(Schenectady, NY) Yesterday, Americans throughout Schenectady County honored the sacrifices made by members of our Armed Services in defense of our freedoms. Today Schenectady County transferred the former Marks property at the intersection of Route 20 and Route 7 to the Town of Duanesburg with the goal of building a lasting memorial for all of our veterans by creating a new Veterans Park on the site.
The Schenectady County Legislature authorized the transference of the property in January. The local law was sponsored by Legislator Anthony Jasenski and co-sponsored by Legislators Angelo Santabarbara, Holly Vellano, Chair of the Legislature’s Veteran Affairs Committee, and Judy Dagostino, Chairwoman of the Schenectady County Legislature.
During the transfer ceremony Legislators Jasenski, Santabarbara, Dagostino and Vellano also pledged the first $1,000 towards the Veterans Park fund that the Town of Duanesburg is establishing to raise the funds necessary to build this important park.
“This location, at the main crossroads in Duanesburg, is the perfect location to serve as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made by the veterans in our community,” said Legislator Jasenski.
“Having served in our Nation’s military, I’m pleased that future generations will have a place to go to remember those who defend and preserve our Nation. This project especially recognizes our veterans and honors the courage and sacrifices of all the brave heroes in our military,” said Legislator Santabarbara.
“A permanent memorial recognizing the dedication and commitment of our veterans is the very least we can do for these brave men and women who have sacrificed life and limb for the freedoms we enjoy today,” said Legislator Vellano.
“It is extremely important that we find ways to say thank you to our veterans for their dedication and bravery. This park will be a great place to gather and reflect on what veterans have done for this county,” said Legislator Dagostino.
“Thank you to Legislator Jasenski and the entire County Legislature for dedicating this property to the Town of Duanesburg. It will provide an opportunity for us to pay homage to our veterans who have fought and continue to fight for our freedoms,” said Rene Merrihew, Town of Duanesburg Supervisor.
The property is a former brownfield and the site of the Check Marks Realty building. The County took ownership of the property in 2010, demolished the severely dilapidated structure and cleaned the site using funding from New York State and Metroplex Development Authority.
Contact:
Joe McQueen
(518) 388-4772