Section 2651. Statement of legislative findings

It is hereby found,
  determined and declared that there is an immediate need to  institute  a
  comprehensive, coordinated program of economic development activities in
  the  Route  5 and Route 7 corridors of Schenectady county, especially in
  the downtown region of the city of Schenectady.
    It is further found, determined and declared to be desirable to create
  a Schenectady metroplex development authority to provide  the  state  of
  New  York,  and  the  county  of  Schenectady,  with  the  capability to
  effectively and efficiently develop, renovate and optimize the  economic
  and  social  activities  of  the  Route  5  and  Route  7  corridors  of
  Schenectady county.
    It is  also  hereby  found,  determined  and  declared  that  existing
  facilities  in  the Route 5 and Route 7 corridors of Schenectady county,
  for conventions, trade exhibitions, public shows, public  entertainment,
  hotel  accommodations,  transportation,  historic preservation, tourism,
  sporting events, social and educational centers, and  retail,  business,
  commercial  and  government  office  space,  including  services for the
  operation and maintenance thereof, are inadequate.
    It is further found, determined and declared that the construction and
  operation  of  such  new  facilities  to  adequately  accommodate   such
  activities would generate new business, create employment opportunities,
  provide  new  sources  of tax revenue, and promote effective and orderly
  redevelopment in the vicinity of the Route 5 and Route  7  corridors  of
  Schenectady  county, all of which would serve the interests of the state
  of New York, and the county of Schenectady.
    It is also found,  determined  and  declared  that  the  area  in  the
  vicinity  of  the Route 5 and Route 7 corridors of Schenectady county is
  an  area  characterized  by  deteriorated  industrial   and   commercial
  structures,  uncoordinated  and incompatible commercial uses, inadequate
  public  facilities,  and  substandard  conditions,  all  of  which   are
  detrimental  to  the  economic and social well-being of residents of the
  state  of  New  York  and  the  county  of  Schenectady,  and  that  the
  construction  and  operation  of  such  new facilities in such area will
  serve as a catalyst for redevelopment, and a rejuvenation of civic pride
  and accomplishment.
    It is further found, determined and declared that the construction and
  operation of such new facilities will provide significant  economic  and
  social benefits to the state of New York, the county of Schenectady, and
  the  entire  capital  district region, and that, consistent with social,
  economic, environmental and  other  essential  considerations  of  state
  policy,  locating  these  new  facilities  in  the  Route  5 and Route 7
  corridors of Schenectady county is in the  public  interest,  given  the
  convenience  and  accessibility  of  the  location,  the  elimination of
  substandard conditions,  the  nature  and  economic  characteristics  of
  various  other  sites  considered, and the immediacy of the needs of the
  people of the state for the realization of the significant economic  and
  social benefits to be derived from this development.
    It  is also found, determined and declared that the development of the
  Route 5 and Route 7 corridors of  Schenectady  county  is  a  matter  of
  essential  state  and  county  concern,  and  that the establishment and
  creation of a Schenectady metroplex development authority  is  necessary
  to  provide  for  the  economic  prosperity,  health, safety and general
  welfare of the people of the county of Schenectady and the state of  New
  York,  through  the construction, development, location and operation of
  these new facilities.
    It is further found, determined and declared that is the intent of the
  legislature that the Schenectady metroplex development  authority  shall
  carry  out  its  purposes  and  responsibilities  directly  and  through

  agreements with federal, state and local entities and  authorities,  and
  that the Schenectady metroplex development authority shall be created as
  a  public benefit corporation and that the corporate programs and powers
  conferred  under  this  title  and  the  expenditures  of  public moneys
  pursuant thereto, are in furtherance of  a  valid  public  interest  and
  public purpose.