PURCHASE OF PROPERTY TO ENABLE IMPROVEMENT AND EXPANSION OF SENIOR SERVICES IN HOOSICK PROPOSED BY COUNTY EXECUTIVE STEVE MCLAUGHLIN IS APPROVED BY COUNTY LEGISLATURE
A plan that will allow for an improved and expanded Rensselaer County senior center in Hoosick to move forward proposed by County Executive Steve McLaughlin was approved by the County Legislature at their meeting on Tuesday.
The plan includes the purchase of a former Dollar Tree on State Route 22, with planning and construction work expected to begin in the coming weeks.
The county operates five senior centers in the county, including Troy, Hoosick, Grafton, Schodack and Rensselaer. McLaughlin had discussed developing new senior centers in Troy and Hoosick during the 2022 State of the County address and during previous SOTC speeches.
In April, the county fulfilled that pledge with McLaughlin joining other county officials in unveiling the new county senior center in downtown Troy.
“The new county senior center in Troy is one of the finest in the nation. Now, we are excited about bringing great things to the seniors served at our Hoosick center,” said McLaughlin.
“Our new senior center in Troy opens a new chapter in serving our seniors, with modern technology, comfort, convenience and access. We are updating the way we serve and support our seniors at our centers, and it has been well-known improvements have been needed at the Hoosick Falls location,” added McLaughlin.
“Seniors who are served at the senior center in Hoosick Falls recognize the need for improvements and remember my pledge to start a new chapter for senior services in the area. Thanks to members of the County Legislature, including Legislators Bruce Patire and Jeff Wysocki, for their support for this important and needed effort,” McLaughlin continued.
The Dollar Tree closed earlier this year. The county negotiated a purchase price of $575,000 for the property, which includes 8,000 square feet and about 80 parking spaces.
The new county senior center in Hoosick will replace the center at the county-owned Murphy Building in Hoosick Falls. McLaughlin said there have already been productive discussions on a new use for the Murphy Building, which is on Church Street.
McLaughlin said a surprise inspection by an inspector from the Village of Hoosick Falls supports the county’s plans to relocate the senior center from the Murphy Building. While critical of the surprise inspection, McLaughlin noted the inspection ordered by the Village Mayor has resulted in the county not being able to use the downstairs area at the Murphy Building.
“It is somewhat concerning the village took an unprecedented action just this week and are hampering us in that mission of supporting our seniors. On Monday, the Village Mayor ordered a surprise inspection and as a result of that village inspection, we are not able to use the downstairs area at the current senior center. However, we do recognize the village’s inspection essentially makes our point that a new center is needed and that the current facility is not a long-term solution to providing the care and support our seniors deserve,” said McLaughlin.
With the county senior center in Troy opened, and work set to begin in Hoosick, the county is continuing efforts to find a new home for the county senior center in Rensselaer. The county senior center in Rensselaer is located in rented space that is set to be developed for apartments in the coming months.
“We look forward to finding a new location for our county senior center in Rensselaer and providing improved and updated services for seniors served at that location,” said McLaughlin.