http://www.timesunion.com

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Vacant building update

I've received several inquiries about the status of the vacant six-story former Trustco Bank office building on Erie Boulevard.

The place has been empty since Schenectady County purchased it 2 years ago for $2.4 million, so that's a valid question.

The building will replace the longtime State Street County Office Building, which will be part of a new county courthouse complex.
County insiders said the design work is done and construction bid specs for the building remake were recently completed.
They said renovations, expected to cost about $6.5 million, should be done before the end of 2008.

In another county project, word has it there is strong support to name the Galesi Group as the developer to convert the old 3M Building on Broadway into a new home for the Department of Social Services.

Galesi has developed several downtown properties. County officials have discussed replacing the antiquated DSS building for years. Union College has expressed interest in owning the old building.

The old DSS building certainly does not exude a "pull up your boot straps and go get 'em" spirit....it certainly is a slap in the tax payers face and an embarassment to the county and the (how many on services) those in need.....