“The Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority, the Capital Region Land Bank and The Community Builders, Inc. today announced plans to demolish almost 40 blighted buildings in Schenectady.
“Vacant, blighted zombie properties are not welcome in Schenectady County. They hurt the individuals and families who want to invest in our neighborhoods and create hazards for our first responders. We want safe, livable housing in our community. By getting rid of zombie properties, we stay focused on efforts to boost property values and encourage home ownership,” said Richard Ruzzo, Capital Region Land Bank Chairman and a member of the Schenectady County Legislature. “This next round of demolitions will continue the revitalization and comeback of Schenectady neighborhoods.”
Ray Gillen, Metroplex Chair and Commissioner of Economic Development and Planning for Schenectady County said, “We are pleased to work with the Land Bank and The Community Builders to eliminate more blighted buildings. This next round of demolitions will continue to build the strong momentum that is driving redevelopment downtown and in the neighborhoods.”
A recent Rockefeller College/Albany Law School study found that vacant buildings detract from the value of nearby homes and that home prices in the Eastern Avenue corridor increased after vacant and abandoned properties were demolished in the neighborhood.
Metroplex has approved funding to demolish 729 State Street, 1101 Barrett Street and 608 Smith Street. The building at 729 State Street is a vacant and blighted commercial building that is blocking progress on the 700 block of State Street which is seeing investment in new buildings and building renovations. The vacant building at 1101 Barrett Street is negatively impacting redevelopment in the Little Italy neighborhood just off the lower Union Street corridor, which is also seeing considerable new investment. The vacant 608 Smith Street building is located near Proctors and is owned by Schenectady County. The County is helping to fund this demolition.”
read the entire article
Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp 31 May 2018.