Schenectady, N.Y. (Sept. 9, 2003) –
Union College has purchased the Ramada Inn at 450 Nott Street to be renovated
for student housing and has purchase contracts for two adjoining parcels on
which it plans to construct soccer fields for college and community use, it was
announced today by Union College President Roger H. Hull. The College will
spend $15 million on the project, bringing Union's total investment in the
neighborhood west of campus to $26 million.
“The acquisition of the Ramada
Inn and the adjoining land is a key element in our commitment to our students
and our continued support and investment in Schenectady,” said Hull. “It addresses the needs of the
college and at the same time contributes to the revitalization of Schenectady. Just as I believe we all, as
individuals, have an obligation to contribute to the community of which we are
a part, I also feel strongly that institutions, whether for-profit or
not-for-profit like Union, have an obligation to play a role in the
revitalization of this city. The future of Schenectady and Union College are inextricably linked, and I feel
this project enhances both the city and the College.”
Another housing option for students
This project comes at a key time, as
the College is embarking on major changes in its social and residential system for
students. A new House System, designed to better integrate social, residential
and intellectual life on campus, is well underway. In fact, the first building,
a renovated South College dorm, opened this week. The addition
of this building will further expand the variety of residential life
experiences Union offers its students at a time when
more students want to live in college-owned housing. Students will be able to
choose from several housing options, including traditional residence halls,
theme houses and fraternities and sororities.
The Union-Schenectady Initiative (USI),
a broad-based plan to revitalize and stimulate home ownership in the College Park neighborhood, also created new
residential opportunities for students. The USI was introduced in 1998, and to
date, the college has invested about $11 million in that project.
“The Union-Schenectady Initiative was
a major first step,” Hull said. “It has contributed significantly to the
transformation of the College Park neighborhood – and added an exciting
new dimension to student and residential life. The investment in the Ramada
property and the adjoining land continues that important effort, and we look
forward to creating an even better campus and a strengthened community.”
Bonds to be sold through City IDA
The College plans to sell $15 million
in bonds through the Schenectady Industrial Development Authority for the new
project. Among the renovations will be replacement and reconstruction of the
roof, repairing and repainting the building's exterior, installation of new and
updated heat and air conditioning systems, increased fire protection,
construction of a new entryway, creation of study areas and meeting rooms,
creation of a fitness center by filling in the swimming pool, and general
interior renovations such as painting, new carpeting and new window treatments.
The College has invited five firms to
submit designs and budgets for the project, with a completion date for the
renovation of fall of 2004. Plans call for the creation of 110 single rooms and
60 doubles to house a total of 230 students. The construction of a lighted and
security-patrolled walkway from Huron Street, adjacent to the main campus, to the
new residence hall is also planned.
The athletic field complex will bring
the college and community together on what used to be vacant industrial land.
Plans call for the construction of artificial turf soccer fields for use by
college teams. When college is not in session, the fields will be available for
community use. A $450,000 federal appropriation from Senators Charles Schumer
and Hillary Clinton and Congressman Michael McNulty will help fund part of the
playing fields project.
Remediation will return land to safe use
The property, once the site of the
American Locomotive Company, will require environmental remediation. The parcel
contains some residual levels of aged petroleum products that were used in the
manufacturing of locomotives, tanks and other vehicles. The college has been
working with state officials to ensure that the property is properly remediated
and safe for future use. Staff from the Oil Spill Fund, which is managed by the
State Comptroller and oversees the State's oil spill program, negotiated
protections for both Union College and the environment.
“The college has worked closely with
the Department of Environmental Conservation and the state Comptroller's Office
to ensure that all procedures for remediation have been followed,” Hull said. “We hope
this project is a model for the effective use of brownfields
and that it will be replicated elsewhere in this city and state.”
State Comptroller Alan G. Hevesi,
whose participation has been essential to the College's plan for the Ramada Inn
property, said “Brownfields redevelopment is a critical component for
revitalizing communities and creating jobs and economic development throughout New York State. We are pleased to have facilitated
this important effort by Union in Schenectady, and I want to commend President
Hull for his vision and dedication.”
DEC Commissioner Erin M. Crotty said:
“Governor Pataki is committed to the revitalization of urban centers across New
York State, and by participating in the State's cleanup programs, communities
can enjoy remarkable environmental and economic benefits. This cleanup
agreement is an important initiative for Union College and the City of Schenectady and illustrates the value of
partnerships in reaping rewards for our environment and our communities.”