Governor Hochul Invests More Than $13 Million to Support Major Community Development Projects in the Capital Region

Governor Hochul today announced more than $13 million in state funding to support new community development projects in the Capital Region. A $7 million grant will support Albany County's efforts to establish a new community center at the former College of Saint Rose. Additionally, the State is providing the Center for Disability Services with $6.5 million to support the conversion of a former grocery store into a new facility that will provide high-quality services to more than 50 students. The funding will be administered through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).

"I am proud to deliver more than $13 million to transform underutilized places that will serve Capital Region families for generations," Governor Hochul said. "Whether it's students with disabilities that will receive the specialized support they deserve or a senior finding community at a new neighborhood center, these investments will make a significant difference in people's lives."

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, "Redeveloping the former College of Saint Rose campus is a rare opportunity to both keep a neighborhood intact and to revitalize a community. The Hellman Library and the Events & Athletics Center transformations will allow for intergenerational programming that will truly cater to everyone. Thank you, Governor Hochul for this investment and for helping to make a stronger Albany County."

DASNY President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, "Governor Hochul continues to make investments that strengthen communities and expand access to essential services across New York State. These projects will give new purpose to existing buildings in the Capital Region, creating opportunities for families and residents while helping the Center for Disability Services reach more students who need specialized educational support. DASNY is proud to administer this funding and work with our local partners to help bring these important projects to life."

Delivering a New Albany County Community Center

The $7 million State grant will support Albany County's effort to purchase and renovate the Neil Hellman Library and the Events and Athletics Center located on the former College of Saint Rose campus, and convert them into an intergenerational community center. The two buildings will be converted into modern, accessible, and resilient community spaces to serve children, seniors, and other Albany residents. Programming will include health and wellness programs, arts and crafts, technology and financial workshops, and more.

Governor Hochul signed legislation in June 2024, creating the Albany County Pine Hills Land Authority (ACPHLA) to guide the redevelopment of the 27-acre, 71-building former College of Saint Rose campus in Albany. Last spring, the ACPHLA finalized the acquisition of the campus and has since been in the process of reactivating a number of properties such as Centennial Hall and the Massry Center, and is in the process of developing senior housing on more than 3 acres of the campus.

Increasing Capacity for the Center for Disability Services

The State is providing $6.5 million for the Center for Disability Services to establish a new educational facility serving the Capital Region. The funding will support the acquisition of the former ShopRite supermarket in Slingerlands, in the Town of Bethlehem, which has been vacant since 2023. The Center for Disability Services will convert the former grocery store into a new location for its students. The Center currently has more demand for services than it can meet and has an extensive waitlist. This project is expected to bring more than 50 young students off the waitlist, expanding accessibility and delivering essential support to families.

New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Willow Baer said, "The Langan School at the Center for Disability Services has a long history of supporting students with developmental disabilities to learn and grow in a nurturing environment. Governor Hochul's commitment of $6.5 million to renovate unused space allows for relocation of this respected community institution, enabling more children and their families to experience everything the school has to offer."

Pine Hills Neighborhood Association President Dannielle Melendez said, "We thank Governor Hochul for her continued leadership and commitment to revitalizing the former College of Saint Rose campus. Breathing new life into the Neil Hellman Library and the Events and Athletics Center by transforming them into a vibrant community center operated by Albany County in the heart of Pine Hills is exactly the kind of investment residents have been hoping to see. This is a major step toward bringing this beautiful campus back into productive use, strengthening the Pine Hills neighborhood, and creating a welcoming destination for people from across Albany County. We look forward to seeing these spaces once again filled with activity, connection, and opportunity to strengthen the neighborhood."

Center for Disability Services President and CEO Gregory Sorrentino said, "The Center for Disability Services is very appreciative of the support from Governor Hochul to develop the vacant ShopRite building, and create over 50 new opportunities for students currently on a wait list. This building will increase accessibility for students that cannot be supported in the public school system in our region, and increase supports to families in the Capital Region, who have trusted the Center for this level of care for over 80 years."

City of Albany Mayor Dr. Dorcey Applyrs said, "Governor Hochul continues to demonstrate her commitment to investing in the future of Albany and our Capital Region. I look forward to seeing new community spaces for our children, seniors, and families come to fruition at the former College of Saint Rose campus. This campus has been an important part of the Pine Hills neighborhood for generations. Governor Hochul's investment is an important step in reactivating this space for the benefit of all residents."

Town of Bethlehem Supervisor David VanLuven said, "I'm grateful to Governor Hochul for this investment and for helping bring new life to the former ShopRite building at Vista in Bethlehem. The Center for Disability Services provides vital services to individuals with disabilities and their families, and we look forward to welcoming them to our community while continuing to build on Vista's potential for future investment and economic growth."

Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh said, "I appreciate Governor Hochul's support for these important projects in our Capital Region. The continued redevelopment of the former College of Saint Rose campus will create new opportunities and accessible spaces for the community, reflecting the needs and priorities of Albany residents. Having worked with the Center for Disability Services for decades, I am also pleased to support its efforts to establish a new school that will expand access to education for children with disabilities while bringing jobs back to the City of Albany. Every child deserves an appropriate educational setting where they can learn and thrive. Repurposing the former ShopRite site, a longtime community partner, is a practical way to meet this need while making productive use of an existing building."

Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero said, "Investing in spaces that bring our communities together and provide essential services to New Yorkers is critical to building a stronger, more accessible Capital Region. I am excited to see one of the former College of Saint Rose buildings being given new life as community space that will serve residents of the City of Albany and County community at large. Equally important is ensuring that the Center for Disability Services has the resources and space it needs to succeed. I thank Governor Hochul for recognizing the importance of these investments and helping us build a stronger Albany."