Statement from Metroplex Chairman Ray Gillen:

Last night, I attended the City of Schenectady Planning Commission meeting where three downtown projects were approved.  A new music venue will open at 116 Jay Street, a long vacant building located right across the street from City Hall. We thank Noah Smith and Mitch Ramsey for this investment that will create yet another entertainment destination downtown.   Work will get underway this summer.  Noah Smith also recently purchased 123 Jay Street and plans to renovate this building as well.

Also approved was the new Destine Prep Charter School at 530 Franklin Street.  We welcome the new Charter school including students, parents and staff to downtown and we thank Chris Spraragen, owner of 530 Franklin Street for this latest investment in our community.

We congratulate AIK Property Group for gaining approval to build 25 apartments in two different projects on Barrett Street and South Avenue located just off of lower Union Street. This represents an investment of almost $6 million in affordable rental housing that will be just a few blocks from downtown.  We thank David Hogenkamp for working closely with the developer on this development including the purchase of a lot owned by the Land Bank for parking. David helped make this development possible.