SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — The Metroplex Board of Directors met this week and approved two development projects: one in Glenville and the other in downtown Schenectady.
The first project brings another wind energy supplier to Schenectady County. Energy Hardware provides supply chain solutions to original equipment manufacturers. The company distributes electro-mechanical hardware and fasteners to the energy and aerospace sectors with locations in Pensacola, Florida and Greer, South Carolina. Energy Hardware will lease 44,000 square feet of space in Building 201 at the Glenville Business & Technology Park, which is owned by the Galesi Group. The company will support GE Vernova’s growing onshore wind business by providing parts and services on a just-in-time basis to GE’s downtown campus.
Before Energy Hardware can occupy the space, the building will be renovated and new loading docks will be added. Metroplex will provide a $95,000 grant towards building renovation costs. Energy Hardware will bring approximately twenty new jobs to this new regional location, with the potential for future growth of up to fifty jobs. Energy Hardware is the third GE supplier to announce plans to locate operations in Schenectady County since GE Vernova announced plans to build onshore wind turbine nacelles in Schenectady.
“We are excited to welcome Energy Hardware to Schenectady County, supporting GE Vernova’s growing onshore wind business,” said Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “This collaboration not only enhances our economic development portfolio but will also bring good-paying jobs to our community.”
“This is yet another great example of economic redevelopment within the business park that will help create more jobs, add tax base and help the further revitalization of this important asset,” said Glenville Town Supervisor Chris Koetzle. “There is a long history of manufacturing in this park and I am pleased that we can continue that tradition while looking to the future to support renewable energy.”
In downtown Schenectady, Metroplex will provide a $40,000 façade matching grant to help renovate a building at 417 Union Street. Built in 1897 and located in the Union Street Historic District, the building is now vacant. It will be restored by Mr. Terry Aldrich who owns the Backstage Pub near Proctors. The renovation plan includes three market rate apartments with new flooring, plumbing and electrical systems, updated kitchens and bathrooms, a new roof and a major upgrade to the façade. The total project cost is almost $400,000. Project financing is being provided by The Bank of Greene County and the renovation work will be performed by Phillips Restoration, Inc. of Schenectady.
“We are pleased to partner with Terry Aldrich to restore this historic building on lower Union Street,” said Ray Gillen, Metroplex Chair.
“I am excited to get moving on restoring 417 Union. It will be a great project for the neighborhood and I am thrilled with all the help Metroplex has provided,” said Terry Aldrich “My grandfather JoJo also owned the property next door, JoJo’s Auto Service, and we look forward to bringing a new concept to that location soon.”
Glenville Business & Technology Park