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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