Redbox Leases Space at Schenectady County Business Center

Schenectady, N.Y., January 4, 2008 -- Schenectady County officials today announced that Redbox Automated Retail, LLC is moving into the Schenectady County Community Business Center. The Business Center will be used by the fast growing automated DVD rental company as a regional office to service locations in Upstate New York and Vermont. Redbox is owned by Coinstar, Inc., McDonald Ventures (a wholly owned subsidiary of McDonald's Corp.) and private investors. The 25,000 square foot Schenectady County Business Center is now home to 13 companies.

City IDA Approves Union Graduate College Project

Schenectady, N.Y., January 23, 2008 -- The City of Schenectady Industrial Development Agency (IDA) today approved the issuance of up to $6.6 million in bonds that will help to fund construction of a new three story, 24,000 square foot facility for Union Gradate College at the corner of Liberty Street and Nott Terrace in downtown Schenectady.

Schenectady County Residents Frequent Downtown

Loudonville, NY - Over 79% of Schenectady County residents have visited Downtown Schenectady over the last year. Those county residents attend arts events (75.8%), entertainment venues (67.7%), conduct business (44.8%) and go shopping (38.2%) according to a new survey sponsored by the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority and conducted by the Siena College Research Institute released today.

Niskayuna Town Board Members Plan Public Hearing to Include St. James Square in Metroplex Service Area

Goal is to Attract New Jobs and Investment at St. James Square

Niskayuna, N.Y., March 13, 2008 -- The Niskayuna Town Board today approved a measure calling for a public hearing on adding St. James Square to the Metroplex service area. Following final approval at the Town Board meeting on March 25, 2008, the public hearing will be held in April.

Siemens PTI to Lease Space at 400 State Street in Downtown Schenectady

SCHENECTADY, N.Y., Mar. 18, 2008 -Schenectady County officials today praised the decision by Siemens PTI to consolidate its local operations in 30,000 square feet of new office space at 400 State Street in the center of downtown Schenectady.

2007 Parking Numbers Show Increased Activity in Downtown Schenectady

Schenectady, N.Y., March 21, 2008 - Metroplex today released information on use of its seven surface parking lots and parking garage in 2007. The results show a major increase in the number of people working, shopping and enjoying the performing arts in downtown Schenectady.

Glenville Navy Property Will Go Back on Tax Rolls

First Parcel Headed to Auction Block

Schenectady, N.Y., April 29, 2008 -- Schenectady County officials today welcomed the news that the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) will put a 7.5 acre parcel in the Town of Glenville, formerly part of the Scotia Navy Depot, up for auction marking the beginning of a process that County and Town officials hope will eventually transfer over 70 acres to the private sector putting the property back on the tax rolls.

New Hangar Planned for Schenectady County Airport

Schenectady, N.Y., May 2, 2008 -- The Schenectady County Legislature will consider a lease proposal Monday night for a new 10,000 square foot hangar to be built by Clifton Park developer Bruce Tanski at the Schenectady County Airport. The County is transforming the 700-acre site as an Airport Tech Park that will be home to Fortitech's new global R&D center as well as other fast growing businesses, general aviation, a new $20 million military reserve center and the 109th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard.

Silver Diner to be Saved

Schenectady, N.Y, June 2, 2008 -- Metroplex and the City of Schenectady today agreed on a plan to save the Silver Diner located on Erie Boulevard. The Diner was built around a former rail car and is remembered fondly by many Schenectady residents. The Diner has been vacant for a decade.

Union Graduate College to Break Ground on New Campus June 13th

$8M Facility in Downtown Schenectady to include "Green" Features

Schenectady, NY --- On Friday, June 13, 2008 at 10:00 a.m., Union Graduate College will break ground on a new $8 million campus at the corner of Nott Terrace and Liberty Street, in downtown Schenectady.

Schenectady County Leaders Praise Passage of State Aquifer Protection Bill

401 State Street To Get New Facade

July 7, 2008, Schenectady, N.Y., - In another step forward in the revitalization of downtown Schenectady, Metroplex today announced that the façade at 401 State Street across from the Bow-Tie Cinema will be completely reconstructed.

Guitar Builder Joins Growing Downtown Schenectady Arts District

Schenectady, N.Y, July 14, 2008 -- Metroplex today joined with Proctors and the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation (DSIC) to announce that Mohawk Valley Guitars will relocate to 160 Jay Street in the heart of downtown Schenectady's arts, entertainment and technology district.

Schenectady County Closes on Fortitech Land Sale

Deal Nets County $1.05 Million, New Fortitech Building Under Construction at Airport Tech Park

Schenectady, N.Y., July 17, 2008 - Schenectady County officials today announced that they have closed on the sale of 20 acres at the County Airport to Fortitech netting the County $1.05 million.

Griffin Greenhouse & Nursery Supplies to "Grow" in Schenectady County

New 27,000 Square Foot Building to be Constructed on Broadway

Schenectady, N.Y., July 30, 2008 -- Griffin Greenhouse & Nursery Supplies today joined with Metroplex, Schenectady County and City officials and Highbridge Development to announce a $3 million investment that will bring a new 27,000 square foot building to the Broadway Commerce Park just off of I-890 in downtown Schenectady.

Seven More Buildings in Downtown Schenectady Will See Facade Improvements

July 31, 2008, Schenectady, N.Y. - Metroplex and the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation (DSIC) today announced that seven more properties in downtown Schenectady will be improved utilizing funding from the façade program operated by DSIC and funded by Metroplex. The seven projects represent a total private investment in downtown Schenectady of $1.13 million.

Schenectady County Receives $750,000 New York State Community Development Block Grant Towards the Construction of Career Development Center for Youth in Schenectady County

(Schenectady, N.Y.) - The Schenectady County Legislature today announced that the County has received a $750,000 New York State Community Development Block Grant (NYS CDBG) toward the establishment of the Career Development Center for youth in Schenectady. The center is a partnership of Schenectady County's Youth Bureau, the Department of Economic Development and Planning, and Northeast Parent and Child Society.

Galesi Group Opens New Small Business Hub at Rotterdam Corporate Park

Newly Renovated Space Expected to Create Jobs in Rotterdam

Rotterdam, N.Y., August 19, 2008 -- The Galesi Group today announced the grand opening of it\'s new Small Business Hub in Building 3 at the Rotterdam Corporate Park on Route 7 in the Town of Rotterdam following a $3 million renovation project. The goal of the 270,000 square foot facility, located in the region\'s largest business park, is to create jobs new jobs in Schenectady County.

DSIC Wins $200,000 State Grant to Continue Revitalization Efforts in Downtown Schenectady

August 27, 2008, Schenectady, N.Y. -- The Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation (DSIC) today announced that it has received a $200,000 grant from the Main Street Program operated by the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR). The funding is targeted to help renovate first floor commercial space and upper floor residential units in commercial properties on lower State Street between Erie Boulevard and Schenectady County Community College (SCCC) including South Ferry Street from Erie Boulevard to State Street.

Schenectady IDA Approves $1.5 Million Project at Dimension Fabricators

September 3, 2008, Schenectady, N.Y --- The City of Schenectady Industrial Development Agency (IDA) today approved a $1.5 million project at Dimension Fabricators, Inc. that will result in the construction of a 14,000 square foot addition to the company's manufacturing complex on Maxon Road in the City.

Lot 6 Sale Completed

Liedkie Moving and Storage Completes Purchase from City of Schenectady IDA

September 4, 2008, Schenectady, N.Y., -- The City of Schenectady Industrial Development Agency (IDA) has closed on the sale of Lot 6 on Technology Drive in Schenectady to KRC Group, LLC an affiliate of Liedkie Moving and Storage. The purchase price was $50,935.

Schenectady County Leaders Thank Governor Paterson for Signing State Aquifer Protection Bill

(Schenectady, N.Y) - The Schenectady County Legislature today thanked Governor David Paterson for signing legislation, S902-B, that will protect sole source aquifers including the Great Flats Aquifer, which provides high quality drinking water for Schenectady County residents. The Great Flats Aquifer is the sole source of drinking water for about 150,000 County residents.

SEFCU Announces Third Schenectady County Branch

Albany, NY - (September 15, 2008) - SEFCU, the largest credit union in the Capital Region, and Columbia Development Companies, have partnered with Schenectady County and the City of Schenectady to announce plans to build a full-service branch on Balltown Road. The new branch, to be located at 3200 Balltown Road at the corner of Balltown and Consaul Roads, will be constructed by Columbia Development Companies.

$5 Million Lofts at Union Square Project Planned for Downtown Schenectady

Schenectady, N.Y., September 17, 2008 - Schenectady County leaders today announced plans for the "Lofts at Union Square" a $5 million mixed-use condominium and retail project on lower Union Street in downtown Schenectady.

Patriot Square Project to Move Forward

U.S Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted approval for Schenectady County's plan to build a new road that will connect Rudy Chase Drive and Glenridge Road in the Town of Glenville, improving access to the County Airport, reducing traffic congestion in the area and enabling construction of the $80 to $100 million Patriot Square Project to move forward in Schenectady County.

Schenectady County Secures Federal Funding to Improve Providence/Hillside Intersection in Niskayuna

(Schenectady, N.Y.) Schenectady County officials today announced that they have secured $168,000 in federal funding allocated through the Capital District Transportation Committee for safety improvements in the Town of Niskayuna at the intersection of Providence Avenue (County Route #8) and Hillside Avenue. The project was expected to cost Schenectady County $210,000, but the grant will now cover 80% of those costs.

MVP Healthcare Expands Downtown Schenectady Presence With the Lease of Two Floors at Center City

Schenectady, N.Y., October 2, 2008 - MVP Health Care will accommodate its need for additional office space by leasing approximately 46,000 square feet of space at the Center City Complex in downtown Schenectady. The Company has also extended the lease for its 625 State St. headquarters building downtown ensuring it will have a strong presence downtown through at least 2021. Both lease agreements are with the Galesi Group. The Company will also lease parking spaces as needed from Metroplex in the Broadway Center parking garage.

Schenectady County Welcomes First RAILEX TRAIN from California

Schenectady, N.Y., October 7, 2008 -- Schenectady County officials today announced the arrival at 6 am this morning of the first Railex produce train to make the cross-country trip from Delano, California to Rotterdam, NY.

New Owners to Restore Schenectady's Van Dyck

Schenectady, N.Y., October 8, 2008 - The Van Dyck, a landmark building in Schenectady's historic Stockade Neighborhood, was sold at auction today. The new owners, the McDonald Family, are proven restaurant operators. They plan to renovate the building and re-open the restaurant.

Cyclics Makes Final Payment on Metroplex Loan

Schenectady, N.Y., October 8, 2008 - Metroplex today announced that Cyclics, a high-tech company headquartered in Schenectady which develops, test and manufactures specialty resins, polymers as well as a line of tooling products, has made the final payment on its $1.25 million loan.

Movieland Converts to Digital 3-D Cinema

Movieland, located at 400 State St. at Broadway in Downtown Schenectady has installed digital 3-D cinema. No longer will moviegoers have to travel out of town to see Hollywood's latest 3-D releases.

Three New Stores to Open in Downtown Schenectady

Schenectady, N.Y, November 21, 2008 -- Metroplex today joined with Proctors, the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation and the Chamber of Schenectady County to announce that three new stores will be opening in downtown Schenectady.

Schenectady County Secures $160,000 State Grant for Recycling Education Program

(Schenectady, N.Y.) Schenectady County officials today announced that they have secured $160,000 in State funding allocated through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Municipal Waste Reduction and Recycling Program to fund recycling program education and development.

Schenectady County Announces New Lease, $2 Million Investment at Sealed Air

Schenectady, N.Y. - December 11, 2008 - Schenectady County's Metroplex Development Authority today announced that Sealed Air Corporation has signed a new seven year lease at its 300,000 square foot facility at the Glenville Business and Technology Park. The new lease includes approximately $2 million in upgrades to the company's Glenville Plant.

Safway Moves to Building 406 in Glenville Following $1 Million Renovation

Schenectady, N.Y., December 18, 2008 -- Safway Services, Inc., a leader in the construction and servicing of scaffolding structures has completed its move from Building 202 to Building 406 at the Glenville Business and Technology Park following a $1 million renovation by the Galesi Group, owners of the business park which is located right at Exit 26 of the NYS Thruway.