Schenectady, N.Y., May 4, 2006 — The Upper Union Street Business Improvement District (BID) and Metroplex today provided an update on ongoing façade improvements planned or underway on Upper Union Street. A new café is scheduled to open in a vacant storefront at 1625 Union Street and a new Farmers Market will get underway this Saturday and continue throughout the summer and early fall.
Mayor Brian U. Stratton said, “The progress on Upper Union Street is very exciting and it provides visible proof of Schenectady’s turn around. We applaud this effort funded by Metroplex and ably administered by the hard working merchants that comprise the Upper Union Street BID.”
Gary Hughes, Chair of the County Legislature’s Economic Development Committee said, “Upper Union Street is starting to really shine and we hope that this momentum continues. The façade program is helping to increase property values, add jobs and boost sales tax revenues – all goals of an effective economic development program.”
Mike Mastroianni, Chairman of the Upper Union Street BID said, “Property and business owners in the district are already seeing increased interest from tenants and shoppers as a result of the facade program, and the new farmers market starting on May 6th will help build on that success.”
Four façade projects have already been completed:
Northeastern Fine Jewelry 1607 Union Street
Scotti’s Restaurant 1730 Union Street
Ferri Formals 1608 Union Street
Hartz Family Cleaners 1714 Union Street
Currently underway:
Union Street Aquarium and China Wok at 1617 Union Street have a bright new look and are expecting new awnings in the next few weeks.
The former CVS drugstore at 1625 Union Street (corner of Keyes Avenue and Union Street) will have an elegant new façade to complement its new use as a café.
Slated for Summer construction:
Gershon’s at 1600 Union Street, one of the signature businesses on Union Street, will improve its façade and construct an outdoor eating area.
Two large buildings that form the eastern gateway to the district will both be rehabbed. 1741 to 1745 Union Street – including Anna’s Alterations and Pizza Buono – will receive a new façade. Across the street, the Union Street Dental Building, which also houses a home decorating business called Country Scents, will also be remodeled.
The planned improvements to the façade at 1609 Union Street (corner of Union and Baker Avenue) have already attracted two new locally owned businesses to join the existing AJ Floral – Maddalone Realty and Carousel Candy Shop.
Curves and Village Boutique 1619 Union Street will also be remodeled, and Hair Razors 1728 Union Street will receive a new porch complementing the rehab of Scotti’s restaurant next door.
Metroplex Chair Ray Gillen said, “Upper Union Street provides further evidence that Schenectady is coming back strong. We have interesting retailers in a great setting on Upper Union Street. The façade program is helping retailers make an eye catching presentation to customers and we are very encouraged and pleased by the success of this program which is funded by Metroplex, in cooperation with the BID and the hard working merchants of Upper Union Street.”
Other interested businesses are encouraged to contact Michael Mastroianni at Michael’s Shoes 372-7963.