Genesee Legislature approves $4.1 million project at GCC
BATAVIA — A $4.1 million expansion of athletic fields and renovation of the gymnasium and locker rooms at Genesee Community College won unanimous approval of the Genesee County Legislature on Wednesday.
The first major update of the GCC campus, which was built in 1972, could cost the county up to $2 million, although the cost was not a part of the support resolution.
The proposed capital project is part of a $17 million, 10-year master plan required by the State University of New York. The approved legislation does not address other major parts of the plan — $11.9 million for a wellness center and field house and $1 million to add an art gallery inside Stuart Steiner Theater.
Legislative action is required so that GCC can apply for state funding, which will cover half the cost. The balance — the county’s 50 percent share — would require another resolution by the Legislature.
The two projects — $3 million for expansion and improvements to the athletic fields, and $1.1 million for renovation of the Zambito gymnasium — will probably not get under way until mid-2009. Besides state approval, the county would have to determine how to finance its share, probably through long-term bonds.
The college campus sits atop a rock ledge and that led to uneven, hard-to-maintain athletic fields. Outside of some energy-saving improvements, the gym remains as it was when it opened 36 years ago.
The Legislature meeting schedule calls for only one session rather than two in July and August.
Since there will be no meeting until Aug. 13, Wednesday’s agenda included 27 items.
Many of them dealt with department contract renewals and budget transfers.
