SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — The Board of Directors of the Capital Region Land Bank this week approved a $10,000 grant that will be used to help with the $30,000 cost of boarding up and securing the Mekeel School property located at 50 Cypress Drive in Glenville.

“The Land Bank’s goal is to address blighted buildings and properties across Schenectady County and we are pleased to work with the leadership team at Mekeel and the Town of Glenville to board-up and secure this former school building,” said Richard Ruzzo, Land Bank Board Chair and a member of the Schenectady County Legislature.  “This saves the building from further damage and preserves it for potential future use. It also cleans-up the site that was a major concern for neighbors and Town officials.”

Town Supervisor Chris Koetzle said, “This is a huge step forward for this property and I appreciate the support as we continue to work with the property owner to ensure this building is secure. We’ll continue that work as we seek appropriate solutions for the property’s reuse that are in line with the community around it.”

Chad Bowman, Head of School at Mekeel said, “We are truly grateful to the Land Bank for their commitment to continual improvement and development in our region. Their partnership with us in boarding up the building gets us one step closer to a solution that will revitalize the property and enhance the neighborhood.”

The Mekeel Christian Academy has been in operation since 1976.  The school is located in Scotia, NY.  The site in Glenville has thirty-eight acres of land and a former Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake elementary school on the grounds that has experienced vandalism and graffiti. Mekeel is working with a potential buyer to redevelop the site.  Securing the site and eliminating the graffiti is a priority for the school’s leadership, the Town of Glenville and the Land Bank.