by Bea Peterson
New York State received $3,507,722,854 in stimulus money from the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act. The Department of Housing and Urban Development received $15 million. The Town of Hoosick Housing Authority received $50,421 for Hoosick Meadows. “We are one of the smaller sites and one of two in Rensselaer County,” said Patrice Zedalis, Executive Director of the Authority. Larger sites throughout the state received larger stimulus amounts. The Hoosick funds were used to repaint the 25 two to four bedroom apartments in the complex off Route 22. Low bidder was
Palladian Builders, operated by local contractor Barry LaPorte. The cost for painting was $28,485. Additional costs included replacing deteriorating siding. The Housing Authority maintenance staff painted the trim, the office building and garage and lower portions of the buildings to cut down the overall cost. Zedalis is pleased with the fresh new look. “The buildings were last painted in 1998, she said.
Hoosick Meadows was constructed in 1980 and occupied in 1981. Though a federal low income public housing facility, priority is given to local working families, said Zedalis. There are currently 27 families on the waiting list.
Zedalis said the Hoosick Housing Authority had the right to choose how to spend the stimulus money. Notified of the grant in March, the Authority was obligated to make a decision on how to spend the funds within 120 days. The project had to be completed in a year. Painting of the two story buildings began in June and should be completed in the next week or so. “All the rainy weather we have had has not helped,” said Zedalis.
