Quoted Text

SCOTIA
Metroplex’s help sought on vacancies
BY MICHAEL GOOT Gazette Reporter
Reach Gazette reporter Michael Goot at 395-3105 or mgoot@dailygazette.net.

    Scotia Mayor Kris Kastberg is expressing concern about the number of vacant storefronts popping up in the village’s business corridor and has asked whether Metroplex could take over the properties.
    Roy Matthews retired and closed his appliance store at 113 Mohawk Ave. in August. Scotia Motors lost its Dodge franchise in 2009 and had been selling used cars for the past three years at its 110 Mohawk Ave. location before closing recently. The owners also have adjacent property that is vacant.
    “I used to say there are not that many empty storefronts. Suddenly we have a number of them,” Kastberg said.
    He said he would like to fill the space with retail businesses. While the village has a number of service-oriented businesses such as insurance and real estate offices, Kastberg said it needs more places where people can shop. He hoped Metroplex would assist in the process.
    Metroplex Development Authority Chairman Ray Gillen said the agency is focusing its efforts on redeveloping the vacant McDonald’s site.
    “We’re working to put together a project that would involve the cleanup and reuse of the former McDonald’s property, which is at the gateway to the village. It’s a very important property when it comes to the future of that business corridor,” he said.
    Gillen said he could not elaborate on what is being considered for the site. The McDonald’s building was razed in 2010 after being vacant since 2005.
    The site must be cleaned up from environmental contamination because the property at one point was home to a used car lot and gas station. Oily soil was found at the site in 2007.
    Gillen believes redevelopment of this site will make it easier to attract other businesses.
    In addition, Metroplex offi cials are talking to property owners along Mohawk Avenue about doing facade improvement projects in the spring. Other storefronts have upgraded their storefronts, including the Turf Tavern and Scotia Cinema.
    Gillen added that the new apartments built by developer Bruce Tanski at the former Scotia Diner and Attanasio’s banquet facility will also be a catalyst for growth because more people will be living downtown.
    Scotia already has a movie theater, grocery store, drug store and village hall along Mohawk Avenue. He believes the village could look like the Upper Union Street business corridor. ............................>>>>...........................>>>>......................http://www.dailygazette.net/De.....r01403&AppName=1

renaissance improvements... just raise taxes

Better ask Galesi if its okay!

[quote]Metroplex Development Authority Chairman Ray Gillen said the agency is focusing its efforts on redeveloping the vacant McDonald’s site.
    “We’re working to put together a project  ...  he said.
    Gillen said he could not elaborate on what is being considered for the site.[/quote]


And why not?   It's THE TAXPAYERS' MONEY.   The TAXPAYERS HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW!!!!!!!


But that's Metroplex, chosen by the dems, just secrets and secret taxpayer handouts!

Quoted from mikechristine1

[quote]Metroplex Development Authority Chairman Ray Gillen said the agency is focusing its efforts on redeveloping the vacant McDonald’s site.
    “We’re working to put together a project  ...  he said.
    Gillen said he could not elaborate on what is being considered for the site.[/quote]


And why not?   It's THE TAXPAYERS' MONEY.   The TAXPAYERS HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW!!!!!!!


But that's Metroplex, chosen by the dems, just secrets and secret taxpayer handouts!

Scotia residents are gonna love their new tax rates that will be needed to pay for the Metroplex invasion
of their Village.

The Metroplex can not show any proof that they ever raised revenues with any of their programs.

They perpetually give away far more than any new businesses bring in.

Scotia government needs to look at why businesses are not opening along there now. If it is a good deal, businesses would open without government help. So why isn't it a good deal? A temporary lull in business is somewhat normal when there has been a dramatic worldwide financial meltdown. Maybe it is better to take care of what you've got and ride it out?

Quoted from Madam X

Scotia government needs to look at why businesses are not opening along there now. If it is a good deal, businesses would open without government help. So why isn't it a good deal? A temporary lull in business is somewhat normal when there has been a dramatic worldwide financial meltdown. Maybe it is better to take care of what you've got and ride it out?

Scotia is too close to Schenectady....be careful what you wish for!!

Pathetic that a City can't do their own work and get businesses into their area rather than relying upon the gumbas in the Plex. Hey, how about you spend $100 billion of the taxpayers money and open Proctors II. Sure fire way to empty your neighborhoods of middle class families and open a welfare empire.

the village of scotia's taxes are high NOW!
..........and the city has already drifted over the bridge. Much of the village(except for the old timers) are transplants from the city.

Scotia isn't the desirable place it use to be......because of the 'undesirables' that have moved on in.

the outskirts are still quaint....

Quoted from bumblethru

the village of scotia's taxes are high NOW!
..........and the city has already drifted over the bridge. Much of the village(except for the old timers) are transplants from the city.

Scotia isn't the desirable place it use to be......because of the 'undesirables' that have moved on in.

the outskirts are still quaint....

They may be high in Scotia but they have actually improved since 1995 where the City of Schenectadys has remained flat even after removing all the fees.  


Village of Scotia     2011     1995
County                    .     $6.85      $10.88
Town                       .      $1.01      $1.37
City or Village        .      $10.37      $14.62
School District       .      $20.01      $25.99
Equilization            .      85%     73%
          
County                   .     5.823     7.904
Town                       .     $0.86      $1.00
City or Village        .      8.8145     10.62143
Total                        .      $15.50      $19.52
          
          
City of Schenectady     2011     1995
County                    .     $6.66      $7.62
Town                       .           
City or Village        .      $13.19      $9.58
School District       .      $20.90      $15.57
Equilization            .      100%     113%
          
County                   .     6.660     8.592
Town                       .     $0.00      $0.00
City or Village        .      13.19     10.80145
Total                        .      $19.85      $19.39

metroplex doesn't diddle in retail....only alcohol/food/entertainment