NISKAYUNA, N.Y. (NEWS10) — A grocery store in Schenectady County has been added to the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry. The Niskayuna Co-op was presented with its official certificate on Thursday.
The recognition shines a light on the member-owned grocery store’s over eight decades of service to the community. Founded in March 1943 during World War II, the Niskayuna Co-op was created by a group of local residents seeking convenient access to groceries during a time when gas rationing made travel more difficult.
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The independent business expanded three times to accommodate increased demand, including later adding a second-story stockroom and a German deli and restaurant. By the early 1960s, the Niskayuna Co-op had become one of the top-producing cooperatives in the country. Today, it remains member-owned and is governed by a volunteer board of directors.
Assemblymember Phil Steck presented the business its certificate at the co-op’s Nott Street location on Thursday. He was joined by Niskayuna Town Supervisor Erin Cassady-Dorion, Niskayuna Co-op General Manager Shannon Risley, Niskayuna Town Councilwoman and former Co-op Board President Sarah Bilofsky and members of the Niskayuna Co-op Board.
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“The Niskayuna Co-op is a remarkable example of what can happen when residents come together to meet a community need,” said Steck. “What began as a neighborhood grocery store during World War II has grown into a trusted institution that has served generations of local residents. At a time when many small food businesses are struggling, the Co-op continues to thrive while helping address food insecurity and strengthening the community it serves. I was proud to nominate the Niskayuna Co-op for the Historic Business Preservation Registry and am pleased to see it receive this well-deserved recognition.”…