Assemblymember Phil Steck Welcomes Niskayuna Co-op to NYS Historic Preservation Registry

Assemblymember Phil Steck presented the Niskayuna Co-op with its official New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry certificate today, recognizing the member-owned grocery store’s more than eight decades of service to Niskayuna and the
greater Schenectady community.

Steck 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 for the presentation at the Co-op’s Nott Street location.

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 at a time when gas rationing made travel more difficult. The small, independent business grew alongside the community, expanding three times to accommodate increased demand and 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. More than eight decades later, it remains member-owned and is governed by a volunteer board of directors.

“The Niskayuna Co-op is a remarkable example of what can happen when residents come together to meet a community need,” said Assemblymember Phil 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.”

Since becoming general manager in 2020, Risley has worked to expand the Co-op’s role as a community hub and partner, with a particular focus on reducing food insecurity throughout Schenectady County. Today, the Co-op continues to provide groceries, locally sourced products and personal service while remaining true to the cooperative values on which it was founded.

“I would like to thank Assemblymember Steck for nominating the Niskayuna Co-op for inclusion into the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry, “said Shannon Risley, General Manager of the Niskayuna Co-op. “The Co-op has proudly been a pillar of the community for 83 years strong.  As a committed community partner, we believe that all people should have access to high-quality food.  Our Co-op is open to all and is more than just a grocery store; we bring people together.” 

The New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry recognizes businesses that have operated for generations and made meaningful contributions to the history, identity, and economy of their communities. The Niskayuna Co-op’s inclusion honors both its longevity and its continued commitment to serving local residents.