Major parkland expansion passes county Legislature

Recently, Schenectady County Chairwoman Susan E. Savage, and Legislators Marty Finn, and Dr. Brian Gordon sponsored and the Schenectady County Legislature adopted a new local law to create 24 acres of new parkland in the town of Niskayuna adjacent to the Woodlawn Preserve. This constitutes one of the largest parkland creations in Schenectady County history and continues to build upon the Democrats on the Schenectady County Legislature's committment to protect the environment and green space.

"This legislation will continue our efforts to leave Schenectady County a better place for our children and grandchildren," said Chairwoman Susan E. Savage. "By creating this parkland we will protect ecologically significant wetlands and provide new recreational space for our residents."

"We are very pleased that Legislators Savage, Finn and Gordon introduced the legislation that will convey additional parklands to Niskayuna," said Joe Landry, Niskayuna Town Supervisor. "By designating this land as parkland, over 24 acres will now remain a natural sanctuary in the Town. Also, we will be able to use a portion of these lands for the creation of a neighborhood park on Stanford Avenue."

Several members of the public including representatives of the Schenectady County Environmental Advisory Council came to the public hearing and testified in favor of this local law. In fact, not a single person spoke against its creation, except Republican Minority Leader Robert Farley, who voted against the designation of parkland.

Much of the parkland is considered remnant Pine Push and is part of the Woodlawn Pine Barrens-Wetlands Complex identified by the New York State Open Space and Conservation Plan as one of the region’s open space priorities for preservation. The creation of this parkland will complement current preservation activities in neighboring communities creating a link to other
protected open space and the larger Albany Pine Bush Preserve.