by Bea Peterson
The closing on the final piece of property connected to the WCW property on Mechanic Street took place on Thursday, June 19. According to Rensselaer County Attorney Stephen A. Pechenik, the County has owned the building for more than a year, having accepted the deed in lieu of foreclosure. “However,” said Pechenik, “the County didn’t own the loading dock or the parking lots.” The County prepared to take that remaining piece of property by Eminent Domain. [private]The property was appraised, and according to Eminent Domain law, said Pechenik, the highest appraisal price is the one that must be accepted. Therefore, the County paid $90,000 for that key piece of property. “It’s a great [steep] price to pay when the company owed so much in taxes, but that’s what it took,” he said. He added, “It’s a major step forward to putting this property back on the tax rolls.”
Pechenik said that an RFP (request for proposals) was sent out on the property and no responses were received. Hoosick Falls Mayor David Borge is working with Rensselaer County Economic Development and Planning to promote the property, he said. “It’s a wonderful building,” Pechenik concluded.
Mayor Borge said he sees marketing the building as a primary project for the Hoosick Rising economic development plan. “Now that all the huge obstacles have been overcome I will be working with Town and County people to vigorously market the property,” he said. “At this point if anyone is interested in the building, the process can be completed very quickly.” Borge added that he will be meeting with County officials next week to see what can be done.
Oak Mitsui leases the property behind the WCW building and is currently negotiating a new lease with the building owners.
[/private]