HAYC3 To Investigate Armory Take-Over

by Bea Peterson
At the start of a special Town of Hoosick Board meeting on February 29 Supervisor Keith Cipperly announced that the Hoosick Area Youth Center And Community Coalition (HAYC3) was willing to take over the Armory.
This week HAYC3 Executive Director Aelish Nealon said HAYC3 hasn’t met as a Board yet, but she believes there is interest in the building. “HAYC3 is a community driven organization,” she said. “It makes sense to ask us to investigate the idea, and we are happy to do so.” The full Board will meet on March 26. “We will take our time and do due diligence,” she added.
[private]She pointed out that seven years ago HAYC3 started out with $100 in the bank with a building that left much to be desired. Over the years the building has undergone vast improvements. “We have a community driven staff and Board. We don’t shy away from challenges,” said Nealon. “We have great passion and great enthusiasm.”
“We never say no to the community,” Nealon added. “Our goal is whatever works best for the community.”
Nealon believes HAYC3 could help the community save the Armory. She will meet with members of the Save the Armory Committee on Wednesday evening.
Nealon added that the Board hasn’t met yet to consider how such a project would be funded or sustained. Supervisor Cipperly maintains the price of a new furnace for the building and an elevator make it too costly for the Town to take on. Yet those costs appear to be less than the purchase of another site that will need extensive renovations. The majority of the public attending last week’s meeting voiced the opinion that it would be better for the Town to own the building and invite HAYC3 to utilize it.[/private]