Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara today announced that he secured $4 million in the 2026-27 New York State Budget for the development of Rotterdam Commons, a new community recreation complex and park for the Town of Rotterdam.

Joined by Rotterdam Town Supervisor John Polimeni and Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority Chairman Ray Gillen, Santabarbara unveiled preliminary plans and renderings for the project, which is designed to become a multi-use recreational destination serving residents of Rotterdam and the greater Schenectady County community.

The funding will create Rotterdam Commons, a community-focused recreation complex featuring athletic fields, playgrounds, walking and nature trails, outdoor gathering spaces, and improved access throughout the site. The project is designed to expand recreational opportunities, encourage outdoor activities, and create a welcoming gathering place for residents and families.

“This is exactly the kind of project we should be investing in,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “Parks and community spaces bring people together and improve our quality of life. This investment will create a place where families can spend time together, children can play, and residents of all ages can enjoy everything our community has to offer. Good communities don’t happen by accident. They happen because people are willing to invest in them.”

“Assemblyman Santabarbara securing $4 million in the state budget to build a new town park is a transformative opportunity that will enhance community well-being and create a vibrant space for recreation and connection,” said Rotterdam Town Supervisor John Polimeni. “This investment reflects our commitment to fostering a healthier, more inclusive, and thriving neighborhood for generations to come.”

Ray Gillen, Chair of the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority, said, “We thank Assemblyman Santabarbara for securing this funding needed to create this major new recreational asset for the Town of Rotterdam. This reflects his ongoing commitment to the residents of Schenectady County to support key economic development and quality of life projects. We look forward to working with the Town of Rotterdam to develop this site as parkland.”

Preliminary concept plans for Rotterdam Commons include athletic fields, playgrounds, tennis and pickleball courts, walking and nature trails, open green spaces, and community gathering areas designed to provide new recreational opportunities for residents and families. [RENDERINGS ATTACHED]

“This project is about creating a place where people can gather, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time with family and friends,” Assemblyman Santabarbara said. “Rotterdam Commons will be a tremendous asset for the Town of Rotterdam and a place that families from throughout our region can enjoy for generations to come.”

SCHENECTADY, NY (June 3, 2026) – Discover Schenectady today announced that the historic Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief will return to Schenectady’s Mohawk Harbor this Saturday, June 6 as part of its statewide Back to Buffalo Tour.

The return visit gives residents and visitors a second chance to step aboard the celebrated replica vessel and experience a unique piece of New York history following its first appearance in Schenectady in October during last year’s Erie Canal Bicentennial celebration.

The Seneca Chief is scheduled to arrive at Mohawk Harbor at 3:45 p.m., followed by a brief welcome ceremony at 4:15 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, with guided boat tours available from 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. Media are invited to attend for photos, video opportunities and interviews.

“The return of the Seneca Chief gives our residents and visitors another opportunity to connect with the extraordinary history that helped shape Schenectady County and New York State,” said Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “The Erie Canal transformed communities across our region, and seeing this remarkable vessel at Mohawk Harbor is a powerful reminder of the innovation, perseverance and vision that continue to define New York 200 years later.”

Built by the Buffalo Maritime Center, the Seneca Chief is a full-scale replica of the canal boat used by Governor DeWitt Clinton during the Erie Canal’s inaugural voyage in 1825. After serving as the centerpiece of last year’s bicentennial commemoration, the vessel is now embarking on the Back to Buffalo Tour, a 22-day educational journey that will visit communities across the Erie Canal corridor before returning to Buffalo later this month.

The Erie Canal officially opened in 1825, spanning 363 miles from Albany to Buffalo and connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. The waterway revolutionized transportation and commerce, dramatically reducing travel times and shipping costs while helping establish New York as the nation’s leading center of trade and industry.

For Schenectady County, the canal played a critical role in economic growth and industrial development. Stretching more than 20 miles through the county, the canal helped fuel commerce, manufacturing and population growth, cementing Schenectady County’s place in New York’s canal history.

For more information about the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief and the Back to Buffalo Tour, visit the Buffalo Maritime Center website 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 all 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

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (May 29, 2026) – The Ruck, the premiere craft beer destination for the nearly 30 years, has announced it will expand to a second location, in Schenectady, for the first time in its history.

Named The Ruck Squared (preferably The Ruck²), the new location will take over the former Unbeetable vegan bar and arcade. At 4,000 sq. ft., it will be nearly twice the size of the original bar in Troy.

The Ruck originally opened in 1998 in Troy, in which owner Dave Gardell acquired the bar in late 2004. Since acquiring the bar, Gardell elevated The Ruck into the true craft beer destination of the Capital Region and the Northeastern United States.

“The Ruck has been my passion and my love for most of my adult life. Opening another Ruck is not something I’ve decided to on a whim, but after looking at this particular location, my connection to Schenectady through the community college’s brewing program, and welcoming support here, I couldn’t resist,” said Gardell.

The bar will feature 22 draft lines to start and will retain a select number of arcade games from Unbeetable.

“It is great news that the Ruck will open a second location in downtown Schenectady,” said Schenectady Mayor Gary R. McCarthy. “We thank Dave and his team for seeing the opportunity to grow with Schenectady.”

“The Ruck is a destination in Troy and we welcome them to downtown Schenectady just around the corner from Proctors,” said Ray Gillen, chair, Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority. “The Ruck will be a great addition to downtown.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Dave Gardell and The Ruck to Downtown Schenectady with their new space The Ruck Squared. Already a beloved name throughout the Capital Region, we are certain that their unique business model and culinary expertise will be a fantastic addition to the Downtown Schenectady Community. We cannot wait to help host their grand opening to celebrate this new space along with the owner,” said Maureen Neufeld, executive director, Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation (DSIC).

Opening day is scheduled for Friday, June 26. Details to be announced in the coming weeks, in addition to days and hours of operation.

For more information about The Ruck, including career opportunities, please visit getrucked.com.

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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
New York State | Executive Chamber | press.office@exec.ny.gov | 518.474.8418
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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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