Clifton Park-based Forum Industries Inc. has proposed building 30 town homes and an eight-story building containing 150 condominiums at the intersection of Cottage Hill and Partition streets on the eastern edge of the city of Rensselaer.
Details on the project were sketchy, and the city’s planning director said it still is in the early stages of planning. A draft environmental impact statement has been filed and is available at the City of Rensselaer Library and the city’s planning department, located on the second floor of the Community Center at 62 Washington St.
A public hearing seeking comment on the impact statement will be held Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. at the community center’s first floor meeting room.
The project will be built on a 27-acre parcel and will include an open-space recreation area. The site includes a portion of a closed former city landfill.
Officials from Forum weren’t immediately available for comment.
2008 article
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
What the nayboobs/constant critics fail to understand is that everything has been done according to the letter of the law - a Request For Proposal was sent out, bids were received and the town has a legal obligation to go with the highest responsible bidder. The highest bidder pulled out after they could not secure the adjoining properties necessary for their project. Thus the town has to go the next highest bidder of those projects for which bids were received.
The nayboobs/constant critics also refuse to recognize that the property has been an eyesore for 25 years and off the tax rolls for about the last 10 years. While some would rather sit on their hands and wait for some fantastical better project to come forward, the fact is that we have waited too long to take any action and at least this project is a REAL ONE and not some wishful fantasy of what might be. Getting the site cleaned up, redeveloped and back on the tax rolls will greatly benefit the town and most importantly its taxpayers.
WRONG GOAT BREATH! Unless something was done wrong, bids are to be written as LEGALLY BINDING WITHOUT EXCLUSION. If you and your cronies wrote the bid wrong, that's on you guys. It's the WRONG WAY!!!! High bidder is bound by his bid and there is no clause to offer a bid contingent on other criteria, like availability and ability to purchase adjoining properties. Once High bidder has defaulted, town could rebid the property based on default. Learn how things work before you try to pretend to be an expert. And just to answer your retort before yo upost it, part of my job is putting $100+M of spend out for bid annually. I write the RFQ's and the BIDS, and if I ever wrote a bid that allowed this kind of escape, I would have been fired a long time ago.
JUST BECAUSE SISSY SAYS SO DOESN'T MAKE IT SO...BUT HE THINKS IT DOES!!!!! JUST BECAUSE MC1 SAYS SO DOESN'T MAKE IT SO!!!!!
Former Curry Road Plaza Buildings to Face Wrecking Ball
The Town of Rotterdam will move forward today with the selection of a development team for the former Curry Road Plaza, a vacant 12-acre site on a busy corridor in Rotterdam. Plans call for razing the two existing buildings on the site to be replaced by four new buildings with a total new investment of $20 million. This project is a joint effort with Schenectady County and is another example of the progress made through the County’s unified economic development team. Earlier this year, the Town and County worked together to develop an RFP for the property which is owned by the Town.
Town Supervisor Harry Buffardi said, “Curry Road Plaza has been an eyesore in Rotterdam for many years. Today we move ahead with a development team that will bring new life to this site with a mix of retail and senior housing. This will mean new jobs and investment in our community.”
Judy Dagostino, Chairwoman of the Schenectady County Legislature said, “This is great news for the residents of Rotterdam and Schenectady County. By working together with the Town, we are breathing new life into this long-time eyesore and creating something our residents can take pride in.”
Town officials today announced that a team headed by Forum Industries, Inc. of Clifton Park, NY and Whitney Capital Company LLC of Lake Success, NY has been selected to develop the site. The Forum-Whitney team will pay the Town $375,000 for the property.
The developers will present their project to the Town Board on October 10 with final approval expected on October 24th.
The winning development proposal includes plans for two buildings to be built on Curry Road. The two buildings will feature retail and office users – one building at 2,500 square feet and the other 4,000 square feet.
Behind the two new retail buildings that front on Curry Road, the Forum-Whitney Team plans to build two, three-story buildings totaling 120,000 square feet. The two buildings will feature 180 senior apartments with a mix of one and two bedroom units, business center, gym, outdoor patio and other amenities.
The developers plan to use green building methods to construct the new senior apartments. Approximately 2.5 acres of the 12 acre site will be preserved as a nature area with trails. Another .27 acres will be donated by the development team to the Rotterdam Fire District #2 for future expansions.
Andrew Sciocchetti, CEO and President of Forum Industries said, “We are excited about moving forward with the Town and County to redevelop Curry Road Plaza.”
Forum Industries develops and constructs commercial and multi-family residential units in Upstate New York. The firm most recently completed a 70 unit Affordable Senior Housing project in Clifton Park, and has two other local sites in development for senior housing. Mr. Sciocchetti also owns and operates AJS Masonry, Inc, a major construction subcontractor in the Capital Region.
Tom Granville, Managing Director of Whitney Capital Company LLC said "Our firm is excited about working with Forum Industries, the Town of Rotterdam and Schenectady County to bring new life to this site while also addressing the local need for senior rental housing.”
The principals of Whitney Capital Company LLC, Garry Munson and Tom Granville, have developed and retained an interest in over 5,000 units of multi-family housing nationwide. The firm's management affiliate, Whitney Management Corp, now manages New York senior housing communities in the City of Saratoga Springs, Amherst, Hamburg, Riverhead, Hampton Bays and Farmingdale.
The County’s economic development team has been successful in redeveloping a number of vacant or underutilized shopping plazas in Schenectady County including the former Capitol Plaza in Rotterdam, the former Kmart Plaza in Glenville, the former St. James Square in Niskayuna and the Crosstown Plaza in Schenectady.
Redevelopment of the Curry Road site is a major priority for the County’s economic development team. To make the site shovel ready for the new senior housing and retail project, extensive work has been completed in the last twenty four months to prepare the site for demolition and redevelopment. These activities were implemented by the Rotterdam IDA and later the Schenectady County IDA which is administered by Metroplex as part of the County’s unified economic development team.
The project developers will complete required State and local reviews with plans to begin demolition and site work in 2013.
Former Curry Road Plaza Buildings to Face Wrecking Ball Four New Buildings Planned for Vacant Retail Site/$20 Million Investment to Boost Rotterdam and Schenectady County October 10, 2012
View archived news/updates: 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 For Immediate Release: October 10, 2012 Contact: Joe McQueen (51 388-4772
Former Curry Road Plaza Buildings to Face Wrecking Ball
Four New Buildings Planned for Vacant Retail Site
$20 Million Investment to Boost Rotterdam and Schenectady County
(Schenectady County, NY) The Town of Rotterdam will move forward today with the selection of a development team for the former Curry Road Plaza, a vacant 12-acre site on a busy corridor in Rotterdam. Plans call for razing the two existing buildings on the site to be replaced by four new buildings with a total new investment of $20 million. This project is a joint effort with Schenectady County and is another example of the progress made through the County’s unified economic development team. Earlier this year, the Town and County worked together to develop an RFP for the property which is owned by the Town.
Town Supervisor Harry Buffardi said, “Curry Road Plaza has been an eyesore in Rotterdam for many years. Today we move ahead with a development team that will bring new life to this site with a mix of retail and senior housing. This will mean new jobs and investment in our community.”
Judy Dagostino, Chairwoman of the Schenectady County Legislature said, “This is great news for the residents of Rotterdam and Schenectady County. By working together with the Town, we are breathing new life into this long-time eyesore and creating something our residents can take pride in.”
Town officials today announced that a team headed by Forum Industries, Inc. of Clifton Park, NY and Whitney Capital Company LLC of Lake Success, NY has been selected to develop the site. The Forum-Whitney team will pay the Town $375,000 for the property.
The developers will present their project to the Town Board on October 10 with final approval expected on October 24th.
The winning development proposal includes plans for two buildings to be built on Curry Road. The two buildings will feature retail and office users – one building at 2,500 square feet and the other 4,000 square feet.
Behind the two new retail buildings that front on Curry Road, the Forum-Whitney Team plans to build two, three-story buildings totaling 120,000 square feet. The two buildings will feature 180 senior apartments with a mix of one and two bedroom units, business center, gym, outdoor patio and other amenities.
The developers plan to use green building methods to construct the new senior apartments. Approximately 2.5 acres of the 12 acre site will be preserved as a nature area with trails. Another .27 acres will be donated by the development team to the Rotterdam Fire District #2 for future expansions.
Andrew Sciocchetti, CEO and President of Forum Industries said, “We are excited about moving forward with the Town and County to redevelop Curry Road Plaza.”
Forum Industries develops and constructs commercial and multi-family residential units in Upstate New York. The firm most recently completed a 70 unit Affordable Senior Housing project in Clifton Park, and has two other local sites in development for senior housing. Mr. Sciocchetti also owns and operates AJS Masonry, Inc, a major construction subcontractor in the Capital Region.
Tom Granville, Managing Director of Whitney Capital Company LLC said "Our firm is excited about working with Forum Industries, the Town of Rotterdam and Schenectady County to bring new life to this site while also addressing the local need for senior rental housing.”
The principals of Whitney Capital Company LLC, Garry Munson and Tom Granville, have developed and retained an interest in over 5,000 units of multi-family housing nationwide. The firm's management affiliate, Whitney Management Corp, now manages New York senior housing communities in the City of Saratoga Springs, Amherst, Hamburg, Riverhead, Hampton Bays and Farmingdale.
The County’s economic development team has been successful in redeveloping a number of vacant or underutilized shopping plazas in Schenectady County including the former Capitol Plaza in Rotterdam, the former Kmart Plaza in Glenville, the former St. James Square in Niskayuna and the Crosstown Plaza in Schenectady.
Redevelopment of the Curry Road site is a major priority for the County’s economic development team. To make the site shovel ready for the new senior housing and retail project, extensive work has been completed in the last twenty four months to prepare the site for demolition and redevelopment. These activities were implemented by the Rotterdam IDA and later the Schenectady County IDA which is administered by Metroplex as part of the County’s unified economic development team.
The project developers will complete required State and local reviews with plans to begin demolition and site work in 2013.
just because something is legal doesn't make it the right choice just because something is illegal doesn't make it the wrong choice
it's the 'accounting' and accountability
If something is illegal it IS the wrong choice.
George Amedore & Christian Klueg for NYS Senate 2016 Pete Vroman for State Assembly 2016[/size][/color]
"For this is what America is all about. It is the uncrossed desert and the unclimbed ridge. It is the star that is not reached and the harvest that is sleeping in the unplowed ground." Lyndon Baines Johnson
you being the 'good catholic' should know better......
abortion is LEGAL
now move before that goat kicks you in your face
We weren't discussing abortion -- but since you raised the issue -- just because something is legal doesn't make it right,
As for your other comment, we are all well aware that you are not mature enough to have a discussion without making some stupid comment. Maybe - someday - you will grow up and be able to have a discussion with other adults.
George Amedore & Christian Klueg for NYS Senate 2016 Pete Vroman for State Assembly 2016[/size][/color]
"For this is what America is all about. It is the uncrossed desert and the unclimbed ridge. It is the star that is not reached and the harvest that is sleeping in the unplowed ground." Lyndon Baines Johnson
ROTTERDAM — One company that saw potential in Rotterdam’s dilapidated Curry Road Plaza four years ago will likely realize its vision after a bidding process shakeup left it as the sole bidder.
#The Rotterdam Town Board on Wednesday, Oct. 10, heard Forum Industries President Andrew Sciocchetti, who outlined plans for the blighted 12-acre site that include razing existing structures and constructing four new buildings. Two retail and office buildings, with one at 2,500 square feet and the other at 4,000 square feet, would face Curry Road in Rotterdam. Two, three-story buildings would be built behind the commercial front, total 120,000 square feet and hold 180 senior apartments.
#Town Supervisor Harry Buffardi said he is anxious to see the property get back on the tax rolls and be redeveloped.
#“It has been languishing there for 25 to 30 years,” Buffardi said. “This is town owned property, we got trees growing out of the roof.”
#The board is expected to vote on Forum Industries’ $20 million investment proposal at its Wednesday, Oct. 24, meeting. The company is the only remaining bidder interested in the property, which has remained largely vacant after Kmart left more than two decades ago.
Highest bid withdrawn #Columbia Development Companies had submitted the highest proposed purchase price at $1.2 million, far more than Forum’s $375,000 offer.
#Town officials had called for bids in June and only two official bids were submitted by the July deadline. Two more bids had been turned in, with one bid delivered to the wrong location and another arriving shortly after the deadline, but the town attorney tossed both out on legal grounds.
#The Town Board was expected to pick Columbia’s bid, but the company withdrew its bid on Oct. 3 in a two-sentence letter to the town clerk. The letter did not explain the reason for the withdrawal.
Calls requesting comment from Columbia were not returned.
#Buffardi, however, has said Columbia wasn’t able to purchase the adjacent Palma Lumber property because The Golub Corporation recently bought it. Columbia’s proposed project, though not detailed in its bid, included purchasing the adjacent property, according to Buffardi.
#“It is pretty clear that Columbia came in for purposes of a larger development there,” Buffardi said. “They were working on securing those properties under contract … and when they couldn’t do that, obviously their interest level dropped.”
#Mona Golub, a spokeswoman for the Golub Corporation, said the company has been planning to buy the Palma Lumber property all along in anticipation of redevelopment there.
#“Our acquisition of the Palma Lumber parcel preserves our interest in the redevelopment of the plaza that we have been working on for nearly three years,” she said.
#She added the company has worked with town officials and Sciocchetti over the last three years after Forum Industries first expressed interest in the Curry Road Plaza. The Palma Lumber property “might well play into” redevelopment efforts, she said.
#“We still own three parcels in the property and negotiated an agreement with Andrew Sciocchetti and the town in order to accommodate his plan,” Golub said.
#The town acquired the Curry Road Plaza property from Golub, but there remains a deed restriction disallowing any business competing with Price Chopper to be developed at the site. A competing business would be allowed on the adjacent Palma Lumber property just purchased by Golub, however.
#Columbia has not disclosed whatever plans it had for that Palma property, but the developer has worked with ShopRite on all four of the company’s Capital District stores. After Columbia’s withdrawal, the town was left with Forum’s lesser proposal.
#“The $1.23 million was very attractive and the idea they were going to come in and purchase other properties was attractive,” Buffardi. “It influenced me, that was a big number.”
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
Where should I send my thank you card to Mona for confirming the rumors about them taking 825k out of Rotterdam's hands for the sale of the curry rd plaza b/c Columbia may have built a grocery store on the Palma lumber site? Now how many years will Golub let the Palma lumber site decay for?
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