OFFICE OF THE MAJORITY

ALBANY COUNTY LEGISLATURE F. PATRICK JEFFERS

FRANK J. COMMISSO HAROLD L. JOYCE OFFICE BUILDING Majority Counsel
Majority Leader 112 STATE STREET, ROOM 700
ALBANY, NEW YORK 12207
(518) 447-7117 FAX (518) 447-5695

Legislature eyes $60 million renovation of Albany County Nursing Home

ALBANY (March 2, 2017) The Albany County Legislature is expected to vote March 13 on a $60 million
renovation and expansion of the Albany County Nursing Home that would upgrade and modernize the
facility for 250 residents.

The project calls for building a single-floor addition and relocating 125 beds in the new space, which will
result in a significant increase in the number of private or single-bed - rooms for residents, higher bed-
occupancy rates and increased revenue reimbursements. The facility in Colonie is licensed for 250 beds.

Plans also include making the entire nursing home property wheelchair accessible, remodeling existing
resident rooms, upgrading bathrooms and common areas and installing a new fire-alarm system.

The Social Services and Audit & Finance committees voted this week to support the project and designate
the Albany County Legislature as lead agency for determining the potential environmental impact of the
plans. The project requires approval from the Albany County Legislature, county executive and New York
State Department of Health. The state would reimburse the county for most of the cost.

The effort to remodel the Albany County Nursing Home marks a big turnaround for the facility. Under the
leadership of the Legislature and Executive Director Larry Slatky, who was hired in 2014, operating costs
for taxpayers have decreased by millions of dollars a year, while additional revenues are being raised
through better billing for services.

The nursing home upgrade invests in the people in Albany County, said Majority Leader Frank
Commisso, chairman of the Elder Care Committee. A couple of years ago, the Legislatures Democratic
Majority committed to keeping the nursing home open and improving care for future generations. This
renovation is the next step for the nursing home, which we are proud to say will remain completely under
the jurisdiction of Albany County.

Albany County Legislature - Democratic Majority

Dennis.Yusko@albanycounty.com
Phone: 518-447-5527; Twitter: @DemMajority