Schenectady Residents for Responsible Development (SRRD) is hosting a public forum to discuss the Capital Region Aquatic Center (CRAC). This development is planned for downtown Schenectady and will be located on the block between State Street, South Church Street, South Ferry Street and Fuller Street.

The Schenectady County Legislature recently approved four resolutions that moved the development forward. The project has been re-designed to omit 57,000 square feet, and the price has come down by $20 million. The current price tag is $105 million. The county has bonded $34 million for the project and has assured the public that their commitment will not exceed this sum. CRAC is expected to raise $10 million in the next 10-12 months to close the funding gap, although it is possible they may close this gap sooner. Meanwhile, they will begin to entertain competitive bids for the construction.

Last winter, SRRD conducted a letter writing campaign to the legislature to provide them with feedback from city residents. The campaign was a success, as evidenced by the county reducing the cost of the facility, although not by the $70 million sum they intended. With the project close to obtaining final approval, city residents must continue to be part of the conversation.