For nearly five decades, the Cohoes Community Center served as a pillar of the small city. Due to poor finances, the center's board abruptly decided to close the facility in late October. 

“It’s a huge loss in many aspects," said John McDonald, (D) Assembly, Cohoes.

Three months later, McDonald announced he has secured a $500,000 state grant that could allow the city to re-open the building. 

While the funds would allow the city to purchase and potentially renovate the building, Cohoes Mayor Shawn Morse says it won't be fair to taxpayers if they were on the hook for further upgrades and the cost of running the programs.

"My heart says go open the place, my fiduciary duty says the city cannot take on a $500,000 grant when there is still another $1 million in operational costs,” Morse said.

Morse would rather the city use the funds but then merge recreational and library services at the building. In that case, a new non-profit board would be installed to oversee operations, and the current library would be closed to cut costs. 

That and other proposals are expected to be discussed at a public forum Morse is hosting next month.

“In this situation right now, every idea needs to be vetted and discussed with the goal of getting the doors open, and having a sustainable operation going forward. We cannot let this happen to our community again,” McDonald said.