Eastern Avenue is being transformed one property at a time, with plans for a new park — Tribute Park — to be developed next to Vale Park.

 

Designs for the park were recently completed following two public meetings last month where the community was able to provide input on the project and help shape the finished product.

 

Buildings at 866, 868 and 870 Eastern Ave. were demolished months ago thanks to the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority and the Capital Region Land Bank. The three parcels are being packaged as one large parcel for development.

 

“There was an opportunity with these three parcels to create a much-needed green space on the Eastern Avenue corridor,” said Steve Strichman, executive director of the land bank. “We are looking for a more passive and low-maintenance space with opportunities for light recreation.”

 

The oval-shaped park, which will span about half an acre, will include community green space, a playground for toddlers, a garden at the main entrance, a fountain, benches and picnic tables, and possibly a walking trail.

 

Strichman said the project would be funded in part by the state Attorney General’s Community Revitalization Initiative. A total price tag has not yet been determined, but work could start as early as next year.

 

The project is spearheaded by the land bank and is part of the Eastern Avenue revitalization initiative, an effort involving the city, the county, Metroplex and the city Industrial Development Agency.

 

“This is the design people liked at the public meetings,” Strichman said. “We don’t know what our cost estimate is yet, but we will probably be doing a multiphase, multiyear project. We will meet again with the neighborhood once we know the costs to figure out how to phase it.”

 

The land bank originally presented three design options and incorporated elements of each, based on public feedback, to come up with the final design. Robert Harvey, president of the Eastern Avenue Neighborhood Association, said he is pleased with the plans.

 

“I think it’s a nice design because it is open, looks safe and has activities for most kids and adults,” he said. “We’re improving the overall quality of life, and hopefully, more people will take pride in the neighborhood.”

 

Harvey said additional plans for the park once it’s developed could include connecting it to the adjacent, 35-acre Vale Park via a walking trail. That’s an option he would like to keep on the table.

 

“What we liked about these buildings coming down is that now you have an open area and in the background you have trees and Vale Park,” he said. “There are trails that are not too far from there. We are looking for ways to keep the space open and make it look beautiful.”

 

Metroplex has been working to expand its reach beyond downtown and into business corridors like Eastern Avenue, along with nearby communities like Upper Union Street.

 

In its heyday, Eastern Avenue was a thriving area with a mix of residential and commercial properties. But many businesses have since closed, leaving a number of abandoned and deteriorating buildings.

 

“There are certainly some blighted buildings in the community,” Harvey said. “They don’t add value to the area, but it gives residents the feeling to improve and revitalize Eastern Avenue. That’s what we’re doing here.”

 

The park project is one of many moving forward on Eastern Avenue. Metroplex received $250,000 from the IDA to support building renovation and demolition projects on Eastern Avenue. Metroplex also committed $100,000, with the land bank using a portion of $150,000 in state funds.

 

“We’re trying to address Eastern Avenue and create momentum in the neighborhood as a major gateway to downtown,” said Metroplex Chairman Ray Gillen. “We’re trying to create positive change on Eastern Avenue.”

 

In January, Metroplex purchased a three-story building at 722 Eastern Ave. and the old Kilgore’s Tavern at 803 Eastern Ave. Both buildings were demolished in August and donated to the land bank.

 

Metroplexprovideda$60,000 facade grant to upgrade Arket Electric’s office and warehouse at 827 and 831 Eastern Ave. Last year, Metroplex also gave out a $22,000 matching facade grant for 813-815 Eastern Ave.

 

Metroplex is working to redevelop the former Ras Furniture store at 823 Eastern Ave. and is exploring the renovation or possible demolition of the former Copper Keg bar at 846-848 Eastern Ave., Gillen said.

 

Upgrades are also planned for several homes, with the demolition of 730 Eastern Ave. scheduled for Monday. The house right now is leaning on the house next to it, 732 Eastern Ave., which is being renovated by the owner.