Albany County gets approval for nursing home renovation
COLONIE, NY (WRGB)--We're getting a first look at what a multi-million dollar renovation means for the Albany County Nursing Home.
You might remember the facility has made headlines in the past for costing taxpayers millions.
But, the numbers show things are turning around.
Officials announced today that the tower will become mixed use for county agencies, including the Sheriff's Department, and will have a separate entrance.
Plans also include six new additions to the wings and the creation of enclosed interior court yards with gardens - and each resident's room will face either those interior court yards or the outside.
Albany County Executive Dan McCoy says it's been shameful the way this building has decayed over the years.
He says just five years ago, the facility was costing tax payers well over a million dollars a month with a $19 million deficit that he says is now down to $3.7 million.
McCoy also says there are currently about 60,000 people over the age of 60, and they deserve a better place to live.
"We want them to feel that this is their home, first and foremost. When their family come and visit them, we want them to have a great experience. We want the families to come here and say geez, I don’t want to leave mom, dad or my brother or my sister or my loved one, because it is home," said McCoy.
McCoy says the $60 million project will kick off by October of this year and is expected to be completed by June of 2019.
