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SCHENECTADY
Hotel has no problem filling rooms
Hampton Inn officials pleased with bookings so far
BY KATHLEEN MOORE Gazette Reporter

   The rule of thumb is that it takes 12 months for a new hotel to take off. But when it comes to Schenectady’s latest, it took less than 12 days.
   The weekend after the Hampton Inn opened, nearly every room was filled, according to a hotel official. Now it looks as if that wasn’t an anomaly: Bookings have stayed strong in the five weeks since then, Chief Operating Officer Greg Schahet said at Wednesday’s official grand opening.
   Two weekends ago, the hotel nearly sold out again, renting 86 of its 93 rooms, Schahet said.
   Weekdays are big too — 68 rooms were rented Tuesday, mostly to business travelers, he said.
   There has been one disappointment. The hotel has not turned out to be a hot destination for parents heading to the Union College graduation this weekend. Only 24 rooms have been booked so far.
   “We think that’s because most of them make reservations a year in advance,” Schahet said, noting that the Holiday Inn is sold out. His family also owns that hotel.
   He’s hoping to pick up some lastminute reservations, but one slow weekend won’t hurt him. Things are already going much better than expected.
   “Generally the rule is it takes a year to ramp up, so we’re excited,” he said. “We’ve had a couple of real busy weekends. A couple nights were very close to selling out. The indications are pointing to us being pretty successful here.”
   Right now, rooms are going for about $149 a night, although the prices drop when most rooms are empty and rise when the hotel starts to fill up.
   The Hampton brand’s claim to fame is deluxe accommodations, so the hotel boasts pillowtop mattresses, flat-screen high-definition televisions and free Internet access. They even provide a computer if you don’t bring your own.
   Photographs of Schenectady decorate the inn, ranging from a view of the lighted train bridge over State Street to a shot of the Central Park rose garden.
   The only jarring view is the one from the hotel’s breakfast nook. There, early risers have a perfect view of the four derelict buildings across the street.
   Schahet acknowledged that he wouldn’t be happy if he thought his guests would be stuck looking at those crumbling buildings for years.
   “I’m not worried because I’ve been told change is coming,” he said. “We knew there were other things in the works.”
   At the grand opening ceremony, County Legislator Gary Hughes said a plan for the buildings would be announced within weeks.
   That plan involves relocating Pizza King, the only remaining business there. The owner originally refused to move until his lease expires in 2011, but he recently agreed to consider other options. He wants to move two blocks down, to the State Street storefront currently rented by Nextel.

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SCHENECTADY
Metroplex eyes last 5 buildings
Project aimed at final undeveloped downtown block
BY MICHAEL LAMENDOLA Gazette Reporter

   The Metroplex Development Authority plans to purchase the property at 453 State St., allowing it to proceed with a project to transform the final undeveloped block of downtown into proposed retail, office and housing space.
   Metroplex board Chairman Ray Gillen said the proposed purchase would give the authority site control over five buildings and a parking lot representing 13,000 square feet. “This will give us a footprint with which to work on for retail,” Gillen said.
   Metroplex is close to announcing a deal that will encompass four buildings on the block: 453, 457-459, 463 and 469 State St., plus a parking lot at 150 Clinton St. In the past, he said, the goal has been to add retail along the first floor of buildings and place offices and lofts on the upper floors.
   A fifth building at 447-451 State St. is reserved for the LaSartoria, an upscale men’s and women’s clothing store that is under construction.
   “The goal is to complete the restoration of the Proctor’s block,” a designation that includes both sides of State Street between Broadway and Clinton Street, Gillen said. The Proctor’s side of State Street is already under development.
   Metroplex plans to purchase 453 State St. for $250,000. It purchased the other buildings in 2005 for $800,000.
   Metroplex will use $1.4 million it received from the state’s Restore New York Program toward redeveloping the buildings at 453, 457-459, 463 and 469 State St. and the Clinton Street parking lot. The money may be used for demolition, renovation or other efforts to restore urban neighborhoods.
   Metroplex is looking at three options for the four buildings, according to its state Environmental Quality Review Act statement: renovate the existing structures, partially demolish and rebuild the facilities or demolish and build a new structure.
   The first two options, the SEQR statement said, do not provide Metroplex with the best uses for the site because the buildings require massive renovations and repairs and are not aligned with one another. The third option, the statement said, “integrates the structure with neighboring structures.”
   Gillen said the amount of leasable space in the existing Camaj, operator of Pizza King at 469 State St. Metroplex has asked Camaj to leave the building as part of the renovation project.
   Camaj has refused, saying he wants to stay in the building until his lease expires in 2011. He opened his pizza shop 19 years ago.
   Gillen said Metroplex provided Camaj with a hand-delivered offer, which he called “fair.”
   Camaj referred calls to his attorney, Donald Zee, Wednesday night. Zee’s phone number was not in service. “My lawyer was supposed to be there tonight [at the Metroplex meeting]. Talk to him,” Camaj said.
   Gillen said the offer has Metroplex making up the difference between the price Camaj is currently paying for rent at 469 State St. and what he would pay if he relocated to another site on State Street or returned to a restored building at the same site. The agreement would run through 2011.
   “He has known this was coming since 2005,” Gillen said. “The status quo is not an option. It is not a gentrification or a David and Goliath issue. Some are also trying to make this a political issue.”
   Board member David Sterman said the “bottom line is if you look at the buildings, you know something needs to be done.”
   The buildings are opposite the new Hampton Inn and can be seen from the hotel’s atrium. Board member Brad Lewis said the buildings are eyesores featuring peeling blue paint and corrugated metal siding.
   Board member Gary McCarthy said, “Nobody is trying to hurt anyone. We are trying to create better value, but there will be some inconveniences.” buildings is “nil.”
   Frederick Killeen owns 453 State St., a three-story building containing 2,750 square feet. The building has no windows on its upper floors, which have not been used in years. The last tenant on the first floor was a church.
   The Metroplex board also reviewed its discussions with Jon

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Towns in Schenectady County Receive Increased Funding from  Metroplex

May 25, 2007 - Schenectady County officials today announced that the Towns in Schenectady County received record disbursements in 2006 from the portion of the sales tax each municipality receives from Metroplex.

Susan E. Savage, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature said, "As more and more economic development projects come on line in our County, we see increased sales tax payments, increased jobs and more commercial tax base."

Metroplex receives ½ of one percent of the County sales tax.  30% of this amount is reserved for the Towns and sent directly to them by the County Finance office.  The remaining 70% stays with Metroplex and is used to help finance economic development projects that in turn create additional sales and property tax.

In 2006, the Towns in Schenectady County received record disbursements from the sales tax collected by Metroplex.  All of the Towns received more than in any previous year since the sales tax for Metroplex was instituted in 1999.

The results for 2006 are as follows along with total funding received since 1999:

Rotterdam -- $1,032,303 in 2006 up from $1,013,840 in 2005.  $7.791 million received since 1999.

Princetown  -- $77,840 up from $76,448 in 2005.  $579,856 received since 1999.

Niskayuna  -- $739,786 up from $726,555 in 2005.  $5.5 million received since 1999.

Village of Scotia -- $290,045 up from $284,858 in 2005.   $2.15 million received since 1999.

Glenville  -- $737,315 up from $724,128 in 2005.  $5.64 million received since 1999.

Delanson -- $13,900 up from $13,651 in 2005.  $103,427 received  since 1999.

Duanesburg  -- $197,688 up from $194,152.  $1.47 million received since 1999.

Total -- $3,088,877 in 2006.  $23.23 million received by Towns since 1999.

In addition to this funding, Towns are benefiting directly from Metroplex's role as part of the County's unified economic development program.  This effort has helped Schenectady County for the first time develop a network of smart growth business parks and shovel ready sites in Rotterdam, Glenville and Niskayuna.  Projects like Railex in Rotterdam bring new jobs and property tax revenue to the Towns, local school districts and the County.  In addition, the Towns benefit from the fact that the City has made available Empire Zone benefits to projects in the Towns helping the entire County win more projects, jobs and tax base.

"One of the major myths about our economic development effort is that it is strictly focused on downtown.  The reality is that the Towns get direct funding from Metroplex and they are benefiting from a unified economic development effort which is coordinated by the County," said Ray Gillen Metroplex Chair and County Commissioner of Economic Development and Planning.

Since the County's new unified economic development program was put in place three years ago, the Towns have benefited from $117 million in new projects including:

Rotterdam -- $52.5 million

Glenville -- $22.2 million

Niskayuna -- $42 million

Princetown --$1 million

A complete list of Town projects can be found at http://www.schenectadymetroplex.org/click on Report to County Legislature.

One bad thing about Metroplex, other than the fact that they are an extension of the democratic party, they'll give ya some money alright....but ya better spend it on what they want you to spend it on!

Look at the county...they gave Rotterdam money for a park...but THEY spent it on what THEY wanted and where THEY wanted it to be. It's the political game. You would have thought that since it is Rotterdam's tax dollar, why in the heck wouldn't they just give the money back to Rotterdam and let them decide? NOPE! Don't work that way!

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SCHENECTADY
MVP building is eyed for apartments
Former courthouse to get face-lift for commercial tenant
BY MICHAEL LAMENDOLA Gazette Reporter
Reach Gazette reporter Michael Lamendola at 395-3114 or lamend@dailygazette.com.

   A private developer said he will invest $2.5 million to convert the former MVP Health Care building on Liberty Street into luxury apartments and restore the facade of the former courthouse on Union Street.
   Building owner Reza Mahoutchian, president of Maxim Engineering of Clifton Park, said he will create 32 high-end apartments in former MVP office space and would like to place a commercial business in the former courthouse. He expects to complete the conversion in 2008, he said.
   “The apartments will have stateof-the art amenities and will rent for $1,150 per month and higher. We will market some of them as condominiums,” Mahoutchian said.
   The building fronts Union Street in the Stockade with a rear entrance on Liberty Street. It contains 43,000 square feet. MVP vacated the building in 2001 when it moved to its new headquarters at State Street and Nott Terrace.
   The apartments will contain between one and four bedrooms. “It seems like we never run out of high-end clients. The nicer we make them, the more people want them,” Mahoutchian said.
   Mahoutchian currently manages 62 apartments in Schenectady, mostly in the Stockade, he said. “Almost all of our tenants commute. … They get a better deal here,” he said.
   The Union Street side of the courthouse has a Greek revival facade and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Mahoutchian said. He will restore the facade with state assistance and would like to locate a day spa in the building, he said.
   “I have no tenant for it yet,” he said. “I’m contemplating a day spa. We think it would be excellent for the building.”
   The Metroplex Development Authority will provide Mahoutchian with a $100,000 loan at 4 percent interest and a $60,000 facade grant to support the courthouse renovation. Metroplex will also sell Mahoutchian a small parking lot next to the Liberty Street building off lower State Street for $75,000.
   “Maxim Engineering has a proven track record, and we look forward to working with them to restore a key building downtown,” Metroplex Chairman Ray Gillen said.
   Mahoutchian said he bought the building last year with the intent of renovating. “My concern is to keep the Union Street side of the building accessible to the public,” he said.
   He has renovated numerous buildings in the Stockade already, including those at 4, 6 and 210 Union St., which are often featured on the Stockade Walkabout.
   He currently is renovating 613 Union St., he said. Following renovations, the building will be included in the Stockade Historic District, the first historic district in New York state. Inclusion of the building in the Stockade Historic District fulfills a long-standing goal of the Schenectady Heritage Foundation and the Stockade Neighborhood Association, Gillen said.

Great. Maybe we'll be all the way up to a full 1/2 mile that the Metroplex is fixing up.

Anybody hear that giant sucking sound? I think it's State Street in the area of Proctors.

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The apartments will contain between one and four bedrooms. “It seems like we never run out of high-end clients. The nicer we make them, the more people want them,” Mahoutchian said.

Here is a seed.....watch what 'sprouts' to the other areas around the city ie: rotterdam....those folks who get "displaced"....the Dems are not the people loving group they want us to think they are....they just ooze false sympathy lined with guilt laden hand outs......it will look like they did 'good' for 'their constiuents', the poor joe smoe with a blue collar /low paying job....but in all actuality they just displaced a bunch of folks no one wants to teach proper English too....they are a force just like Katrina.....their only 'buffer' are the guyanese.....of which I'm sure are just happy to be in America and really dont understand the innuendos of our politics and culture(s)......just the way Ms.Savage likes it......

and BTW, I was at the zoning meeting Wednesday night. Know the one property on Mariaville Rd. that has a bit of space to the left of it? Well, another MFRH is going in. On land smaller than is usually planned for this, too.

http://www.timesunion.com

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Pizza King is ready to move

By JENNIFER PATTERSON, Staff writer
Click byline for more stories by writer.
Monday, June 25, 2007

SCHENECTADY -- The Pizza King is ready to deliver himself to a new location.

John Camaj is close to an agreement to move his pizza parlor to another spot on State Street.

Camaj said he was ready to go, but saddened to leave 469 State St., the only location his business has ever had.

``I guess that I won, but I lost my dream, because to own and preserve the property and my business here is what I dream about,'' Camaj said. ``Everybody's happy with the way things are working out, but for me, I will always be sad because I spent so much time here.''

The owner of Camaj's current location, the Metroplex Development Authority, wants to demolish 469 State St. and several other neighboring buildings. The taxpayer-funded authority has agreed to make up the difference between Camaj's current $1,400-a-month lease and any increased rent at the new location.

Camaj's attorney, Donald Zee, declined to say where on State Street the business will relocate to, though it is expected that the business will move into a storefront across the street from Proctor's Theatre and Movieland Cinema.

``We've worked out with Metroplex conceptual floor plans for a new location,'' Zee said. ``Hopefully in a few days, we'll be able to sign some documents and make it final.''

The owner of Camaj's current location, the Metroplex Development Authority, wants Camaj to move so they can renovate the building. Camaj had resisted a move, but continued to negotiation with Metroplex for the past month. Camaj and the authority reached a tentative agreement on Friday.

Metroplex bought 469 State St. and four other properties for $800,000 with plans to convert the properties into modern structures.

The authority is leading efforts to convert downtown into a dining and entertainment district. It's put money behind a movie theater, expansion of Proctor's Theatre and several eateries.

Metroplex Chairman Ray Gillen said the authority has given Camaj a written offer, promising to cover any rent increase he might face if he moves to a new location.

Gillen insisted the renovation of the 469 State St. building where Camaj has his current operation will make it impossible for a restaurant to remain during construction.

Gillen declined to discuss the deal today.

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Metroplex Chairman Ray Gillen said the authority has given Camaj a written offer, promising to cover any rent increase he might face if he moves to a new location

Forever???

I think we need to check in to see if this actually happened or not. Seems things are talked about happening but don't always happen.

Camaj knew how to work the system.
He knew the building was owned by the Metroplex and was being torn down.
He knew the building was unsafe.
He knew he would have to move his business and made no plans.
Good business people make future plans.
Due to his poor business planning and working the liberal system,
the taxpayer will pay his rent in a new location.
Camaj didn't stick it out in Schenectady as some think.
He chose to work in shabby, unsafe conditions.
He sat back long enough to get a good deal,
at the taxpayers expense.
Gillen won't discuss the deal Metroplex made with Camaj
using the taxpayers money.
It was, at best, a shoddy deal.
Typical of the Metroplex.

Clinton's Ditch For Sale:

http://rusaalbany.leadmaxx.lantrax.com/search/index.cfm?Action=Details&DetailListingID=95930

Think they have to correct that a bit.
Commercial

Schenectady, NY 12305 $1,200,000
Year Built: 1008
MLS #27113225 3400 sqft.

3N2 gets $125K loan from Metroplex for new headquarters
The Business Review (Albany) - March 17, 2005
Print this Article

Baseball and softball footwear maker 3N2 will create new corporate headquarters at a vacant building at 309 Union St. in Schenectady, N.Y., Mayor Brian Stratton and the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority announced.

The building, which contains both office and warehouse space, is in a state Empire Zone. Metroplex will provide a $125,000 low-interest loan to help finance improvements to the new headquarters and costs of moving company operations to Schenectady.

Metroplex Chairman Ray Gillen said 3N2 founder James Mann, a Union College graduate, is returning to Schenectady to run his company. 3N2 currently has distributors on both the East and West coasts, and in Asia, Australia and Puerto Rico.

3N2 expects to employ 20 people at the new location within three years.

Terms of the company's lease were not disclosed by Metroplex.

Mann is currently at spring training, trying to line up celebrity endorsers for its athletic footwear. It has signed Rickie Weeks, the No. 2 selection in the 2003 baseball draft by the Milwaukee Brewers, as an endorser.

AND 21 MONTHS LATER...........

Co-owner of sporting goods wholesaler declares bankruptcy
The Business Review (Albany) - October 17, 2006

The co-owner of a baseball and softball footwear wholesale company in Schenectady has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection.

James Mann of Albany, chief executive officer of 8th Day Baseball/3N2 LLC, listed $392,981 in liabilities and $11,332 in assets in a petition filed Oct. 5 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Albany, N.Y.

The company offered baseball and softball cleats, batting gloves and other products, which were sold online and at Anaconda Sports, but weren't manufactured locally. 3N2 is a reference to a full count -- three balls and two strikes -- in baseball.

Mann, a Union College graduate and former shoe engineer at Stride Rite Corp., started the company in Newton, Mass. The company designed gear that could be customized with lettering. In 2005 the company moved into offices at 309 Union St. with help from a $125,000 low-interest loan from the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority.

The largest unsecured non priority claims listed in the petition were $168,000 to Dunleavy Realty and $119,000 to the Metroplex. There were two unsecured priority claims: $2,100 in federal taxes and $742 in state taxes.

Metroplex Chairman Ray Gillen said the loan was used to convert a vacant building into a warehouse and offices. Gillen said there are two other principals in the company and that the loan continues to be repaid.

"We have personal guarantees from the principals to repay the loan," Gillen said, adding that the renovated building can be put to another use.

Mann couldn't be reached for comment. The attorney who filed the petition, Richard Weiskopf, said he didn't know why the business failed and referred questions to Mann's attorney, Frank Putorti. Putorti couldn't be reached for comment.

MVP building to become apartments
June 21, 2007 at 9:44 am by Chris Churchill
Schenectady county and city officials this morning said taxpayer money will be used to help convert the MVP Building in downtown Schenectady into 32 luxury apartments.

The building, vacant since health insurer MVP relocated to new headquarters, has 43,000 square feet of space.

The Union Street building is located near to the Stockade Historic District. The building is owned by Reza Mahoutchian, president of Maxim Engineering.

Mahoutchian, as part of a retrofit expected to cost about $2.5 million, plans to utilize the ground floor for office or retail space, and upgrade the Union Street facade. Housing in the building is expected to be ready by the end of 2008.

Metroplex, a taxpayer-funded county economic development agency, will provide a $100,000 loan at 4 percent interest and a $60,000 facade grant to support the project. Mahoutchian paid Metroplex $75,000 to purchase a nearby parking lot.

The City Planning Commission has already approved the project.

Storefront upgrades planned on upper Union Street
May 10, 2007 at 10:38 am by Eric Anderson, Deputy business editor
The Schenectady neighborhood will get $250,000 in matching funds from the Metroplex Development Authority to continue work on thre Upper Union Street Facade Program.

At least four projects to rehabilitate a total of 10 storefronts are in the works for the current construction season.

So far, 12 buildings representing 23 businesses have had their facades improved. Businesses include Northeastern Fine Jewelry, Gershon’s Deli, Scotti’s Restaurant, Ferri Formals and Union Street Aquarium.

“Metroplex is pleased to work with (the Upper Union Street Business Improvement District) and is proud to co-sponsor and help fund this program,” said Metroplex Chairman Ray Gillen.

Applicants can contact Anne Savage at 273-8980 for more information about the program.

The Katbird Shop, a craft store on Liberty Street in Schenectady, will hold hold a grand re-opening Thursday after completing a $50,000 facade-improvement project.

The three-month rehab resulted in a new stucco finish and a new awning, among other things. Half of the cost was paid through a matching program offered by the Metroplex Development Authority and the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp.

The store did not close during the renovations.

The event takes place at 11:30 a.m. at the store at 425 Liberty St. The store sells unique gifts, pottery, jewelry, kids clothing, natural soaps and other items.

Bechtel agrees to keep jobs in Schenectady
February 21, 2007 at 10:19 am by Eric Anderson, Deputy business editor
The company said it would move just 70 jobs to Pittsburgh, considerably fewer than the 260 it planned to transfer under a consolidation of Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc. units in the two cities.

In return, Bechtel will share in the benefits of a $3 million package of investments and assistance at its downtown facility, part of which will be turned into a technology complex.

Instead, 130 of the 290 Schenectady jobs will remain here, another 30 employees will have the chance to interview for positions at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in nearby Niskayuna, and 60 will retire.

Workers at the plant engineer and procure parts for the nuclear propulsion systems of Navy ships.

The decision by Bechtel and the U.S. Navy came in a joint announcement this morning from U.S. Sens. Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton, U.S. Rep. Michael R. McNulty, Schenectady County Legislature Chair Susan E. Savage, and Schenectady Mayor Brian U. Stratton.

Bechtel Plant Machinery plans to sign a long-term lease for the Schenectady facility ensuring that Schenectady County will continue to play a major role in the Navy nuclear program, the joint statement said.

“Because of the outstanding leadership and quick response from Senator Schumer, Senator Clinton, Congressman McNulty and Governor Spitzer, we were able to save 130 good-paying jobs from leaving New York State, and keeping them in downtown Schenectady for good,” said Stratton. “Working together with the county, and with our congressional delegation in Washington, we have pulled victory from the jaws of defeat. Indeed, when upstate New York stands together, nothing can stand in our way.”

Schumer said that while “every job loss truly hurts, there is no question that today we have achieved a significant success for Schenectady and all of the Capital Region.”

Savage said the jobs saved represented more than $20 million in direct economic impact annually in the Capital Region.

Empire State Development Corp., the state’s economic development arm, will provide a $2 million grant to the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority to subdivide the space at the Bechtel plant, creating an engineering center for the company and office space that is in move-in condition for other employers interested in locating at the complex.

ESD also will provide a total of $1 million to help underwrite lease and operational costs.

The democrats actually consider offering Bectel a $3 milllion bribe to continue to do business in our state a victory. If we lowered taxes, and made our state more business friendly, comanies would want to do business in NY.

Rensselaer architect new Schenectady facade czar
February 19, 2007 at 5:07 pm by Alan Wechsler, Business writer
Dave Sadowsky, an architect in Petersburgh, was hired by the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp. to oversee the city’s facade improvement program.

The program, now in its fourth year, provides matching grants to business owners looking to improve the public face of their storefronts. To date, more than 49 projects have received money.

The new part-time position was created last year, and Sadowsky is the first person to hold the job. He will be paid on a per-project basis, with a cap of $90,000 per year.

Sadowsky, who has been practicing for more than 20 years, has worked on a number of Schenectady projects in the past 15 years.

His job will be to look at existing facades and come up with plans to restore the buildings to their original character.

Building owners can get up to $30,000 per facade under the matching-grant program. The grant money comes from the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority. In 2006-07, $400,000 in facade grants is available.

New Schenectady restaurant goes to the frogs
February 1, 2007 at 11:55 am by Alan Wechsler, Business writer
The Backstage Pub & Grille in Schenectady opens at 5 p.m. today, offering premium sandwiches, gourmet burgers and beer-battered frogs legs known as “Stage Jumper” — a name inspired by nearby Proctor’s Theater.

The restaurant, originally to be called “Boboreno’s,” is located at 501 Smith St., just behind the theater.

Owners Bob and Shelby White have invested nearly $500,000 in the facade and interior renovations. The facade, which resembles an Adirondack Camp, was partially financed by a $60,000 grant from the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority via the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp.

The 8,000-square-foot space can hold up to 90 patrons. It will also offer free delivery.

Kingston attorney has plans for Schenectady
January 10, 2007 at 12:14 pm by Eric Anderson, Deputy business editor
Barrett Street Realty, owned by Kingston attorney Ralph M. Kirk, has purchased a 12,000-square-foot building at 146-148 Barrett St. around the corner from Proctor’s Theatre in downtown Schenectady.

Kirk said he plans to open a law office in the building, and will work with the Metroplex Development Authority and with Miranda Realty Group to market the remaining space in the four-story building to other businesses.

The Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp. and Metroplex will work with the new owner to renovate the building’s exterior. The project is eligible for a facade matching grant of up to $30,000. Barrett Street Realty also is eligible for Empire Zone and Federal Renewal Community Credits.

An adjoining building at 154 Barrett St. also is undergoing exterior renovations with a $24,000 matching grant from Metroplex and the Downtown Schenectady facade program.

No purchase price was revealed. Kirk plans to open his office in April. His firm concentrates on workers compensation and occupational injury claims.

Advertising agency to move to downtown Schenectady
December 22, 2006 at 11:55 am by Eric Anderson, Deputy business editor
The Mossey Group, now on Balltown Road, will take space in a new mixed-use retail, office and residential project being developed in a row of buildings next to Proctor’s Theatre downtown.

Developers of the space are Angelo Mazzone and Paul Sciocchetti, who recently acquired the buildings from the Metroplex Development Authority.(for how much $$$) The advertising agency will occupy 4,000 square feet on the third floor of the complex between Proctor’s and the new cinema being built at Broadway and State.

“As a lifelong Schenectadian, I’m very excited to be joining the downtown community at a time of tremendous growth and creative energy,” said Larry Mossey, the agency’s president. “We hope to lend support and momentum to downtown’s revival for many years to come.”

The Mossey Group’s clients include Saratoga Gaming and Raceway, The Gazette Newspapers, WRGB, Ch. 6 and SEFCU.

Mazzone plans to open a new restaurant on the ground floor of the four-building complex. He already operates the high-end steakhouse 677 Prime in Albany and the Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia, and provides catering services at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

Metroplex Chairman Ray Gillen called the project one “that will add vibrancy to downtown.”

It wasn’t clear how quickly the agency plans to move downtown, nor whether it will receive any assistance from Metroplex or other agencies.

Tech firm takes space and brings jobs to downtown Schenectady
December 13, 2006 at 12:15 pm by Eric Anderson, Deputy business editor
Alarius Systems, which has offices in Las Vegas and Albany, has leased space at 411 State St. in downtown Schenectady and will create 25 jobs there, the Metroplex Development Authority announced this morning.

The company develops Web-based information management software used by small and medium-sized businesses for management of documents, Web content and customer relationships. The company is working with California-based Corent Technologies on a business combination that will lead to development and sales operations being established in Schenectady. The company will no longer have an office in Albany.

The new office space is on the second floor of a building that is being redeveloped by Big House founder Steve Waite. Metroplex said the Big House helped revitalize a section of downtown Albany around Broadway.

Occupancy is expected next spring. Metroplex is providing a $25,000 relocation grant and a $50,000 loan to help the company move to Schenectady.

Metroplex chairman outlines plans for coming year
December 7, 2006 at 10:31 am by Eric Anderson, Deputy business editor
The downtown Schenectady post office might be turned into a marketplace like Faneuil Hall even while retaining its postal functions, several landmarks buildings would be converted into lofts and other above-market-price housing, and the old Foster Hotel might be taken over through the eminent domain process if the landlord won’t allow it to be sold, the chairman of the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority told a large audience at the Holiday Inn on Nott Terrace this morning.

Ray Gillen spoke at a breakfast meeting of the Chamber of Schenectady County, describing the progress that Metroplex has made in the past two years and what it hopes to accomplish in the next two years.

Throughout his talk, he emphasized the importance to the entire county of a vibrant downtown, and the efforts to make the city busy both during the day and evening hours.

Metroplex hasn’t been able to reach a deal with the owner of the Foster building, which continues to decay, leading Gillen to suggest taking the property through eminent domain procedures.

He also talked about the so-called “pizza block” across State Street from Proctor’s, which has several pizza parlors, and the possibility of demolishing the three buildings in that row closest to the Jay Street pedestrian mall and replacing them with a new structure that would be designed to fit with the historic character of the streetscape.

And talks are under way to redo the modern facade of the former Woolworth building, which now houses state offices, to make it fit in with the rest of the downtown streetscape.

Gillen also said the towns in Schenectady hadn’t been forgotten, describing improvements in Rotterdam, Niskayuna and Glenville. And he said that in the past two years, 32 commercial buildings have been added to the county tax rolls.

Insurer moving 20 jobs into downtown Schenectady
December 5, 2006 at 10:51 am by Eric Anderson, Deputy business editor
Security American Financial Enterprises, which recently acquired part of JLT Services, the former Jardine Insurance Brokerage, will rent 5,000 square feet in an office building now under construction on Clinton Street Extension.

The company offers life insurance, group dental and group vision products and does business in 42 states and the District of Columbia.

The company expects to move into the offices being built by Highbridge Development by March. The company is receiving $63,000 in relocation assistance over five years from the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority, and is eligible to apply for Empire Zone and Federal Renewal Community benefits.

Operator of Schenectady cinema adds to its theaters
November 9, 2006 at 1:59 pm by Eric Anderson, Deputy business editor
Bow Tie Partners, which will operate downtown Schenectady’s new movie theater, is more than tripling in size with an agreement to acquire 95 movie screens in 12 locations from Crown Theatres LLC.

Terms of the agreement weren’t disclosed.

With the acquisition, Manhattan-based Bow Tie, headed by Charles B. Moss Jr. and Ben Moss, will own 137 screens at 17 locations in Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, upstate New York and Virginia.

In downtown Schenectady, Bow Tie is building a theater called “Movieland” that will include six screens and 1,400 seats. The theater, at the corner of State Street and Broadway, is one of a number of downtown projects that have received financial support from the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority. The building, to be owned by developer Galesi Group, received a $3 million Metroplex loan and a $750,000 grant.

Other downtown projects include a $22.5 million expansion of Proctor’s Theatre, a Hampton Inn hotel, and street and facade improvements.

Bow Tie Partners maintains offices in New York City and Aspen, Colo., with its headquarters in the Bow Tie Building in New York City’s Times Square.

Metroplex to donate land for new museum site
The Business Review (Albany) - March 26, 2007

The Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority plans to give a 2.5 acre site to the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium for its next site.

Metroplex chairman Ray Gillen said Metroplex will sell the property off Broadway in downtown Schenectady for $1. The Schenectady Museum board voted unanimously in favor of the site after considering numerous sites in the region.

The museum is currently located on Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady, but officials would like to move into a larger space.

Gillen said the site still needs to pass environmental reviews and he expects it will be a couple years before the museum is built. The project now moves to the design and fund-raising phase.

Gillen said the site was a good one because of easy access to I-890 and proximity to Proctor's Theatre, the new cinema and downtown restaurants and coffee shops.

Metroplex to start foreclosure process against Van Dyck
The Business Review (Albany) - January 11, 2007

The Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority said Thursday it would immediately begin the foreclosure process against the Van Dyck Restaurant & Brewery after owner Peter Olsen failed to repay the jazz club's overdue debt or provide a "firm financing commitment" to do so.

"We regret taking this step, but need to do so to protect the public financing involved in this project," Metroplex Chairman Ray Gillen said in a statement. "We are hopeful that new owners and investors will come forward so that we can stop the foreclosure process and have our loan immediately repaid by new investors."

Olsen met with Gillen earlier Thursday and asked for up to a week of additional time to secure bank or private financing to repay a $200,000 loan that was supposed to be paid in full last October. Olsen said Gillen told him he needed something by the end of the day Thursday or Metroplex would start the foreclosure proceedings.

"I believe he's under pressure by his board to act," Olsen said. "I fully understand and respect it and need to pay him."

Olsen expressed confidence he would be able to work out a deal with a lender or private investors to repay the loan and halt the foreclosure proceedings.

The Metroplex, a public authority subsidized by sales tax receipts in Schenectady County, approved a $200,000 no-interest loan and $75,000 line of credit to Olsen two years ago to assist him after Olsen bought out his former partners at the Van Dyck. The loan was intended as short-term financing to help Olsen until he could restructure the restaurant's finances.

The Metroplex also entered into a 10-year, $100,000 lease so the public could use the Van Dyck's parking lot during the day.

"Our loan was payable in full last fall and we provided a short grace period over the holidays," Gillen said. "At this time, we will immediately begin the foreclosure process to insure that our debt is satisfied. There is sufficient equity in the building and equipment to more than satisfy our debt."

The Metroplex has a second position on the Van Dyck lien behind Berkshire Bank.

Custom tailor sews up deal to buy Schenectady building and set up shop
The Business Review (Albany) - June 22, 2007
by Michael DeMasi

The Business Review
DONNA ABBOTT VLAHOS | THE BUSINESS REVIEW
Eventually, Vince Montesano would like to offer apprentice training to groom a new generation of tailors.
View Larger
By this fall, a man who wants to brush his hands across a roll of fabric to find just the right material for a custom suit can do so in downtown Schenectady.

And a woman in need of a skirt for a cocktail party can do the same.

Roughly 20 years after the last upscale clothing store closed downtown, Vincent Montesano, a veteran tailor, plans to open La Sartoria II at 447-451 State St., across from the Proctor's Theatre block.

Montesano's shop will be on the same street as two other clothing stores downtown: Lee's Four Seasons, which sells T-shirts, jeans and athletic apparel; and Rudnick's, which has been selling blue-collar work uniforms and rugged outerwear such as Carhartt jackets, wool hats, pigskin gloves and construction boots in Schenectady for more than 60 years.

"I wish him the best of luck," Rudnick's co-owner Norm Tolokonsky said. "If his price is semi-reasonable, I'll come up and buy a suit from him personally."

Montesano, 53, opened his first tailor shop in Glenville in 1976, three years after emigrating from a town near Bari, Italy. He later moved the store, Vince's Custom Tailoring, to Clifton Park.

About five years ago, he closed the store in Clifton Park and opened La Sartoria of Saratoga at 506 Broadway in Saratoga Springs ("la sartoria" means "the tailor shop" in Italian).

There, he caters to a clientele that likes to browse through racks of high-quality, high-priced clothing and can afford to spend $1,600, plus fabric, for a suit that fits to a T.

On a recent day, Montesano was sitting behind a sewing machine in the back room, hand-stitching a sport coat. The room was full of suits and other clothing hanging in plastic bags, spools of thread, irons and swatches of fabric.

A small TV sat high on a shelf in the rear, tuned to an Italian language cable channel broadcasting the Giro d'Italia bike race. But Montesano's eyes were focused on the needle between his fingers.

"If you know what you're doing, it's not a risk," Montesano said of his new store in Schenectady.

Downtown Schenectady has seen a resurgence of sorts over the past few years, with a major expansion of Proctor's, new hotels, a six-screen movie theater, bars, restaurants and other projects still on the drawing board. But it has nowhere near the caché or foot traffic of Saratoga Springs.

"To me, it makes no difference where you are located," Montesano said. "If you have the right price and service, the people come."

Okay - so I just added all the figures in my head (NOT) and came up with a grand total of $7,231,000.00 of money being doled out to private businesses by the metroplex. Now this did not include the $90,000/year salary for the part time facade czar. Nor does it include monies given to Villa Italia and numerous other businesses at a low or no-intrest loan. And my apologies, I also didn't add in the $22.5 million expansion of Proctor’s Theatre, a Hampton Inn hotel, and street and facade improvements.
WOW! :o

http://www.senatorfarley.com/press_archive_story.asp?id=8971

Quoted Text

Senator Farley Announces Mazzone Returns To Downtown Schenectady with $2.35 Million Investment
Restaurant /Loft Apartments/Office Space / Specialty Coffee Shop Slated for Four Buildings on State Street
Monday, June 14, 2004

Senator Farley, along with Schenectady County officials, today announced that Angelo Mazzone, one of the most successful business owners and operators in the Capital Region, will invest $2.35 million in downtown Schenectady creating a first class restaurant, loft apartments, renovated office space and a new specialty coffee shop in four buildings located on State Street.

Susan E. Savage, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature said, "Today with Angelo Mazzone’s help and vision, we are making a giant step forward in our efforts to redevelop downtown Schenectady. In one fell swoop, we are taking four empty buildings and turning them into new and exciting retail/office and living space in a key block of downtown. When I took over as Chair of the County Legislature, I promised an aggressive, smart growth economic development effort. Today we place four buildings back on the tax rolls and move Schenectady forward once again."

Mayor Brian U. Stratton said, "What better sign could we have that our economic development efforts are working than the return of Angelo Mazzone to the Proctor’s Block downtown. We appreciate this huge vote of confidence in the City by one of the most prominent business leaders in Upstate New York."

Angelo Mazzone said, "Downtown Schenectady has always held a special place for me - it was where I began, and if I can be a part of the revitalization of that area, I am happy to do my part. My family and I are very proud of where we came from and are looking forward to seeing the old downtown successes reborn with the help and guidance of the new Metroplex leadership. It will not only benefit Downtown Schenectady, but the Capital Region at large."

Senator Hugh T. Farley said, "This project brings people – not just offices -- to Schenectady and is a giant step toward a 24-hour downtown! With quality housing, exciting restaurants, and class A office space, Angelo Mazzone's investment promises tremendous vibrancy to State Street. It's a vote of confidence by a respected local businessman, an incredibly visible improvement to a major section of State Street, and a boost to the city's tax rolls."

Earlier in his career, Mr. Mazzone operated several restaurants in downtown Schenectady. He currently owns and operates the Glen Sanders Mansion and provides catering and management to the Hall of Springs in Saratoga and is currently building a new restaurant in downtown Albany.

Mr. Mazzone, with his partner Paul Sciocchetti, a prominent local attorney, will purchase four buildings from Metroplex. The Close Building is a three building complex connected along the streetscape at 420, 422 and 426 State Street. Over $1.6 million will be invested to renovate the three buildings with a restaurant and wine bar on the first floor and Class A office space on the second and third floors.

At the Whitbeck building at 414-416 State Street, a $550,000 renovation is planned to convert the first floor into a specialty coffee shop that will be open seven days a week. The top three floors will converted to office space and loft style housing.

All four buildings will feature renovated facades which meet or exceed design guidelines put in place by the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation.

Mr. Mazzone will purchase the four buildings, which are currently vacant, from Metroplex for $200,000 bringing the total investment in the project to $2.35 million. Proposed Metroplex funding for the project includes a $250,000 grant for facade improvements and a $980,000 loan.
Robert T. Farley, Minority Leader for the Schenectady County Legislature said "Angelo Mazzone, a hometown, Schenectady businessman, with a profound track record of success, is seeking to invest his considerable talents and capital in the new State Street entertainment district of downtown Schenectady. With the help of Metroplex, Angelo and his partners will provide a lynchpin that can make this vision of the 440 Block, become the Arts, Entertainment and Restaurant destination that our community has so long desired. Angelo has magic to his success and can transfer that quality to this new location. This is exactly the type of public encouragement to develop private sector business for which Metroplex was created."

Gary Hughes, Chairman of the Committee on Economic Development and Planning for the Schenectady County Legislature said, "In the early 1980s, when I had just moved to Schenectady, one of my favorite restaurants was a place downtown in the 400 block called Peggy's, owned by Angelo Mazzone. Peggy's is long-gone, but it served as the one of the building blocks in Angelo's food service empire and it is great to see Angelo coming back to downtown for what promises to be even more success."

Frank Maurizio, President of the Schenectady City Council said, "This is an important and exciting component of the revitalization effort in downtown Schenectady. The mix of projects announced today is every urban developer's dream, and moves us a giant step closer to being a 24-7 downtown that offers something for both Schenectadians and for visitors to our city."

Ray Gillen, Chairman of Metroplex said, "This project will be a catalyst for additional investment and jobs downtown especially on the Proctor’s Block of State Street. To have a well respected business owner like Angelo Mazzone put his stamp of approval on downtown’s future sends a powerful message that Schenectady is open for business. I appreciate the outstanding support that we received from the County Legislature, the City and the Metroplex Board as we put this project together."

Renovations to the four buildings are scheduled to begin later this year with a late 2005 opening date.

Is it open yet?

There goes another 2.35 million sunk into that same block of State Street and not one dime for the rest of the city.

Quoted Text

Renovations to the four buildings are scheduled to begin later this year with a late 2005 opening date.

I never get to the lavish downtown area, but does anyone know if these 4 buildings are open yet?

They are not finished. I wonder what Ms.Savage will tell all those folks, who she didn't want to 'burden' to learn English fluently to receive benefits, when Downtown is 'upscaled' and they cant 'fit in'.......Does she send them to Hamburg St./Altamont Ave. Rotterdam???

This was on Schenectady Democratic website.

Just a sampling of what's been accomplished in a very short time
by our Democratic Administration

Economic development - Job Creation

Attracted $114 million in new investment to Schenectady.

Created 697 new private-sector jobs through the combined County/City/Metroplex unified economic development initiative.

Replaced an ineffective and costly "alphabet soup" of 35 economic development agencies with a cost-effective, results-driven, successful County/City/Metroplex economic development initiative, saving taxpayers $300,000 in 2005.

I thought Metroplex was a bipartisan organization to help the economic growth for schenectady county? How is it that the county democrats can take credit for Metroplex's successes? That just proves to me that Metroplex is nothing more than an arm of the local democratic party, taking our money through taxes and giving it to business's that will continue to keep them in office.

Quoted Text

Created 697 new private-sector jobs

Most of which you "dont have" to learn English to perform..... a small number of jobs for the buck.....where is the value??

Now we have another building for Metroplex to subsidize when someone wants to open a business and go bankrupt in a couple of years just like 3n2.

Quoted from CICERO

This was on Schenectady Democratic website.

Just a sampling of what's been accomplished in a very short time
by our Democratic Administration

Economic development - Job Creation

Attracted $114 million in new investment to Schenectady.

Created 697 new private-sector jobs through the combined County/City/Metroplex unified economic development initiative.

Replaced an ineffective and costly "alphabet soup" of 35 economic development agencies with a cost-effective, results-driven, successful County/City/Metroplex economic development initiative, saving taxpayers $300,000 in 2005.

I thought Metroplex was a bipartisan organization to help the economic growth for schenectady county? How is it that the county democrats can take credit for Metroplex's successes? That just proves to me that Metroplex is nothing more than an arm of the local democratic party, taking our money through taxes and giving it to business's that will continue to keep them in office.

Maybe this needs to be pointed out to them...I guess at one of the Metroplex meetings? County Board? City Council? Where's the best time/place to bring this to light?

The metroplex has just turned into a 'good old boys/girls' club!

Quoted from bumblethru

The metroplex has just turned into a 'good old boys/girls' club!

That makes Kosiur feel right a home, I'm sure.

The Dems forgot to mention that all the jobs and money are in a 2 block area on State Street and the rest of the city is falling apart. Where are all the jobs located that they created? Are they taking credit for the new businesses that are being built in Rotterdam as being in the county. They list job creation twice, and credit forming one big central agency for saving $3000,000, not. There really isn't too much there to take credit for and no sex offender law is mentioned.

Ok so where is the retail? Clothing stores for men/women/children. Shoe stores. Tailor shop. Sporting goods store. Jewelry store. Bridal shop. Specialty shops, other than the 'head shop' on Jay. How about a dept. store? Make me WANT to go down there at Christmas time to do more than drink and eat.

Rotterdam's getting a thrift store.

Quoted from Shadow

Rotterdam's getting a thrift store.

that,,,,is,,,,not,,,,,funny >:(

Who gets credit for that???

I want to see Suzie in there shopping.....not just dropping off......

The New Orleans house of cards is falling down, city council member stepping down(beginning of a FAR reaching investigation)......Schenectady is not far from what New Orleans was before Katrina hit......

SHOW ME THE $$ TRAIL.......

Quoted Text

Just a sampling of what's been accomplished in a very short time
by our Democratic Administration

So this was quoted on the Democratic website. Yes, they are clearly taking full credit for this metroplex. Well, to that I say, let them take the credit. It is obvious that they are not doling out the metroplex money to just anyone. They are clearly doling it out to their same party affiliation. And what is so great about the 2 blocks on state street. Any numbskull could have set up bars every few hundred feet. That is all there is. And the rest of the city is falling down around 'the bars'! There is also a new bar that is being proposed on Jay Street. My God, how many do we need? Where is the diversity? Where is the mix of retail?

Metroplex was suppose to bring good paying, stable jobs to Schenectady. Instead, they have just made it possible for people to get drunk at new liquor establishments. To me, metroplex is a joke. And I am so glad that the dems are, in fact, taking the credit for these WONDERFUL JOBS they have brought to Schenectady. Perhaps I should quit my job and apply to be a bartender at one of these fine establishments. Or perhaps an usher at the movie theater. How about a cleaning person for the hotel? NOW THAT WOULD BE A STEP UP, HUH?

I happen to know for an absolute fact that metroplex has turned people down before an interview with them. (must be they check with the board of elections first to see what party you are affiliated with.) And I also know for a fact,, that some of these new establishments aren't doing so good. Probably why they want SCCC to move their music department down there.

So with all of this said, I'm glad the dems are taking credit for this rediculous scam called the metroplex. Just another wilted feather in their cap!

http://www.dailygazette.com

Quoted Text

SCHENECTADY
$600K funding to continue work on downtown
Facade program getting largest grant
BY MICHAEL LAMENDOLA Gazette Reporter

   Grants totaling $600,000 will be used to prepare a coffee house in the Proctors complex for a grand opening Sunday, to build a “vertical garden” near the Hampton Inn and to continue improving the facades of downtown businesses.
   The Metroplex Development Authority board agreed Monday to distribute the grants to the downtown projects.
   The largest grant of $495,000 goes to the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp.’s facade program, which Metroplex hopes to turn into a countywide program next year.
   The DSIC facade program improves the exteriors of downtown businesses using established architectural guidelines. Business owners who participate must at least match the Metroplex grant.
   Monday’s grant brings to $1.6 million the total Metroplex has distributed to the DSIC facade program since 2002. The grants have, in turn, have sparked owners to provide an additional $2 million in matching funds and to make a further investment of more than $4 million in interior building improvements, said Metroplex Chairman Ray Gillen.
   The current round of grants is targeted toward “key properties in and around the Proctors’ block,” Gillen said. Since 2002, the DSIC facade program has provided grants for 72 facade and sign improvements projects.
   The Metroplex grant allocates $60,000 for program administration and $40,000 for architectural services. An architect under contract to the DSIC offers technical guidance in project development and construction oversight, officials said.
   “We view this program as such a success that we are thinking of making it countywide,” Gillen said.
   “We are looking about expanding the program to the Hamburg Street corridor, the Scotia business district and to some of the other commercial corridors, including the corridor in Duanesburg,” he said.
   Metroplex is already providing grants to the Upper Union Street Business Improvement District for facade work. The awards have totaled $730,000 since 2004.
   “It’s nice to have a BID to work with. If we didn’t have a group like a BID, we would administer the grants directly or use a contractor,” Gillen said.
   Union Street formed its BID in November 2001. The Hamburg Street Merchants Association in Rotterdam is considering the formation of its own BID, officials said.
COFFEE HOUSE
   In other awards, Metroplex gave a $50,000 grant to James Svetz to prepare 4,000 square feet inside the former Carl Co. for his Muddy Cup Coffee House and Cafe. The cafe is scheduled to open Sunday for Proctors open house of its $30 million expansion and restoration project. “I’m a determined person and I hope to be ready,” Svetz said Monday. He was taking a break from interviewing more than 100 candidates for 12 full-time slots at the Muddy Cup. As he spoke, workers were building the Muddy Cup from the ground up around him.
   “Everything is ready and in place, and everybody is working with us,” Svetz said. “We will offer a limited menu and all of our coffee house drinks on Sunday.”
   The Muddy Cup will occupy space in Robb Alley, the name given to the first floor renovated space of the former Carl. Co., which lies off Golub Arcade in the Proctors building.
   Svetz has already received a $50,000 loan from the Schenectady Local Development Corp. and plans to invest $50,000 in private financing to open the cafe. This would be his ninth cafe in New York state.
   Svetz said the cafe will be open seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays and to midnight on weekends. “It’s important to be open after 5 p.m. as part of an area’s redevelopment,” he said. “There is going to be a night life here and people will be coming down.”
   To stimulate the night life, Proctors and the Muddy Cup plan to schedule concerts, poetry readings, open mike nights and more in open space opposite the cafe in Robb Alley.
   Clark Music was slated for the space, but backed out, citing delays in the opening of the area. Both Morris and Svetz see the open space as a positive for the community.
   “It’s great to have this extra space. We will use it,” Svetz said.
   The space can hold up to 150 people.
   Morris said other activities will include chess tournaments and more.
VERTICAL GARDEN
   A third grant of $73,000 is going to Proctors’ 440 State St. to create a “living wall” opposite the Hampton Inn.
   Morris said the plan is to build a trellis along the exposed wall that faces the Hampton Inn parking entrance. “We will grow a vertical garden, which will be started next spring. This winter, we will paint the wall,” he said.
   The wall was exposed when adjacent buildings were demolished to create shovel-ready space for the aborted Diamond Cinema project years ago and then for the Hampton Inn.
   The 440 State St. building is owned by Proctors and contains a 100-seat theater and other space for cultural activities. It is part of the new Proctors facility, consisting of the Proctors main stage and the GE Theatre, which contains 450 seats and offers Iwerks movies.

Anybody hear a sucking sound? That's the tax dollars.

Quoted Text

The current round of grants is targeted toward “key properties in and around the Proctors’ block,” Gillen said.

There you have it. More money being dumped into a few blocks of State Street in the City of Schenectady at the expense of the county taxpayers. Mr. Gillen's own words support the assertions of the critics of Metroplex.

Quoted Text

“I’m a determined person and I hope to be ready,” Svetz said Monday. He was taking a break from interviewing more than 100 candidates for 12 full-time slots at the Muddy Cup. As he spoke, workers were building the Muddy Cup from the ground up around him.

These are the high paying jobs that residents of Schenectady County are paying the 10th highest property taxes in the nation to attract. I'm guessing that the wages are somewhere between minimum wage plus gratuities to perhaps $8.50/hour. We need to attract industry and high tech jobs to the region, not create more minimum wage retail jobs.

Quoted Text

Svetz said the cafe will be open seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays and to midnight on weekends. “It’s important to be open after 5 p.m. as part of an area’s redevelopment,” he said. “There is going to be a night life here and people will be coming down.”

No one will come to downtown Schenectady for "night life" until and unless the police presence (foot patrols) is increased and the homeless and the criminal element are removed from the area. The public will disappear when the sidewalks are rolled up at 5 to 6 pm when those who work in the area for the state and local government depart for home in the suburbs. This is what occurs in the several block area around the State Capital in Albany and there is much more to offer there.

You are absolutely correct on all counts Z. I would like to know if any of them on the metroplex can tell me exactly WHEN enough will be enough. How long will we, the taxpayers be working to pay for their 2 blocks of State Street? Now it is said that they are on to Erie Blvd. When will these areas be self sufficient? When will Proctors start paying it's own way and contribute to the local economy?

If the Muddy Cup or any of these other 'fine' establishments are so great, than get the 60% of the city population that is on public assistance, and give them these wonderful high paying jobs.

The Stockade...sure it has history, but you wouldn't catch me walking down there during the day let alone at night. And the same goes for the new movie theatre. And Jay Street, well forget that! And now with the fires on Union Street, I wouldn't go there either. Look at their so called Little Italy. The area is actually scarey. And let us not forget all of the privately owned businesses that we, the taxpayer has funded, that have gone belly up!

Crime is out of control and yet it appears that the metroplex just turns a blind eye and goes plunging forward. Downtown is NOT 'coming back' as they state. These are only words that make them believe that it is. If you tell a lie long enough, people begin to believe it!

I am sorry to say, but Schenectady (city) is just a dumpy little insignificant city like Troy-let! And the people of the city deserve more. Those residents have waited out storm after storm in that city, hoping that with each administration it would get better. They were hopeful. Their only hope, along with the surrounding towns, is to change the administration....and the sooner the better.

Speaking of storms, I wonder how ready the city is for the impending snowfall after the "wonderful" response that they've been budgeted well and able to give over the past couple of years.

Quoted Text

Crime is out of control and yet it appears that the metroplex just turns a blind eye and goes plunging forward. Downtown is NOT 'coming back' as they state. These are only words that make them believe that it is. If you tell a lie long enough, people begin to believe it!

I am sorry to say, but Schenectady (city) is just a dumpy little insignificant city like Troy-let! And the people of the city deserve more. Those residents have waited out storm after storm in that city, hoping that with each administration it would get better. They were hopeful. Their only hope, along with the surrounding towns, is to change the administration....and the sooner the better.

Downtown is NOT coming back like it was---it will be more like Lark Street/Saratoga.....as for the residents waiting out the 'storm',,,,take a lesson from Louisiana---dont wait in the Dome run like hell and take care........

Metroplex has pumped too much money into the two block area made of gold to admit that they're failing in reviving Schdy. As Senders said keep telling the lie until everyone believes it.

Quoted from Shadow

Metroplex has pumped too much money into the two block area made of gold to admit that they're failing in reviving Schdy. As Senders said keep telling the lie until everyone believes it.

When did I say that???

I think it's that comment, oh, how do you say it???

SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!!!

http://www.dailygazette.com

Quoted Text

SCHENECTADY
Eatery to open on State Street
Union graduate excited to bring Bombers to city
BY MICHAEL LAMENDOLA Gazette Reporter

   A Union College graduate who once drove an ice cream truck in Scotia plans to open his second Tex-Mex restaurant, Bombers Burrito Bar, directly across from Proctors in 2008, he said Thursday.
   “It’s our 10-year anniversary Oct. 3, and I wanted to pick the perfect place. And I feel Schenectady is that place,” said Matt Baumgartner.
   Baumgartner opened his fi rst Bombers on Lark Street in Albany 10 years ago next month, using $15,000 he won at a poker game at Turning Stone Casino. The Lark Street Bombers will remain open.
   He will lease 3,500 square-feet at 433 State St., adjacent to Center City on the west, in space occupied by Nextel and Scooters, said Ray Gillen, chairman of the Metroplex Development Authority. Metroplex will provide Baumgartner with a facade grant, he said.
   The new Bombers will have a liquor license and will offer Tex-Mex food, but no live entertainment.
   Baumgartner said opening his second Bombers in Schenectady “is sort of a homecoming to me. I went to college at Union and worked at GE and then I drove an ice cream truck in Scotia. I am familiar with the area and am excited about being part of it.”
   Baumgartner, a native of New Hartford in Oneida County, studied Spanish and economics at Union College. After graduating, he took a job in financial management at General Electric Co. in Schenectady, but quit after his poker game win.
   Baumgartner wasn’t always keen on Schenectady’s downtown, but Metroplex officials asked him to take another look. What he saw helped make up his mind to invest there after he sold another Albany club, Noche Lounge, which he opened in 2005.
   “I had looked at Schenectady in the past and was hesitant,” Baumgartner said. “Now, I am really excited. I can’t wait.”
   Schenectady County Legislature Chairwoman Susan Savage, who had pressed Gillen to get Bombers downtown, said, “This is a project we worked on for a long time. We are excited to have a new venue for the downtown arts and entertainment district.”
   Gillen said Baumgartner signed a lease agreement Thursday with Metroplex. “This is the first of many exciting things we have planned,” he said. He called Bombers on Lark Street “a very popular spot, a major destination,” and he said the new Bombers “fits in with the eclectic mix of retailers we are bringing downtown.”
   David Buicko, chief operating officer of the Galesi Group, a major downtown developer, said the opening of Bombers provides “a great venue to come back to after Proctors and the movie theater. The more places people can go to for entertainment and fun, the better.”
   Galesi’s next downtown venture is to take over operations of Center City in mid-October from current owners, The Lupe Group.

Quoted Text

Schenectady County Legislature Chairwoman Susan Savage, who had pressed Gillen to get Bombers downtown,

Nothing says class like getting all dressed up for a night out, going to Proctors to see Phantom of the Opera, and then finishing the night off with a couple of burittos at Bombers Buritto Bar. Susan Savage has a wonderful vision of downtown Schenectady. I haven't been downtown in years, but now that I know there is a buritto bar, there's no place else in the area I would go. ::)

Now I understand why they haven't tried to relocate the head shops on jay Street......It fits the Morris/Savage vision of downtown. Coffee shops, head shops, studio apartments. They're turning it into hippie heaven. These hippie's Morris and Savage want to turn downtown Schenectady into Haight St. and Ashbury. Next thing Metroplex will be moving downtown, if it isn't already, is the free clinic.

And to second all that, isn't the COUNTY supposed to be working all through the COUNTY? If they have funds that are supposed to do a job in a specific area, they should be giving those funds to that municipality (in the case of Metroplex, it would mostly be the city of Schenectady), then step back and see what the municipality does and keep their hands off.

Quoted from CICERO

Nothing says class like getting all dressed up for a night out, going to Proctors to see Phantom of the Opera, and then finishing the night off with a couple of burittos at Bombers Buritto Bar. Susan Savage has a wonderful vision of downtown Schenectady. I haven't been downtown in years, but now that I know there is a buritto bar, there's no place else in the area I would go. ::)

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Too funny Cicero!!!!ROFLOL

Quoted from CICERO

Nothing says class like getting all dressed up for a night out, going to Proctors to see Phantom of the Opera, and then finishing the night off with a couple of burittos at Bombers Buritto Bar. Susan Savage has a wonderful vision of downtown Schenectady. I haven't been downtown in years, but now that I know there is a buritto bar, there's no place else in the area I would go. ::)

Now I understand why they haven't tried to relocate the head shops on jay Street......It fits the Morris/Savage vision of downtown. Coffee shops, head shops, studio apartments. They're turning it into hippie heaven. These hippie's Morris and Savage want to turn downtown Schenectady into Haight St. and Ashbury. Next thing Metroplex will be moving downtown, if it isn't already, is the free clinic.

I thought I'd spit out the water I was drinking when I read these posts!! :D Great Visual!

How about everyone who was going to the Phantom having dinner BEFORE the show---burritos all around..... ;D

Quoted Text

Quote of Joe Suhrada's platform. "I would like to see the sales tax re-distributed to the municipalities who produce it as well. Instead of the old way of using it as a plum for the politically powerful democrat machine in the city, distribute it fairly."

Quote from Santabarbara website:

Quoted Text

• Establish Metroplex oversight to ensure the suburbs are not overlooked with economic development initiatives

This is a quote from Santabarbara's political flyer:

Quoted Text

"Work with Metroplex to ensure investments are made in Rotterdam, Princetown, and Duanesburg."

"Make sure our Towns get their fare share of the Metroplex sales tax."

This quote was from Joe Suhrada posted on the Schenectady message board. Rene copied and posted it here.

Quoted Text

Last night these was something really bizarre. Legislator Kosiur started to attack Mrs. Lazzari about the restoration of her historic Dutch Barn, which she saved from it's fate via a 25K grant and 50K of her own money. Apparently the Democrat mud machine has "dug up" the fact that she was awarded a historic preservation grant on her 1740's property, and are intent to make her look like a criminal for doing so.

It is ironic that a republican/conservative county legislator recieved tax dollars to fix her personal propery. After all she's supposed to be looking out for the taxpayer? I guess $25K to fix her property up was beneficial to the county taxpayer somehow.

Article about Peter Guidarelli:

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Former Schenectady mayoral candidate Peter Guidarelli(R) has purchased the Wall Street Building in Schenectady. Guidarelli and his partners in Empire Edison LLC of Schenectady plan to invest $1 million to renovate the building, which at one point had been slated for demolition.

Empire Edison will receive an $80,000 matching grant from the Downtown Sche-nectady Improvement Corp. facade program, funded by the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority.

It seems to me that all these so-called republicans don't want to limit government, as the true republican/conservative platform used to be....Instead of the democrats, republicans want to make sure that they have control of the tax dollars, and distribute it to who they see fit. Campaigning on the basis of retrieving your constituents tax dollars, and bringing it back to their district is socialism. That is controling people with their own money. I say disband Metroplex. Get rid of govenment subsidies. Give the taxpayers their money back, and let them make the decisions what to do with their money. All of these politician have their hand in the taxpayers wallet.....Republican or democrat. I say lower the taxes, and let the free markets work. That is the only way Schenectady County will get out of this hole. I have yet to hear a true conservative repulican campaign on the notion of empowering the people. It just sounds like republicans are telling me that they can spend my tax dollars better than the democrats can.

Do these people draw a salary? And if so, how much and paid by whom?

Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority Board of Directors
Ray Gillen, Chair
Bradley G. Lewis, Vice Chair
Kenneth Bulko, Treasurer
Neil M. Golub
Janet Hutchison
Sharon A. Jordan
Robert J. Mantello
Gary McCarthy
David Sterman
Robert L. Wall

Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority Administrative Staff
Jayme B. Lahut, Executive Director

James L. Callander, Director of Finance

Scott J. Cietek, Vice President-Economic Development

Peggy Chesebrough - Executive Secretary

Carol Brown - Office Assistant

They do all eat at the same trough,,,,and it is a-----"my plan and control of the tax revenues is the way to go"-----should socialism in the form of sewers be abolished?? or socialism in the form of street lights and sidewalks be abolished???? where is the line drawn? who gets to draw it?.....this is not the "wild west" anymore....Duanesburg can afford to stay as is---for now---until they start to build community centers named after politicians/teachers etc......community doesn't need government to make community....ruby ridge, waco, etc......civilization is a short step from mob rules.....it just depends on who's rules we accept.....

Cicero, Please read the below post I made in its entirety.  That includes the final paragraph indicating where the post came from. IT WAS NOT MY QUOTE.  I WAS NOT AT THE COUNTY MEETING AND NEVER INDICATED I WAS.  I copied and pasted a post from Pat Zollinger's site that Joe Suhrada posted.  Since your post is inaccurate and implies that I made the comments, I want it removed immediately.  Do not presume to know my stance on grant funds or anything else for that matter unless it comes directly from me, and DO NOT EVER LUMP ME IN WITH ANOTHER POLITICIAN.  Unfortunately, because of this incident I will remove myself from this site.  I do not care to be misquoted and have my words twisted. I say enough stupid things on my own and don't need the help of someone like you.  I thought this would be a fun and useful forum to be involved in, but I see now it was a mistake.  BK, Bumble, Senders, Z, and the rest of you, its been fun :'( :'( >:( >:(

September 26, 2007, 5:16pm
Jr. Member

Posts
136
Time Online
1 days 11 hours 12 minutes Last night these was something really bizarre. Legislator Kosiur started to attack Mrs. Lazzari about the restoration of her historic Dutch Barn, which she saved from it's fate via a 25K grant and 50K of her own money. Apparently the Democrat mud machine has "dug up" the fact that she was awarded a historic preservation grant on her 1740's property, and are intent to make her look like a criminal for doing so. What was worse is that the bitterness and bile was apparent when she had the floor and tried to set the record straight, is that the same legislator tried to interrupt her and say "what does this have to do with the debate.." or some such comment. I viciousness was apparent as the Democrats are besides themselves knowing that they only MAY have won the conservative primary by throwing out some of Mrs. Lazzari's votes due to technicalities. I really think they are coming unglued.

...if anyone gets to view the meeting they will be shocked at the behavior of the would-be assemblyman in his new role as attack dog. Mrs. Lazzari always acts like a lady and I am a little surprised that they would make themselves look so bad in a frontal attack like that. I urge you to view it on public access.

The above is a post on Pat Zollinger's site from Joe Suhrada.  I thought this was the most appropriate place to post it, but I have also stuck it in "Democrats, Off to a mudslinging start. By the way Joe,  I'm sad to say there isn't much more they could do that would shock me!!!!!!  Also, the best thing for Carolina in the west end of the county is for people to know she is not in the favor of Mr. Kosiur.

Kind of liking making a pissed off exit and having to come back for your keys, but apparently I can't remove myself from the site, Administrator, Can you do that for me please? Thanks, Rene'

Oh and one more thing, the content I was hoping to bring to the attention of everyone was concerning the attack by Kosiur, that is why I copied and pasted it first in the mud slingling area. Seems you got your own mud slinging to deal with here too.

Rene,
Please don't leave. We actually need you to help us bring some light on some of the major issues that are going on. You have brought light to many things and we thank you for that. You give us a look at things nobody else in this forum can give. An actual statement from a local government head. If we don't work through the hard stuff and find an appropriate answer, we will never get the answers.
Please, just give us some time to pull things back together.
Thanks,
Kevin

Rene's quote was not in a quote box. It was assumed to be her quote. It was a "misunderstood mis-quote".

So corrections were made on both Rene's post and Cicero's.

I guess if I don't say republicans are great, republicans can do no wrong, and turn a blind eye to the true ideology of these republican candidates, I'll be called a mud slinger on this forum.

I apologize for quoting Rene incorrectly. Her post was a little confusing on who said what.

I thought only this was Shurada's post from the Schenectady website.

Quoted Text

...if anyone gets to view the meeting they will be shocked at the behavior of the would-be assemblyman in his new role as attack dog. Mrs. Lazzari always acts like a lady and I am a little surprised that they would make themselves look so bad in a frontal attack like that. I urge you to view it on public access.

I thought this was your observation at a county meeting:

Quoted Text

Last night these was something really bizarre. Legislator Kosiur started to attack Mrs. Lazzari about the restoration of her historic Dutch Barn, which she saved from it's fate via a 25K grant and 50K of her own money. Apparently the Democrat mud machine has "dug up" the fact that she was awarded a historic preservation grant on her 1740's property, and are intent to make her look like a criminal for doing so. What was worse is that the bitterness and bile was apparent when she had the floor and tried to set the record straight, is that the same legislator tried to interrupt her and say "what does this have to do with the debate.." or some such comment. I viciousness was apparent as the Democrats are besides themselves knowing that they only MAY have won the conservative primary by throwing out some of Mrs. Lazzari's votes due to technicalities. I really think they are coming unglued

I stand corrected....And I appreciate you bringing to my attention the fact that Joe Shurada justified Mrs. Lazzari recieving a county grant to fix up he personal property....It further proves my point.....It's quite hypocritical for republicans to dip in the taxpayers wallet for their personal use, and then turn around and say shame on the democrats when they spend tax money. We have not one true conservative republican in Schenectady County in my humble opinion.

Well there is one thing for sure here Cicero....you are clearly bi-partisan!

Cicero,
JoAnn convinced me stay on the forum. I also knew I would need to respond to you since I am not one to leave things undone. I sincerely apologize to you for the mudslinging comment, I was angry and it was unfair. I will need to figure out how you guys get that fancy quote box with the "quoted from" text. This should eliminate any confusion in the future. Sorry for my lack of computer skills related to the site. Anyway, as far as grant money goes, I will offer my opinion now so you can quote me correctly ;) I have a love/hate feeling about them, mostly hate. As a taxpayer, I know that we are all paying for the grant from whomever for whatever purpose it is for. As Supervisor, I know we are all paying for the grant from whomever for whatever purpose it is for, butdo I turn down a grant? For example, we (town) got a grant from the county for restrooms at the park, should I have said thanks but no thanks? Maybe, but I couldn't do it. The whole thing is relative, whether the grant is from the federal gov't, state, or local. We are all paying for it as taxpayers.
As for the political party comments, I'm pretty sure there are as many idiot Republicans as there are Democrats. As well, there are great people in both parties, and both need to be held accountable. I don't think that we as voters hold our elected officials accountable, no one takes the time or really cares. Gotta tell ya though, for the last eight years that I have served the community of D'burg I have been able to fly under the radar of politics. I have worked well with the county and never gave any consideration to the political party stuff. I had respect for the forum of the legislature and for Sue Savage herself. Then the sex offender issue (Proctors/SCCC) came up. I opposed the issue, not the party, nor the man taking credit, I mean't no disrespect to either but I have lost all respect for both the legislature as a representative body for the people and, I am really sorry to say, for the Chairwoman too. I hope that can change back in the future. I'm off the metrople issue of this thread, lets continue this one elsewhere if you want. I hope we are OK

Quoted from Rene

Cicero,
Anyway, as far as grant money goes, I will offer my opinion now so you can quote me correctly ;) I have a love/hate feeling about them, mostly hate. As a taxpayer, I know that we are all paying for the grant from whomever for whatever purpose it is for. As Supervisor, I know we are all paying for the grant from whomever for whatever purpose it is for, but do I turn down a grant? For example, we (town) got a grant from the county for restrooms at the park, should I have said thanks but no thanks? Maybe, but I couldn't do it. The whole thing is relative, whether the grant is from the federal gov't, state, or local. We are all paying for it as taxpayers.

You're comparing apples to oranges when you compare Mrs. Lazzari's grant which was invested into her personal property, and you as a town official accepting a grant to invest into a public facility like a park. Everybody in your town can use the restrooms at the park. You used public funds and invested it into a public park. I still have trouble seeing how a county legislator using public funds to fix up her personal "historical' property benefits me as a county taxpayer.

As for apologizing for the mudslinging comment......there is no need....that's all part of the fun.

Quoted from CICERO

You're comparing apples to oranges when you compare Mrs. Lazzari's grant which was invested into her personal property, and you as a town official accepting a grant to invest into a public facility like a park. Everybody in your town can use the restrooms at the park. You used public funds and invested it into a public park. I still have trouble seeing how a county legislator using public funds to fix up her personal "historical' property benefits me as a county taxpayer.

As for apologizing for the mudslinging comment......there is no need....that's all part of the fun.

Let me know if this helps at all, Cicero.

I do believe that Mrs. Lazzari actually stated right at that meeting that she was using the money (along with 3x that amount of money out of her own pocket) to help to rehab the barn. This is something that had been going on for quite a while. She employed others in the county while she was working on this renovation, hence adding to the tax base. Also, each year, in fact, the upcoming weekend, I believe, many people are drawn into the county to come and look at historical sites, specifically barns, I believe, but I may be incorrect. If someone has that meeting, I believe that she did say something about it, if you could check it. This barn, along with other places throughout the county is a good size pull for bringing people in from outside the county to tour around and hopefully to spend some money in the county while they are visiting. Hence, any of the businesses that receive business from these people that come on these tours is not only helping the bottom line of the businesses that they come into, but it's also adding to the amount of sales tax brought in for the county (and the Metroplex). At the same time, I'm sure that the value of this property has increased to at least some amount to help balance the average home value in the county (or to at least raise hers) to help take a larger percentage (and yes, I know it's probably not 1%, but whose property is?), or probably better to say part, piece, etc. of the amount of school, town and county taxes that are applied to her land versus others.

I can't offer an opinion on the grant she got. I don't know where it came from or anything else about it. I do know she has tours of the barn. There is another Dutch Barn in Onesquetha owned by the Touhey family. I wonder if they got grants? The house I grew up in was on the National Registry of Historic Homes, I remember my father saying grant money was available for certain restoration projects. That was until he put vinyl siding on it. A sixteen room farmhouse was cumbersome to paint after a while.

Mudslinging.....Thats all part of the fun??? Thats my problem, I take this stuff WAY too seriously, I guess.

Just passionate.....

BigK,

Are you suggesting that pork barrel money like the money that is given away in the form of grants for "historical" restorartion is a proper use of tax dollars??  Then I guess that the money Metroplex throws around is also good use for our tax dollar.....Using your logic of course....Proctors brings people into the county, it generates sales tax, it increases the value of the property.  The whole city of Schenectady is subsidized by the taxpayer....and again, using your logic, it's money well spent because it does do those things you say....Brings people to the county, generates sales tax, and increases the value of the property.  But is it that the long term answer??

Me, as a more conservative person,(I refuse to call myself a republican) I believe that you can accomplish those same things(generate sales tax, increase value, ect.), by lowering taxes, and offering tax incentive for things like the restoration of historical property, or facade restoration.  That way we keep the money out of the hands of the bureaucrats and stop allowing them to spend the money how they see fit.  Instead let the individual residents of Schenectady County spend the money how they want.

I have yet to hear any of these county republicans offer up any ideas on how to we can get our tax money out of the hands of these Bureaucrats.  And I believe that the reason is because they(republicans) want to get their hands on the county treasury themselves.

BigK, your prior post sounds so unrepublican.  This blind allegence with anybody who has a (R) next to their name has got to stop.  I'm sure that Mrs. Lazzari, Mr. Santabarbara, Mr. Guidarelli, and Mr. Shurada are all good people.....But their ideology doesn't match up with what I believe republicans stand for. Mainly,,, Lower taxes, and smaller government.

Quoted Text

I have yet to hear any of these county republicans offer up any ideas on how to we can get our tax money out of the hands of these Bureaucrats. And I believe that the reason is because they(republicans) want to get their hands on the county treasury themselves.

They all eat at the same trough.....

....the ideology that money follows money is true....

.....however, with the 'free markets'/capitalism/globalism---- we can only 'keep it in the family' for so long before moths and rust get at it......

bottom line----which plan will work,,,,,the best laid plans of mice and men and discernment is not exercised......

I think I agree with part of what Cicero is saying. If the funds did not exist via grants, Metroplex, member item money etc., the benefits to the project owner could be captured through tax incentives or even reductions until the cost is recovered. The funds need to be kept away from bureaucrats, It seems for some reason ego's come into play and one upmanship when spending other peoples money. The higher the level of government the less important it seems how much they spend. But another thought, the American public has to stop expecting the government to take care of their needs, a double edge sword that takes on a life of its own and just doesn't stop growing. Next thing you know you have a huge amount of $$ in the hands of a few doling out to the many. The biggest problem with all those $$ in the hands of a few is accountability. They spend the $$ and blame it on someone else, ie: state mandates, employee benefits, etc. I don't agree with all the projects but I think there is also a use for Metroplex, but it truly needs to be a seperate entity from the government.

It could appear exactly as you (cicero) preceive both the dems and reps. It could appear that the reps desire the control of the bucks. To be in charge. To make the major decisons. But if they did, one would think that they would be running a much more pro-active campaign. One would think that they would endorse stronger candidates. One would think that they would have a vision, a plan, a blue print for their platform. But they haven't.

So perhaps Cicero, you perception may be incorrect. Cause if the reps really wanted to make a difference, change the status quo and truly be in control of this little empire, they would have pulled out all of the stops in this election and perhaps even tried to change the GOP leadership who is at the helm, that clearly is inadequate at best. But they haven't.

Make no mistake, the reps surely do want to be in control. Its human nature. Why all the stops haven't been pulled, I don't know. I have to assume it goes back to the fact that people don't want to get involved. They don't have the time, can't make a difference etc. I also think it is cyclic. It is the dems turn now. I wonder what would happen if the Conservatives or Independence were the majority? I think regardless of the majority the ego comes into play. After the last year or so with this majority, my suggestion is anything but dem.....lets try a legislature of seven dems, seven reps, and one resident of the county not registered to even vote. ;)

Here's some food for thought, I read somewhere that when Paul Tonko left he had ten million $$ in member item money earmarked for projects. I'm certain, knowing Paul, they were for worthy causes. My point is thats ten million of our tax $$ to one man, in one small district in upstate NY. Now add member item money controlled by my favorite Senator....Farley. Add to that the local county government, Metroplex. That is a ton of money in the hands of politicians. Again the double edge sword, we wouldn't have our sewer districts if if wasn't for all of the above. Oh and I forgot Mike McNulty, he helped us out too. So what is the answer? What should the plan be? You have all these entities handing out money and they need to be paid via our tax dollars in order to hand it out.

Quoted Text

Are you suggesting that pork barrel money like the money that is given away in the form of grants for "historical" restorartion is a proper use of tax dollars??

If it would create more money brought in through taxes than the amount that is going out, I would wholly support grants of any type. I guess the true question is the old cost benefit analysis. Does / Did the county make the money back that they have given? Well, in the case of Ms. Lazzari, it was a one time thing.

Quoted Text

Proctors brings people into the county, it generates sales tax, it increases the value of the property.

Again, does Proctors bring in enough taxes to cover what they are being given. Did Proctors bringin land tax, sales tax, etc. in an amount greater than $165,000 this year? Will they bring in more that $200,000 next year and each year in perpetuity?

Quoted Text

I believe that you can accomplish those same things(generate sales tax, increase value, ect.), by lowering taxes, and offering tax incentive for things like the restoration of historical property, or facade restoration.

I wholly agree with this, and I have actually spoken out about this in the recent past, both in this forum and out in public, whether to other residents or to the Town and County Councils. If you put money back into the hands of the people and let them decide where the money is being spent, then the market will decide what should stay and what should go.

It seems to me that if Proctors has needed money from the County for the past 30 years or so (I don't know when these taxes actually started), then if they were a stand-alone business (which I thought they really should be), thye would have closed up at least a decade (or maybe 2) ago. If you let the free market decide what's going to happen, THAT'S how you get successful businesses, but you have the Metroplex taking additional money from residents and visitors to the county as well as this wonderful bed tax that makes sure that Proctors (and other "arts and entertainment" groups throughout the county) get money each year.

If the residents and visitors to this county really wanted these projects to stay afloat, don't you think they would be willing to throw their support behind them and help to raise the funds or bring in the business that would be needed to have enough to support their business and not go to the government trough?

Quoted Text

That way we keep the money out of the hands of the bureaucrats and stop allowing them to spend the money how they see fit. Instead let the individual residents of Schenectady County spend the money how they want.

I agree.  The businesses and the people need to keep this money and be able to fix things as they see fit.  Think of this.  For every hotel room that is booked (and I have no clue what hotel prices are like nowadays in the county, I stay at home when I'm in the county, so I'll just go with a shot in the dark for a price on a hotel room), let's say that the going price for a hotel room, before taxes, is $85.  Now, you add on state and county sales tax (8%) and that's another $6.80.  At the same time, Metroplex dips in (.25%), $.2125.  Then, we have the Bed Tax, (which I believe is another 4%), at $3.40.
That's a total of taxes in the amount of $10.4125, probably rounded down to $10.41.

I think the main question that really needs to be asked when looking at these grants is has the county made back the money in other ways.  Well, I don't know when Ms. Lazzari's grant was from and I can't honestly tell you if the county made back the money.  As far as a project like Proctors,

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