Week in Review: July 8 – July 12, 2019
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CEG IN THE NEWS
Former UAlbany President Karen Hitchcock dies
REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS
‘Schenectady has been starving for new product’: Electric City Apartments open downtown
“The latest step in the 20-year-long transformation of downtown Schenectady is evident when you walk onto the courtyard of the Electric City Apartments.
It’s a playground for the tenants, with a bright green artificial turf, flowers, lounge chairs, bocce balls, ping pong table, gas grills, cornhole boards and patio tables. Still to come: a gas pizza oven and fire pit table with granite counters.”
These 2 teams will compete for the $750 million Wadsworth project in Albany
Two design-build teams will receive the request for proposals for the state’s $750 million public health lab project in Albany.
One team is Gilbane Building Co. and Turner Construction. The other is Tutor Perini Corp. and O&G Industries. They were the only respondents to the state Dormitory Authority’s call for qualifications during the second procurement process.”
Schumer, Gillibrand announce federal funds for SUNY Research Foundation
“.S. Sen. Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand recently announced $7,999,226 in federal funds for the Research Foundation for The State University of New York System (SUNY).
The funding will be used to create the SUNY New York College Apprenticeship Network (NYCAN), a pre-apprenticeship and on-the-job training program in advanced manufacturing. NYCAN will prioritize services for unemployed and underemployed New Yorkers, with a focus on veterans, women, communities of color, and historically underrepresented populations in advanced manufacturing.”
50 years later, Northway gets an Exit 3
“The Northway is finally getting its Exit 3.
For decades, there was no exit between exits 2 and 4, but the new exchange that is being built to directly link the Northway to Albany International Airport will be called Exit 3.”
G.I. Bill is still changing lives in the Capital Region
“John Safford was ready for battle in 1968. He did Reserve Officers’ Training Corps training at Canisius College and then completed basic training, planning to lead an infantry platoon.
It was the bloodiest year of the Vietnam War for America. Safford’s friends were dying, and he wanted to do his part. But just weeks before he was to ship out, Safford got new orders. Instead of Vietnam, the Army sent him to Japan to lead an intelligence unit. Far from the fighting, Safford was safe. He’s never stopped feeling guilty about it.”
Union College, RPI win nearly $500,000 from NSF
“Three Union College professors won a $249,984 grant from the National Science Foundation to develop a catalytic converter made from aerogel, a lightweight material that could significantly reduce automobile emissions.
U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko announced the grant Tuesday, along with a $245,500 NSF grant awarded to a research team at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to develop next-generation lithium-ion batteries.”
Federal Reserve Bank head praises Capital Region economy
“The head of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York said Thursday that the Capital Region has avoided the stark income inequality that has evolved in some areas as the U.S. economy continues its longest-ever economic expansion.
Other parts of upstate New York haven’t fared as well, losing population as residents move away in search of jobs, John C. Williams told an audience at the University at Albany. But the Albany region has a strong and stable job base, and is an ‘economic success story,’ he said.”
Town of Colonie announces renewable energy project at Schuylerville hydroelectric facility
“Town Supervisor Paula Mahan announced Tuesday that the town has entered a renewable energy program that will substantially underwrite the town’s energy costs through the purchase of locally-produced hydroelectric power.
Under an innovative mechanism known as remote net metering, Colonie has agreed to a 20-year power purchase agreement with Gravity Renewables, Inc. for power produced at a Schuylerville hydroelectric facility owned and operated by Brookfield Renewable.”
Public reviews golf course hotel
“Community members voiced their concerns about a proposed hotel for the Catskill Golf Course at the town planning board meeting Tuesday night.
Green Suites Resort, proposed for construction on Brooks Lane in Jefferson Heights, is a four-story, 48-unit hotel.”
Lumberyard hopes to save key program
“The Lumberyard Center for Film and Performing Arts could be forced to dramatically reduce its operations in Catskill if the organization is unable to raise $1 million by the end of the year.
Lumberyard has launched a fundraising campaign, “Sprint to a Million,” to generate money required to continue the organization’s “signature program,” executive and artistic director Adrienne Willis said.”
