Non-profit to expand after acquiring former school building in Oneonta
By
HILARY LANE
Story Created:
Jan 30, 2012 at 7:32 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Jan 30, 2012 at 7:52 PM EDT
ONEONTA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Springbrook, a non-profit organization that offers programs and services for people with developmentally disabilities, has purchased the site of the former St. Mary's school in Oneonta.
The catholic school closed its doors in June 2011 because of low enrollment.
Springbrook acquired the 25,000 square foot building for $2.4 million as an expansion of their main campus in Springbrook.
"It gives us a hub in which to operate for people coming to our building and people going further out of the state which is part of our mission," says Patricia Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer, Springbrook.
The additional space will accommodate staff training, additional community-based programs, and an expanded pre-school.
Kennedy says the purchase of the former school building would not have been possible without the Otsego County Industrial Development Agency who helped administer the bonds to fund the expansion.
"It's an investment because they are one of our biggest employers and they are creating more jobs than anyone in the county right now so we are very excited to partner with them again," says Joe Bernier, Otsego County IDA chair.
Springbrook employs 1,100 people throughout New York. Over 100 of those jobs were filled over the past two years.
Kennedy says Springbrook's new space will not only benefit the people involved, but also members of the local community.
"There is nothing worse than seeing a space that is unoccupied for any community so to have this building maintain its vibrancy and its connection with the community I think will be incredibly important for people to see that," says Kennedy.
In addition to buying the property in Oneonta, Springbrook is also undergoing a $20 million dollar expansion on the main campus.
