Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D, Scarsdale) is pleased to announce that both the Assembly and the Senate have passed bill A.340A which allows SUNY Purchase to lease a parcel of their land to develop a senior residential learning center operated by the Purchase College Advancement Corporation, a not-for-profit organization. The bill was sponsored by Assemblywoman Paulin in the Assembly and Senator Suzi Oppenheimer in the Senate.

Leadership at SUNY Purchase came to lawmakers several years ago requesting their assistance in permitting this public-private partnership.

“I am extremely pleased and grateful that once again the legislature has passed Assemblyperson Paulin’s Bill to support a retirement community on the Purchase College campus,” said SUNY Purchase President Thomas Schwarz. “The Bill is a win-win for our students who will receive scholarship support, our faculty and the community which badly needs and awaits the Senior Learning Community.”

The development will include housing for low-income seniors; residents of Westchester will be given priority for the rental of 50 percent of the units.

Assemblywoman Paulin noted, “Residents of the development will have the unique opportunity to participate in the campus environment through both social and educational activities. Their presence will undoubtedly enhance the learning experience of the students of SUNY Purchase.”

The bill requires that 75 percent of the revenue generated from the project be used to provide financial assistance to students who are eligible to receive tuition assistance. The remainder will support full time faculty positions. At a time when universities across the state are struggling financially, this project will allow SUNY Purchase to continue providing quality educational services to the Westchester Community.

The bill will now be delivered to the Governor.