opportunity for direct placement into an air traffic control facility—and will help keep our skies safer across the country.”

Graduates of the program earn their A.A.S. degrees in Air Traffic Control. SUNY Schenectady first began offering the degree program in ATC in 2012 and in January 2025 the College unveiled its new Air Traffic Control simulator, the largest and most comprehensive at a community college east of the Mississippi River.

The FAA-approved SUNY Schenectady ATC Simulator features:

• Three ATC Tower stations for ultra-realistic training
• Seven 75” monitors for 215 degrees of complete tower immersion
• Four radar TRACON stations for multi-training scenarios and realism
• ATSpeak which reinforces radar, tower, ramp, pilot, and airside driver phraseologies
• Seven Remote Pilot stations for real human-voice responses and pilotage
• FAA Academy Curriculum for the BEST in ATC Training

In addition to the ATC degree program, SUNY Schenectady offers an A.S. degree in Aviation Science: Pilot and an Aviation Science: Non-Pilot Administration and Management degree through the Division of Business and Professional Programs, among the College’s 60 degrees, certificates, and microcredentials.

SUNY Schenectady is now accepting applications for the Enhanced AT-CTI program at www.sunysccc.edu/apply. Please contact the Office of Admissions at 518-381-1366 or admissions@sunysccc.edu for more information on how to apply.

About SUNY Schenectady
Founded in 1969, SUNY Schenectady County Community College (SUNY Schenectady) is one of 30 community colleges in the State University of New York system, the largest comprehensive university system in the United States. SUNY Schenectady is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Through transferable degree and certificate programs, affordable tuition, strong student support services and a personalized approach to learning, SUNY Schenectady provides students with a regionally-acclaimed education that empowers them to take the next step in their lives. SUNY Schenectady offers degree and certificate programs through the:

• School of Hotel, Culinary Arts, and Tourism
• School of Music
• Division of Business and Professional Programs
• Division of Liberal Arts
• Division of Math, Science, Technology, and Health

SUNY Schenectady also offers an array of Workforce Development and Community Education services and non-credit courses. Learn more by visiting: www.sunysccc.edu.

Gary Hughes, Chair, Schenectady County Legislature

“We thank Governor Hochul for providing a $1.5 million Restore New York grant that will help jump start redevelopment of the former St. Clare’s hospital.  Schenectady County’s economic development team worked hard to secure this grant as a key first step in charting a new course for this hospital which served our community so faithfully for so many years.”

Gary McCarthy, Mayor

“Governor Hochul’s announcement today that Schenectady has received the largest possible grant award of $1.5 million is great news.  We are focused on bringing new housing, new opportunity and new life to the campus as we honor the legacy of St. Clare’s many significant contributions to our shared history in Schenectady.”