OK, well, I'm quite well with doing something to help out the veterans.  There is no reason we shouldn't be doing something to help them, and I think that this home is a wonderful thing for the location, and will be much better for the neighborhood than the issues they were having before.  Here's the question, though.  If the Metroplex is in the business of increasing the tax base and increasing the possibility of sales tax and creating jobs, how in any way does this go forward as a project that the Metroplex would be spending money on?  Which of it's goals does it go towards?

Quoted Text

ROTTERDAM
Plan set to pay back tax on former Draper School
BY BETHANY BUMP Gazette Reporter
Reach Gazette reporter Bethany Bump at 395-3107 or bbump@dailygazette.net.

    The three agencies that agreed to pay back taxes required to turn the former Draper School into veteran housing have agreed to pay a little more. But it’s worth it, they say, given the project’s widespread support in the community.
    The Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority met last week to approve a minor hike in its share of the back taxes that accrued on the Rotterdam school property.
    Metroplex will provide a grant of $64,000, up from $50,000 approved last month, to cover the taxes owed on the building and allow the deed to be transferred to Disabled American Veterans. Schenectady County will provide $64,000 in tax forgiveness on the property, and the DAV will pay the fi nal $64,000.
    The DAV has plans to renovate the 135,000-square-foot school into 120 apartments for disabled combat veterans. The $25 million complex would be the first of its kind in the country.
    “The county is moving ahead on foreclosure at this point, and this will help move forward on transferring the title to the DAV,” said Metroplex Executive Director Jayme Lahut.
    Metroplex Chairman Ray Gillen said the Schenectady County Legislature approved the purchase and designation agreement. ..........................>>>>......................>>>>.............................http://www.dailygazette.net/De.....r01000&AppName=1

You mean that the Metroplex is giving Rotterdam more than they have to?  What's wrong, is Gillen sick?  Well, it is only $14K.  It won't break the bank like the millions handed away downtown...

More to the point........the Metroplex was created to create jobs and attract businesses and lower property taxes.........yes? I didn't think they were in thehousing/non profit/forgive back taxes business now!

Don't get me wrong. I think housing for the vets is a novel idea. I just don't see how and why the Metroplex has a role in this.

I totally agree Bumble .. perhaps it'll come out in the next audit

NOT holding my breath

Won't the purchase of the building and housing of the Vets create jobs?  Even as non-profit, won't they stil have to pay taxes?  If answer is YES to both, then this is first I've seen of Metro doing what charter was intended.

Who will be in charge of this new venture once it's occupied by the VETS..

they will need maintenance, receptionist for rentals.....will they get exemptions from taxes???

or will Rotterdam provide these serves from the Town Hall????.

Than you can be sure...jobs will be for those in the "loop"....so just another familia......