Schenectady, N.Y. – The Metroplex Board of Directors met this evening and took action on three development projects in downtown Schenectady.

The first project involves renovating and expanding 271 and 277 State Street. The existing 55,000 square foot building will be renovated including the former Kresge Building at 271 State and the former State Theater building also known as the Wedgeway building at 277 State Street.

The Metroplex Board approved a resolution calling for a public hearing on the project. When Metroplex considers a project involving incentives worth more than $500,000 a public hearing is required. The hearing will be held prior to the Board’s next meeting on April 13th.

The board also approved spending $68,000 to help defray a portion of the cost of demolishing the vacant former Coyne Laundry building at 1435 Erie Boulevard. The building is located between the Rivers Casino & Resort and the Colonial Commons Apartments on Erie Boulevard.

“Demolishing this blighted building will dramatically improve the Erie Boulevard corridor and remove a structure that negatively impacts the East Front Street neighborhood,” said Ray Gillen, Metroplex Chair.

The board also approved a façade improvement project at 140 Clinton Street. A $60,000 matching grant will help upgrade the appearance of the two-story building located near a number of Metroplex developments in this part of downtown.