Rotterdam, N.Y. — The Town of Rotterdam and Schenectady County officials today announced that Forum Industries, Inc. of Clifton Park, New York has submitted plans to the Town to begin construction at the long vacant Curry Road Plaza.
The developer has submitted plans to construct a 2,200 square foot branch for Trustco Bank at the front of the 12-acre site facing Curry Road. The Town Planning Commission will review the plan this evening with final approvals expected in mid-June allowing for construction work to begin this summer.
The new Trustco Bank site is essential to redeveloping the entire site as the bank currently operates a branch in the rear of the parcel in a building that is surrounded by vacant space that is in very poor condition. The developer plans to demolish these older buildings to develop 180 units of senior housing plus green space and walking paths. The front of the site will contain the new Trustco branch as well as a second 4,000 square foot retail building.
Town Supervisor Harry Buffardi said, “We are grateful to Trustco and Forum Industries for their cooperation in moving this project forward. This is just the beginning of a great redevelopment effort that the residents of Rotterdam want to see happen. Working closely with the County’s economic development team, we are committed to moving this project forward.”
“We faced many challenges along the way in getting this property redeveloped,” said Judy Dagostino, Chairwoman of the Schenectady County Legislature. “The commitment and determination of my colleagues on the County Legislature and Town officials, along with the hard work and dedication of our economic development team, has allowed us to bring this project to fruition,” said Chairwoman Dagostino. “When this project is completed, it will breathe new life into this long-time eyesore and create something our community can take pride in. I thank everyone for their hard work to make this possible.”
Andrew Sciocchetti, CEO and President of Forum Industries said, “We are pleased to work with Trustco to continue the bank’s long-standing presence at the Curry Road site. We look forward to a new and exciting project at this formerly vacant site that will be of benefit to the residents of the Town of Rotterdam.”
Behind the new bank and retail building on Curry Road, Forum Industries plans to build 180 senior apartments with a mix of one and two bedroom units, business center, gym, outdoor patio and other amenities. Approximately 2.5 acres of the 12 acre site will be preserved as a nature area with trails. Another .27 acres will be donated by the development team to the Rotterdam Fire District #2 for future expansions.
Forum Industries is paying the Town of Rotterdam $375,000 for the rear portion of the site.
Forum is working with Ingalls & Associates, a Rotterdam – based engineering firm on the project.
About Forum Industries
Forum Industries performs construction and development work in Upstate New York. The firm successfully developed a 70 unit senior housing project in Clifton Park. Mr. Sciocchetti also owns and operates AJS Masonry, Inc., a major construction subcontractor in the Capital Region.