The Schenectady County Legislature unanimously approved the purchase of 8.7 acres of real estate in the Town of Rotterdam for parkland and to create a new home for the Rotterdam Little League at the March 9, 2010 regular meeting of the Legislature.

The Rotterdam Little League needs a new location because the owner of its current site plans to develop the property. The purchase of the new site will allow for the relocation of the current ball fields and allow the development of a 248 unit apartment complex which will bring new tax revenues to the County, Town, and school district. Schenectady County will use special dedicated parks and recreation funds to purchase the land.

“I am pleased that the County Legislature is able to step forward and use this funding to secure a new home for the Rotterdam Little League,” said Judy Dagostino, Schenectady County Legislator and sponsors of the resolution. “Hundreds of Rotterdam youth will benefit every year from this investment in our future.”

County officials have secured an agreement to purchase approximately 8.7 acres of land at 544 Burdeck Street for $260,000, significantly less than the appraised value of $600,000. The difference in value will be donated to the county by the current owner. The Rotterdam Little League will lease field space from the County. The Little League will be responsible for all the costs associated with developing and building the new baseball fields.

Founded in 1950, the Rotterdam Little League has about 400 players each season. The league promotes self discipline, initiative, team spirit, sportsmanship, family and community as its core values.