SCCC housing project delayed again

PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Goot

Schenectady County Community College is dropping its request for the county to build a $1.65 million skywalk across Washington Avenue because its student housing project experienced another setback.

President Quintin Bullock told the Board of Trustees Monday that financing difficulties have delayed construction on the 313-bed facility at 117 Washington Ave. next to the armory building. Columbia Developers and BBL Construction were supposed to begin work on the roughly $20 million project this fall.

Bullock said that it is more difficult to arrange financing in this economic climate. The college is committed to the project and officials are continuing to explore options, he said.

Given the uncertainty of the time frame for the housing project, Bullock requested that the $1.65 million project to construct an overhead walkway connecting the dormitory to the college be removed from the capital budget request SCCC is submitting to the Schenectady County Legislature. College officials had argued that the overhead walkway is necessary for the safety of students walking to and from the campus.

In addition, Bullock also asked that renovation of the college’s choral room be excluded from this budget request and be considered at a later time.

Bullock told the trustees he considers the remaining $3.1 million in projects to be more pressing needs. This includes heating and ventilation upgrades, elevator refurbishment and asbestos abatement at Elston Hall and installation of a sprinkler system for the Taylor Auditorium in the Begley Building.

In addition, this money also includes funds for the college’s acquisition of an abandoned service station located across the street on Washington Avenue. The college has no specific plans for the property.

“We’re looking long term for the future growth of the college,” he said.