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The proposed aquatic center, located near SUNY Schenectady, has been discussed for more than a decade. But community outcry over the cost of building it has prompted Schenectady County legislators to request a new plan.<\/p>\n
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SCHENECTADY\u00a0\u2014 The Schenectady County Legislature\u2019s plans to construct an aquatic center in the Electric City have sunk after updated size and cost projections made waves in the community.<\/p>\n
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Plans for the project, first revealed in 2024, nearly doubled in size and tripled in price<\/a> over the past two years. Original proposals estimated the center would be 80,000 square feet and cost $41.7 million. In February, the Legislature provided an update showing the project\u2019s estimated size and cost had increased to 146,825 square feet and $125.3 million, respectively.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n More: Schenectady County moves ahead with swim center despite explosive cost increase.<\/a><\/p>\n The Capital Region Aquatic Center would include an Olympic- and\u00a0NCAA-compliant competition pool, seating for 1,200 spectators and 600 athletes, classrooms, media spaces, and meeting and management facilities, on a plot of land near\u00a0SUNY Schenectady.<\/p>\n But now, the Legislature wants new plans to bring the cost down.<\/p>\n Make the Times Union a Preferred Source on Google to see more of our journalism when you search.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Add Preferred Source<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Richard\u00a0Ruzzo, deputy chair of the Legislature, said lawmakers want construction costs to be brought down to about $75 million\u00a0\u2014 roughly a third of the proposed cost\u00a0\u2014 and has asked the architectural and engineering teams in charge of the project to create a new plan.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n \u201cWe will not move forward at $125 million. There\u2019s no support for that, whether it be at the legislative level or at the public level,\u201d Ruzzo said.<\/p>\n Ruzzo has been a vocal supporter of the project and contends it would be an economic boon and a regional draw. But he said there is not a single member of the Legislature willing to support the project at the current price point, and a reduction in the facility\u2019s size is also being requested.<\/p>\n Upgrades to Cowhorn Creek\u00a0\u2014 an underground channel that runs under Schenectady\u00a0\u2014 are another factor in the cost. Ruzzo said upgrading the channel\u2019s infrastructure to improve its resiliency is part of the site development for the aquatic center\u2019s proposed location.<\/p>\n \u201cIf that thing failed, there would be significant disruption to the community,\u201d Ruzzo said.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n