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.”

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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.

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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

 

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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.”

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — The Capital Region Land Bank will continue its work to combat blight in the cities of Schenectady and Amsterdam by issuing bids next week to demolish nine vacant and abandoned buildings. The bids are due back on June 4th with demolitions scheduled for this Summer.

“The Land Bank’s commitment to blight removal is about revitalizing our communities, turning obstacles into opportunities for our neighborhoods,” said Richard Ruzzo, Land Bank Chair and Deputy Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “We are pleased to move forward with nine more demolitions this summer in Schenectady and Amsterdam.”

The following properties will be included in the demolition bid:

• 28 Steuben Street in Schenectady
• 866 Albany Street in Schenectady
• 201 Duane Avenue in Schenectady
• 561 and 723 Congress Street in Schenectady
• 1 Third Avenue in Amsterdam
• 25 Henry Street in Amsterdam
• 52 Reid Street in Amsterdam
• 58 Milton Avenue in Amsterdam

Complete bid documents and instructions can be obtained by contacting the Land Bank office at 433 State Street, 4th Floor (rear), Schenectady, New York between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or via email at kpevans@schenectadymetroplex.org or (518) 377‐1109 x 7.

Last year, the Land Bank demolished 16 buildings in Schenectady’s Hamilton Hill, Little Italy, Eastern Avenue, and Mont Pleasant Neighborhoods. The cleared sites will enable the development of more than 200 new units of housing.  Four buildings were demolished in Amsterdam.

The Land Bank is administered by Metroplex as part of Schenectady County’s unified economic development team.

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. –  The Metroplex Board of Directors met last evening and approved three projects that will continue Schenectady County’s economic development momentum.

At the County’s Airport Business Park in Glenville, a private investment of over $10 million will be used to construct two new buildings for a growing technology company.  P1 Industries will occupy a new 65,000 square foot manufacturing plant and a 25,000 square foot headquarters facility located next door.  Site work for the two buildings is underway as all required Town approvals are in place.  Construction will be completed in early 2026.

P1 Industries is a major supplier to original equipment manufacturers in the power generation, defense, aerospace and oil/gas industries.  The company needs more space as many of these sectors are in a growth mode with the power industry in particular experiencing a period of major investments which some are calling a power infrastructure super cycle.

The new buildings are being constructed by LSI Development Group, LLC, in conjunction with C2 Design Group. P1 Industries has signed a lease for both buildings. LSI Development Group recently completed a new office/warehouse building at the Airport Business Park for Mid-State Industries.

David Dussault, CEO of P1 Industries said, “Our growing company is grateful to its talented and dedicated workforce, and we are excited to continue our rapid growth in dynamic industry sectors by expanding to the Schenectady County Airport Business Park.  We thank the County, Metroplex and the Town of Glenville for their strong support.”

Metroplex is providing a $250,000 capital grant plus a PILOT that requires payment of full taxes on the existing tax parcel (vacant land) plus a payment of 50% of the taxes due on the new buildings increasing 5% each year for ten years.

P1 Industries expects to grow from 115 to 175+ employees over the next five years.

Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature said, “The Airport Business Park continues to help us create new tax base and jobs at formerly tax-exempt airport property.  We thank Ryan Lucey, Michael Roman and the P1 Industries team led by David Dussault for making this $10 million investment in Schenectady County.”

“The Town of Glenville welcomes P1 Industries to the County Airport Business Park,” said Acting Town Supervisor Robert Kirkham. “We worked closely with Metroplex to secure this investment which adds jobs and tax base to our growing community.”

The Airport Business Park already hosts a number of businesses including DSM, SuperPower, C2 Design Group, Bruno Associates and Mid-State Industries in addition to the County’s recently expanded recreational facility/ice rink, a new Aviation facility built by the County for SUNY Schenectady, and a major Navy Operations Support Center.

The Board also approved phase two of the Live-In Schenectady project which involves a group of private investors, business leaders and banks who came together to build 15 new townhomes on Barrett Street in Schenectady.  The investment group now plans to invest the proceeds from phase one into as many as 15 additional homes.

Ray Gillen, Metroplex Chair said, “Live-In Schenectady is working and it is achieving the goal of providing new home ownership opportunities in Schenectady. We thank these investors for their innovative approach to home building.”

A grant of $50,000 was also approved for Discover Schenectady.  Metroplex and Discover Schenectady have partnered to bring special events and attractions to Schenectady including the Van Gogh exhibit which drew 130,000 to downtown Schenectady, the Mesmerica show at miSci with more than 10,000 visitors to date, the New York Phoenix, Schenectady’s new winning basketball team and others.  The new funding will allow Metroplex and Discover Schenectady to continue to pursue new special events and attractions.

Metroplex is the lead economic development agency in Schenectady County’s unified economic development team.  It invests a small portion of the County’s sales tax revenue in projects that create new sales tax and jobs while bringing about major new capital infrastructure investments in Schenectady County.

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County today announced plans to build five new homes in Schenectady this year on Rankin Avenue and Landon Terrace on sites that were acquired by the Capital Region Land Bank and made ready for development.

“The Land Bank is excited to partner with Habitat for Humanity to make the dream of home ownership a reality for five families, while improving the value and quality of life for our neighbors.” said Richard Ruzzo, Chair of the Capital Region Land Bank and a member of the Schenectady County Legislature.

The five new homes will be built at sites where blighted buildings once stood. A long-vacant warehouse once occupied a prominent location in a neighborhood on Rankin Avenue. The City of Schenectady and the Land Bank entered into a licensing agreement that allowed the warehouse building to be torn down.

Mayor Gary McCarthy said, “The Rankin Avenue project is replacing a tax foreclosed, vacant, derelict building with three new homes. We are pleased to work with the Land Bank and Habitat to make this happen.”

Three new homes will be constructed at the Rankin Avenue site using modular construction.

Kathy Fernandez, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Schenectady County, said, “We are excited to add modular housing to our tool kit because it will allow us to more than double our typical output of homes in a year without increasing the size of our staff. The more homes we build the more families we can help gain the opportunity of homeownership.”

The modular homes are being built by Bill Lake Modular Homes in Sprakers, NY. Final construction will take place on Rankin Avenue to complete the three new homes.

On Landon Terrace, two new homes are planned for a site that once contained one of the worst zombie properties in Schenectady County (photo below).

“Blight removal is an important part of the Land Bank’s mission, but we know we can’t stop there,” said Ruzzo. “Seeing new homes being erected in places formerly plagued by blight really creates the full-circle moment that reminds us that our work is about restoring, revitalizing and strengthening our neighborhood communities.”

The Land Bank is providing $200,000 in funding to help support the construction of the new homes. Metroplex administers the Land Bank as part of Schenectady County’s unified economic development team.