Press Release

Montgomery County Announces $200,000 Investment to Revitalize the Former Nelliston School

Funds Will Assist with Renovations to Village Owned Property; Plan Includes Opening of a New Childcare Facility 

(NELLISTON, NY) – The former Nelliston School, constructed more than two centuries ago, will soon be transformed into a modern facility that will again be a center for the community and a place of learning for area children. 

“Modernizing this historic building and turning it into a multi-purpose facility will improve resident’s quality of life and make the area more attractive for families,” said County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort. 

To help jumpstart the renovation efforts, County Executive Ossenfort joined members of the County Legislature and Village officials to announce that Montgomery County has committed $200,000 to the project. 

“People in Nelliston and the surrounding communities need access to safe, quality, affordable childcare that’s close to home. The Village has a smart plan to revitalize this historic structure and make it a meaningful part of the community again. It’s also great to see that they’ve done outreach to ensure a licensed childcare provider is ready to set up shop as soon as the space is suitable,” Ossenfort added. “I’m confident these investments will have a lasting impact for families in Nelliston, Palatine Bridge and beyond.”  

“It’s such an exciting thing to take a piece of property like this that’s circa civil war era and was in its hay day for well over a hundred years and to be to be able to rejuvenate it and turn it into a useful piece of property fulfilling an important need in this community, in the form of child care, which is scarce, it’s something we are very proud of at the Legislature,” said Montgomery County Legislative Chairman Michael J. Pepe.

“This project is about creating community stability and helping people get ahead, “said Village of Nelliston Clerk-Treasurer and Project Manager Eddie Watt. “ I don’t think it’s very often you get to do a project like this, maybe once in a lifetime, so I’m really excited.” 

The building is slated to undergo asbestos testing and removal, structural repairs, installation of new electrical, plumbing, insulation, and sheetrock, as well as new windows, doors, floors, HVAC, and fire suppression systems. The plan also calls for updated fire-escapes, a new elevator, Wi-Fi and security upgrades, along with the installation of green energy technology.  

Once completed, the Village of Nelliston plans to enter into a multi-year lease with New Beginnings Academy Inc. daycare/before-after school childcare provider. The second floor of the renovated building will be used for local, county, and state outreach including a community/meeting center. 

According to a 2020 study conducted by the Montgomery County Business Development Center, 41 percent of county households are occupied by single parents and 44 percent of individuals surveyed stated it was difficult to find childcare arrangements in Montgomery County. According to the Montgomery County Department of Health, the Villages of Nelliston and Canajoharie each have no daycare providers, while the Village of Fort Plain has one and the Village of Palatine Bridge has two. 

“Childcare is a multifaceted issue, because the inability to access childcare prevents hard-working people from entering the workforce, and it keeps our local businesses from being able to attract talent. Revitalizing this derelict historic building into a modern resource will help meet the needs of residents, and be a boost for economic development efforts in the area. We think this project has huge potential because we know there’s such a need for it,” said Ken Rose, CEO of the Montgomery County Business Development Center. 

“We can reach so many people in our community. It’s just such a big need for families,” said Janel Hearn, CEO of New Beginnings Academy Inc., which is prepared to open the childcare facility when the buildings renovations are complete. 

The total project cost is estimated at $2 million. Along with the $200,000 commitment from Montgomery County, State Senator Michelle Hinchey has previously committed $50,000 to the project through the State and Municipal Facilities Capital (SAM) grant program. 

The Village of Nelliston has also applied for a $500,000 grant through the New York State Office of Parks and Recreation’s Environmental Protection Fund, and a Restore NY grand to off-set the remaining costs.