Brownell and Goodermote Say More Convenient Bank Service Needed in Eastern Rensselaer County

 submitted by Rich Crist, Rensselaer County Legislative Liaison
Rensselaer County Legislators Stan Brownell and Lester Goodermote say residents of eastern Rensselaer County need more convenient banking options following the closure of a Bank of America branch late last year.
The closure by Bank of America of the Berlin branch means there is no bank service in the Taconic Valley – State Route 22 corridor between the Town of Hoosick and the Town of New Lebanon in Columbia County. A number of residents have been forced to travel across the state border into Massachusetts for banking service.
Some residents of eastern Rensselaer County report a round trip of nearly one hour to handle banking.
“A bank is a basic, quality of life service, and the closure of the Bank of America branch has created some real inconvenience for residents and businesses in the area. Bank customers now have to travel significant distances to handle everyday banking services,” said Brownell.
Brownell and Goodermote said they are trying to spread the word about the need for a new bank in the Valley. They have been working with local officials in an effort to promote the area as suitable for a bank.
“This type of community outreach can help spread the word that an area is underserved. If the area joins in sending the message that a bank is wanted and needed, it could bear fruit,” said Goodermote.
An auction of the former Bank of America branch will take place on May 22, and Brownell and Goodermote each said they are hopeful there is interest from a bank at the auction. They have also introduced a resolution for consideration at the May 9 legislative meeting declaring support for location of a bank in the Valley.
If adopted as expected, the resolution in support of locating a new bank sponsored by Brownell and Goodermote would be sent to major banking organizations.