N.Y. Public Authorities Law § 2651: Statement of legislative findings

§ 2651. Statement of legislative findings. It is hereby found,

determined and declared that there is an immediate need to institute a

comprehensive, coordinated program of economic development activities in

the Route 5 and Route 7 corridors of Schenectady county, especially in

the downtown region of the city of Schenectady.

It is further found, determined and declared to be desirable to create

a Schenectady metroplex development authority to provide the state of

New York, and the county of Schenectady, with the capability to

effectively and efficiently develop, renovate and optimize the economic

and social activities of the Route 5 and Route 7 corridors of

Schenectady county.

It is also hereby found, determined and declared that existing

facilities in the Route 5 and Route 7 corridors of Schenectady county,

for conventions, trade exhibitions, public shows, public entertainment,

hotel accommodations, transportation, historic preservation, tourism,

sporting events, social and educational centers, and retail, business,

commercial and government office space, including services for the

operation and maintenance thereof, are inadequate.

It is further found, determined and declared that the construction and

operation of such new facilities to adequately accommodate such

activities would generate new business, create employment opportunities,

provide new sources of tax revenue, and promote effective and orderly

redevelopment in the vicinity of the Route 5 and Route 7 corridors of

Schenectady county, all of which would serve the interests of the state

of New York, and the county of Schenectady.

It is also found, determined and declared that the area in the

vicinity of the Route 5 and Route 7 corridors of Schenectady county is

an area characterized by deteriorated industrial and commercial

structures, uncoordinated and incompatible commercial uses, inadequate

public facilities, and substandard conditions, all of which are

detrimental to the economic and social well-being of residents of the

state of New York and the county of Schenectady, and that the

construction and operation of such new facilities in such area will

serve as a catalyst for redevelopment, and a rejuvenation of civic pride

and accomplishment.

It is further found, determined and declared that the construction and

operation of such new facilities will provide significant economic and

social benefits to the state of New York, the county of Schenectady, and

the entire capital district region, and that, consistent with social,

economic, environmental and other essential considerations of state

policy, locating these new facilities in the Route 5 and Route 7

corridors of Schenectady county is in the public interest, given the

convenience and accessibility of the location, the elimination of

substandard conditions, the nature and economic characteristics of

various other sites considered, and the immediacy of the needs of the

people of the state for the realization of the significant economic and

social benefits to be derived from this development.

It is also found, determined and declared that the development of the

Route 5 and Route 7 corridors of Schenectady county is a matter of

essential state and county concern, and that the establishment and

creation of a Schenectady metroplex development authority is necessary

to provide for the economic prosperity, health, safety and general

welfare of the people of the county of Schenectady and the state of New

York, through the construction, development, location and operation of

these new facilities.

It is further found, determined and declared that is the intent of the

legislature that the Schenectady metroplex development authority shall

carry out its purposes and responsibilities directly and through

agreements with federal, state and local entities and authorities, and

that the Schenectady metroplex development authority shall be created as

a public benefit corporation and that the corporate programs and powers

conferred under this title and the expenditures of public moneys

pursuant thereto, are in furtherance of a valid public interest and

public purpose.