Schenectady, N.Y, May 14, 2026 – The Board of Directors of the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority met last night and approved three new projects.

“After board approval, we are now moving forward with construction of a new childcare center in Niskayuna, two new buildings on Maxon Road and new parking for lower State Street,” said Ray Gillen, Metroplex Chair.

Starting in Niskayuna, the Board approved a project by Spraragen Partners to build a new 5,600 square foot facility at 46 Commerce Park Drive in the Niskayuna Commerce Park.

The total project budget is $2,450,000. The new childcare center was awarded a $500,000 grant from Empire State Development. Metroplex’s participation involves an exemption on sales taxes for purchases associated with the new building construction as well as a payment-in-lieu-of-tax agreement that will create new tax revenue.

The construction of the facility is beginning immediately as all local and state required approvals are in hand. The new childcare center is located in close proximity to major technology employers in the Town and one of the largest employment centers in the Capital Region including GE Vernova, GE Aerospace, GE Healthcare, E/One, KAPL, and others.

The Board also approved moving forward with a plan to construct two new buildings on the riverfront at a 3.5-acre site on Maxon Road. The first is a 6,000 square foot office building that will serve as home of ABD Engineers & Surveyors, LLP, a civil engineering, and land surveying firm based in Schenectady. The company has outgrown its existing space on Union Street. The new building will feature a veranda with river views.

The second building is a 35,000 square foot warehouse that will be owned and operated by Tim Barber, a Wilton, New York-based construction and development professional and owner of JAG Group LLC. Mr. Barber and JAG have worked on many commercial and industrial developments in the region. The new structure will feature warehouse/storage space for growing businesses.

The combined $3.9 million development also involves relocation of a section of the existing bike trail that connects the Empire State Trail and the ALCO Heritage Trail. The trail now runs
along Maxon Road without a fixed separation from the busy roadway. It will be relocated to a fenced area along the riverfront.

Metroplex is providing a $95,000 grant for the project, plus an exemption from sales tax and a payment in lieu tax agreement for the new office building that will create new tax revenue.

The board also moved forward with plans for a new parking lot on lower State Street. With new developments including renovations to the Wedgeway Building and Electric City Community Grocery Store, Metroplex is working with property owners to improve and expand parking lots that serve lower State Street including major lots on both sides of Liberty Street between Erie Boulevard and South Church Street. A contract for $156,100 was approved with CHA Consulting to finalize plans and prepare bid documents to improve these surface lots with plans to issue bids later this year.

Metroplex is the lead economic development agency in Schenectady County. The public authority invests a small portion of County sales tax revenue in capital projects that create new sales tax, property tax, and jobs.

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NISKAYUNA, N.Y., May 14, 2026 — Spraragen Partners, a Schenectady based developer, today announced that construction is now underway on a new childcare facility at 46 Commerce Park Drive in the Town of Niskayuna. With local approvals and permits in place, construction has begun on what will be Niskayuna’s first newly constructed licensed childcare facility in more than 20 years. The project is being supported by a $500,000 grant from Empire State Development.

Brooke Spraragen, from Spraragen Partners, said, “This project required collaboration at every level, from identifying a suitable site to securing approvals and beginning construction on an ambitious schedule. We are grateful to Governor Hochul and Empire State Development, the Town of Niskayuna and Metroplex for their cooperation and full support in recognizing the need to provide quality daycare in our community.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Access to quality childcare is one of Governor Hochul’s key priorities and a cornerstone of critical support for the working families who power our New York State economy. This new facility will offer the immeasurable gift of early education, and in a dynamic and supportive environment where children can thrive.”

The new 5,600 square foot facility will be purpose-built with classrooms designed to support Montessori learning, movement, and independence, along with dedicated outdoor green space. Our World Montessori will lease the new building from Spraragen Partners. The new facility will allow the school to expand and serve more families and, for the first time, include infant care among its offered services.

“Access to affordable childcare remains one of the biggest needs for working families in Schenectady County and across the Capital Region,” said Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “This new facility will help expand childcare opportunities for local families while supporting our workforce and growing economy. We are grateful to Governor Hochul and our state partners for recognizing this need and helping make this important investment possible.”

“We are delighted that Our World Montessori will continue to call Niskayuna home,” said Erin Cassady-Dorion, Supervisor, Town of Niskayuna. “As a working mom, I know the struggle to find high quality child care, especially for infants. By working together at every level of government, we are expanding access for families who live and work in Niskayuna.”

“This move represents a commitment to our families and the community we have called home for over two decades,’” said Diane Lanci, Head of School at Our World Montessori. “The new facility will allow us to preserve the school our families know and love, while creating more opportunities for movement, outdoor exploration, and growth in a beautiful, new setting.”

The new daycare is located in the Niskayuna Commerce Park adjacent to a cluster of major technology employers in Town including Momentive, EOne, GE Aerospace, GE Vernova and KAPL.

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About Our World Montessori
Our World Montessori has served children and families in Schenectady County for more than 22 years, providing high-quality early childhood education rooted in the Montessori philosophy. The school is committed to fostering independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning in a nurturing environment for young children.

About the Developer – Spraragen Partners

Spraragen Partners is a fourth-generation, family-owned real estate development and investment company based in Schenectady, New York. Rooted in a century-long legacy of excellence, Spraragen Partners is committed to revitalizing communities, advancing economic development, and creating spaces that inspire growth, connection, and lasting value.

Additional news available at www.governor.ny.gov
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Schenectady, N.Y., May 12, 2026 — The Board of Directors of the Capital Region Land Bank met this evening and approved new housing developments in Schenectady County.

“The Land Bank’s goal is to replace blighted, vacant structures with high quality housing that Schenectady County residents can afford,” said Richard Ruzzo, Chair of the Land Bank and Deputy Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “Tonight, we are pleased to move forward with ten new homes and one renovation project boosting Schenectady County neighborhoods.”

In 2023, Metroplex and the Land Bank demolished three blighted vacant buildings on Van Vranken Avenue on the city’s northside to prepare the site for future development. The first new town home has been built on the site and contracts have been signed to build three more homes.

The Land Bank Board this evening approved $432,000 to help fund the construction of eight more homes on Van Vranken Avenue. Each home features either two or three bedrooms and two full baths, with approximately 1,500 sq ft of living space, private drive, garage, and back yard. Due to the Land Bank’s support, the developer will keep the final sale price of each new home at $299,900 or less.

“We are proud to fund eight more homes on Van Vranken. We are turning a site that was home to vacant, blighted buildings into new homes for Schenectady families,” Ruzzo said. “This also adds to development momentum on the northside including the $120 million Northside Village redevelopment and new single family home construction development by Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County on Carrie St, Gerling St, and Avenue A.”

The Land Bank also approved a $7,000 grant to Better Community Neighborhoods Inc. (BCNI) to stabilize 333 Germania Avenue and a grant of $50,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County to construct a new home at 313 Schenectady Street where the Land Bank recently worked with the City of Schenectady to demolish a blighted structure.

In Rotterdam Junction, at 1233 Main Street, Metroplex and the Land Bank demolished another long vacant building that was a major eyesore on the main thoroughfare along Route 5S. The Land Bank will provide a $50,000 grant to Habitat for Humanity to construct a new single-family home at this location.

The Capital Region Land Bank develops housing and supports neighborhood redevelopment projects in the City of Schenectady, Schenectady County, and the City of Amsterdam.

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Schenectady, N.Y., April 22, 2026 – The Board of Directors of the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority met this evening and approved three projects including funding to create a new five-acre development site on Erie Boulevard across from Mohawk Harbor and assistance for the Jay Connector linking Mohawk Harbor and downtown. The Board also approved funding for the latest in a series of new murals, this one slated for Upper Union Street.

“These are important projects that will continue to make Schenectady County a great place to live, work and visit,” said Metroplex Chair Ray Gillen.

The first project involves the relocation of Precision Industrial Maintenance to a new site on Kings Road in Schenectady. This keeps the company in Schenectady while opening a five-acre site on Erie Boulevard for future development.

The site at 1710 Erie Boulevard is directly across the street from Mohawk Harbor, Schenectady’s successful $650 million waterfront development. A $275,000 Metroplex grant will help fund the demolition of multiple existing structures at the site, creating a five-acre site for future development. See drone video footage of site here: 1710 Erie Blvd – Schenectady.mp4.

“We are excited to work with Todd, Nate, and Ryan Kilburn to develop this site. The location is excellent due to its proximity to Mohawk Harbor,” said Gillen.

A new $55 million M&T Bank Center and a new Hyatt House Hotel just recently opened at Mohawk Harbor adding to the mix of attractions on the waterfront including Rivers Casino & Resort, two other hotels, a marina, condominiums, apartments, tech office space, and multiple restaurants.

Nate Kilburn said, “We are grateful for the support of the City of Schenectady and the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority, and we look forward to contributing to the continued revitalization of this great community.”

Schenectady-based Jackson Demolition will be on site this fall after Precision relocates to clear and prep the site for future development.

The second project approved by the board is the Jay Connector, a new roadway and multi-purpose path that will connect North Jay Street in Little Italy, which is now a dead end, with Nott Street and Mohawk Harbor. This project received funding from the State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) program. Schenectady’s DRI team identified the need to improve connectivity between downtown Schenectady and Mohawk Harbor as a high priority for State funding.

The City of Schenectady hired Barton & Loguidice engineering consultants to oversee the development of design drawings. Metroplex participated with the City to design a roadway that will also provide a well-lit multi-use path for walking and cycling. The improvements also connect to the recently completed ALCO Tunnel, overseen by Metroplex using DRI grant funds, and the existing Empire State Bike Trail.

In early April, the City of Schenectady received bids for the project. The low bidder was Carver Construction at $3,874,174. Metroplex will provide $300,000 toward project costs.

The project is slated to start this summer and to be substantially completed in 2026.

“We are excited to move the Jay Connector forward. Jay Street used to connect to Erie Boulevard, but changes made by the railroad stopped North Jay Street and made it a dead end. Reopening this part of North Jay makes for a much better-connected downtown,” Gillen said.

Finally, the Board approved a contract for a new mural at 1703 Union Street, at the corner of Union Street and Dean Street. The selected muralist is Mari Pohlman (often known by her brand Marpohl), a successful muralist and illustrator. She is best known for her large-scale, vibrant public art that often features bright colors, and positive community-focused messages.
The contract is not to exceed $40,000.

Metroplex is the lead economic development agency in Schenectady County. The public authority invests a small share of county sales tax revenue in capital projects that create property tax, sales tax and jobs while adhering to smart growth principles.

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Schenectady – GE Vernova has begun a major refurbishment of the historic GE rooftop sign, an iconic part of the city’s skyline for generations.

As the sign approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026, the company is modernizing its internal systems to ensure it continues shining – proudly and reliably – for decades to come.

To complete this work safely and thoroughly, the sign will be temporarily disassembled and taken down this spring before being fully restored and reinstalled. When it returns, the sign’s appearance, design, and character will remain entirely the same – preserving the landmark physically as the community knows it today. The company anticipates the restoration will conclude later this spring.

Originally established in 1892 in Schenectady, GE has long powered progress from the Capital Region. Today, GE Vernova is building on that foundation – advancing the technologies, innovation, and energy systems needed to deliver more reliable, affordable, and sustainable power for the future.

“This sign has long symbolized innovation and progress in Schenectady,” said Vic Abate, CEO of GE Vernova’s Wind business. “As we prepare it for its next century, we’re proud to invest in preserving this landmark while continuing to move forward – leading a new era of energy in the Capital Region, across the country and around the world.”

The refurbishment is limited to the sign structure and does not involve broader operational changes at the site. This investment follows other recent investments in Schenectady, including a planned $41 million investment at the site, a $22 million facility investment, and GE Vernova’s broader nearly $600 million commitment across U.S. factories and facilities.

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, visited the GE Aerospace Research Center in Niskayuna. The visit underscored the intersection of national security, economic development, and New York State’s leadership in the advanced manufacturing sector.

“GE Aerospace is a prime example of what American manufacturing should look like: skilled workers, unbeatable ingenuity, and cutting-edge technology,” said Senator Gillibrand. “GE Aerospace supports nearly 2,000 good-paying jobs across New York, including about 1,000 Niskayuna. Those jobs boost our Upstate economy and help hardworking, highly skilled Americans make a living. The engines that are designed here help Americans fly across the country. They defend our skies and protect our national security, and they will help us send Americans to the moon and beyond. GE Aerospace workers exemplify the innovative spirit, the drive, and the dedication we need to maintain New York’s manufacturing excellence. By leveraging innovation, they are helping build the future right here in our state.”

The Niskayuna facility serves as a research and development (R&D) hub where engineers and scientists are creating next-generation aerospace manufacturing techniques. These innovations are the blueprint for production across four GE Aerospace facilities throughout New York State. This manufacturing ecosystem supports nearly 2,000 jobs and keeps New York State at the forefront of machine-precision robotics.

The components being researched and designed at GE Aerospace include those that go into engines used by the Department of Defense and NASA, and they are among the most modern and cutting-edge engine contraptions in production today. American aerospace companies, led by GE Aerospace, account for roughly 50% of the global revenue of the aerospace industry. The American aerospace and defense industry generated $1 trillion in total business activity in 2024, including a $74 billion trade surplus. The American aerospace industry directly and indirectly employs over 2.2 million people.

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Chelsea Diana – Reporter, Albany Business Review

Story Highlights

• Bogdon Development LLC purchased the former Scotia Mansion Nursing Home for $785,000.
• Brothers Dylan and Dante Bogdon will convert the building into 14 apartments.
• The investors, both in their 20s, have already assembled a portfolio of 48 units. And they’re aiming for more.

A former nursing home in Scotia will be renovated into 14 apartments, redeveloping an “eyesore” on a prominent corner in the village.

Brothers Dylan and Dante Bogdon recently purchased the two-story former Scotia Mansion Nursing Home at 39 Wallace St. via Bogdon Development LLC. The site is about half-mile north of Collins Park.

A property listing says it sold on March 30 for $785,000. A deed has not yet been publicly filed in Schenectady County.

Dylan and Dante Bogdon were 18 and 20 years old, respectively, when they started buying multifamily properties. Seven years later, they have renovated and manage 17 properties and 48 units, mostly in Scotia. The brothers also own Fratelli Fabrication, a metal roof and trim fabrication business in Schenectady.

“We kept buying properties in Scotia and fixing them up,” Dylan Bogdon said. “We’d take the money from the renovated properties, refinance and pull money out to buy more.”

The Scotia Mansion renovation will be their biggest and most complicated project to date. They purchased the 10,000 square-foot building after driving by and seeing the for-sale sign. The nursing home that formerly occupied the site closed in August 2025.

Dylan said approvals for the Scotia Mansion are in, and the zoning changes and variances have been approved. They’re waiting on a demo permit before construction can start, likely next week.

Bogdon Development is the general contractor on the project. Construction is expected to take 10 months to complete.

The project features exterior improvements including new siding, roofing, windows and improved landscaping. Interior renovations will include full replacement of electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems, as well as the reconfiguration of interior spaces into apartment units.

The total project budget is close to $1.5 million. Community Bank is financing the construction.

Metroplex, the Schenectady County economic development agency, will assist with a $60,000 facade matching grant and an exemption on sales taxes for purchases of materials, supplies and other equipment associated with the project.

The apartments will likely rent at $1,500 a month for a two-bedroom and $1,800 a month for a three-bedroom.

The Bogdon brothers are already looking for their next project.

“We would like to have 100 units by the time I turn 30,” Dylan Bogdon said.

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced more than $7 million in grants awarded to improve three locations under the Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York (FAST NY) program. First announced by Governor Kathy Hochul in February 2022, FAST NY is administered by ESD and designed to prepare and develop sites that further advance New York’s shovel-readiness and increase its attractiveness to large employers and high-tech manufacturing companies. To date, FAST NY has awarded more than $333 million to 41 sites across Upstate New York, supporting efforts at nearly 8,800 acres — including infrastructure improvements at 4,775 developable acres.

“Through our FAST-NY program, we’re investing to help communities across the state prepare shovel-ready sites that attract new businesses and good paying jobs,” Governor Hochul said. “When we empower local leaders with the tools they need to compete, we are building a stronger and more vibrant economy for every region of New York.”

ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State continues to build for the future by making strategic investments to establish and advance shovel-ready sites needed to secure commitments from high-growth industries. The three sites awarded funding in this round represent the latest in our collaborative efforts with local economic development partners to further grow a high-tech ecosystem with modern infrastructure.”

Round 8 Awardees:

• Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority – $6 million: This infrastructure improvement project will allow for the redevelopment of 194 acres in Niskayuna into an advanced R&D hub for energy technologies. Funds will facilitate water supply upgrades, stormwater management upgrades and a campus connector road. This energy technology research campus will be anchored by the GE Vernova Advanced Research Center, and the enhanced infrastructure will enable additional buildout for companies focused on the energy transition, including spin-off companies and co-working space. The funding will prepare the site for future development by modernizing and upgrading the site to attract tenants with high paying jobs working on technology advancements including decarbonization, alternative fuels for power generation, the grid of the future, and critical infrastructure security. This R&D campus will demonstrate technology applications on-site and foster collaboration in clean energy innovation to lower costs and expand access to affordable, sustainable power. The total project cost is $12 million.
• Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency – $675,000: This predevelopment project will allow for shovel-ready advancement of the long-vacant 657-acre Eagle Bay site in Sheridan, Chautauqua County. Funds will help expand upon work done during the 1990s, including environmental investigation, rezoning, surveying and real estate due diligence. This work will position this location as the county’s second large-scale industrial site with direct rail access to both CSX and Norfolk Southern railways, marine cargo, and proximity to the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub. The project will reduce development risk, support shovel-ready certification advancement, and reposition Chautauqua County to compete more effectively for next generation industrial development. The total project cost is $1.35 million.
• Herkimer County IDA – $500,000: This predevelopment project will support the shovel-ready advancement of the former Remington Arms factory site in Ilion. Funds will be used for site planning, environmental assessments, engineering studies, architectural design, and market feasibility analyses, which will guide the redevelopment of this vacant property. The project is expected to generate a comprehensive redevelopment plan, site design and reuse concepts, cost estimates, phasing strategy, and investment prospectus, to help attract future developers and tenants. The site currently presents a challenging building layout, aging infrastructure, and environmental concerns, and is eligible for the Brownfield Cleanup Program. The total project cost is $1.011 million.

Senator April N.M. Baskin, Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business, said, “FAST NY is helping ensure that communities across the state are ready to compete for the industries and jobs of the future. By investing in shovel-ready sites and critical infrastructure, we’re reducing barriers for business growth, attracting high-tech manufacturing, and creating pathways to good-paying jobs. These targeted investments strengthen our regional economies and position New York as a leader in innovation, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable industry.”

Assemblyman Al Stirpe, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Economic Development, said, “FAST-NY has proven to be a successful program that continues to make our state’s business ecosystem compatible for high-growth industries. The most recent awards in Schenectady, Chautauqua, and Herkimer County will support those regions and drive each community’s economic development initiatives forward, while helping create more jobs, businesses, and opportunities for New York State in the bigger picture. I’d like to commend the Governor on her commitment towards keeping our state competitive and shovel-ready for large employers and high-tech manufacturing companies.”

The FAST NY program helps to diversify New York State’s economy, generate new investments that support businesses and communities, and promote job creation. Following an initial commitment of $200 million, Governor Hochul secured an additional $100 million in program funding in both the FY25 and FY26 State Budgets. FAST NY has helped companies like fairlife, Chobani, Edwards Vacuum, Siemens Mobility and Oxbo expand into or grow their presence in New York State, collectively investing more than $2.2 billion and creating thousands of jobs.

FAST NY grants are awarded for pre-development activities and infrastructure investments to develop sites that will attract many eligible industries—including high-tech manufacturing, semiconductors, clean-tech renewable energy, life sciences, agribusiness, optics, transportation equipment, materials processing, industrial machinery manufacturing and other advanced manufacturing. These sites can also be used for interstate distribution and logistics. For more information, or to apply for a FAST NY grant, visit esd.ny.gov/fast-ny.

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state’s 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state’s world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

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SCHENECTADY, NY (March 30, 2026) – Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County will begin its 67th home on March 31st with the delivery of the first of three new modular homes planned for the street. The new homes, located on the site of a former warehouse that was demolished by the Capital Region Land Bank, will be the first modular home project undertaken by Habitat.

“Habitat for Humanity is pleased to partner with the City of Schenectady, the Land Bank/Metroplex, and Bill Lake Modular Homes to bring three new, beautiful and affordable homes to Rankin Avenue. Our partner families and volunteers have been waiting for this moment and we share their excitement.” said Kathy Fernandez, Executive Director.

Richard Ruzzo, Chair of the Land Bank Board and Deputy Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature said “The Land Bank continues to support our housing partners because everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. The need is great, and collaboration helps us rise to the challenge and deliver quality housing that strengthens our neighborhoods.”

“The City of Schenectady continues to invest in Habitat for Humanity’s important work, in this case demolishing an eyesore with the Land Bank and then committing CDBG funds to create new homeownership opportunities for city residents,” said Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy.

In 2023, the Capital Region Land Bank and City of Schenectady worked together to demolish a long vacant and deteriorated warehouse on Rankin Avenue. The new homes to be built at the site are funded by a Land Bank Initiative grant, City of Schenectady CDBG and HOME funds, as well as private donations to Habitat. The homes will be cape-style with four bedrooms and one and a half baths. Habitat’s Family Services Coordinator is working with several potential families from an extensive wait list who want to live in the new homes. All Habitat partner families must complete homebuyer education and financial counseling with a HUD-certified counselor, apply and qualify for a mortgage, and complete 200 hours of work toward completing new Habitat Homes.

About Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County, Inc.

Founded in 1993, Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County, Inc. is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Habitat is a globally recognized nonprofit, ecumenical, Christian housing organization that serves Schenectady County. The organization is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally through constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. Additional information is available at www.schenectadyhabitat.org.

About the Capital Region Land Bank.

In 2012 Schenectady County, the City of Schenectady, and City of Amsterdam partnered to establish the Capital Region Land Bank. The Land Bank’s mission is to strengthen neighborhoods by mitigating blight. The Land Bank is a 501 C (3) nonprofit administered by Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority as part of Schenectady County’s unified economic development team.