Schenectady, N.Y. – The Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority today announced that it will demolish a vacant building at the corner of Routes 5 and 50 in the Village of Scotia.  A former carpet store, the building has been vacant for many years and is in poor condition.

“When we met with Village leaders, County officials representing Scotia and business leaders from the Scotia Business Improvement District (BID) earlier this year, the number one request was to demolish the carpet store. We are pleased that we were able to reach an agreement to remove this blighted building,” said Ray Gillen, Metroplex Chair.

Sara Mae Pratt, a member of the Schenectady County IDA and County Legislator representing Scotia, Glenville and Niskayuna said, “Getting rid of this eyesore in such a visible spot in the Village will continue our efforts to improve the Mohawk Avenue business corridor. The goal is to change the negative perception that is now associated with this corner.”

Village Mayor Tom Gifford said, “The Village is pleased to work with Metroplex to get this blighted building removed from our growing business district.  Scotia is a great place to live and work and we want to continue to build on the momentum we are seeing along Mohawk Avenue.”

Metroplex approved $45,000 in funding to remove asbestos and demolish the building.  Demolition will occur this summer.

The Village of Scotia is part of Metroplex’s service territory.  Past projects in the Village include the redevelopment of the former McDonald’s site, construction of a large parking lot to service the main business district, improvements to a number of facades, the demolition of a former antiques store that was in very poor condition and other upgrades.

The main business district in Scotia along Mohawk Avenue is seeing new businesses including an art gallery, gift shop, coffee shop, upgrades to a bowling alley and other developments. The Glen Sanders Mansion just received a $1.5 million upgrade.

Metroplex is also working with the owners of the former Scotia Motors complex to renovate the buildings next to the carpet store and attract new tenants to the site.