Friendly Neighborhoods. Safe Communities.

Towards the end of 2022, Franklin County received exciting news: its application to establish the Franklin County Land Bank Corporation had been granted approval. Thanks to the vision of the County Legislature, the Land Bank now stands as the 29th approved land bank in the state of New York and the first countywide land bank within the North Country region. Since they were first authorized to be created in 2011, land banks have become important tools in the fight against blight and to return abandoned or underutilized housing to the tax roll and productive use. FCEDC was proud to help write the Legislature’s successful application to create a land bank.

The Franklin County Resilient & Ready Storm Recovery Program for flood damage on August 9th & 10th 2024 is now closed.

Funding will be committed to eligible homeowners for confirmed eligible repairs on a first come, first served basis based, and only for complete applications.

Resilient & Ready Storm Recovery Program: Helping Homeowners Rebuild After Tropical Storm Debby

The Franklin County Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) is proud to launch the Resilient & Ready Storm Recovery Program, providing financial assistance to homeowners impacted by Tropical Storm Debby on August 9th and 10th, 2024. Through funding from NYS Homes and Community Renewal (NYSHCR), the program is designed to support emergency housing repairs, ensuring homes are safe, sanitary, and habitable.

How the Program Works

Homeowners in Franklin County who suffered storm damage can apply for assistance to cover emergency repairs not funded by other programs or insurance. FCEDC pays vendors directly, so there are no out of pocket costs.

Eligibility Requirements

Homeowners must meet the following criteria to qualify:

• Primary Residence: Must be located in Franklin County and damaged by Tropical Storm Debby.
• Income Eligible: Meet income requirements based on household size.
• Other Requirements: Up to date on mortgage, tax, and utility payments, and plan to stay in the home for the next 24 months.

Available Funding

Grants range up to $50,000 to cover eligible repair costs.

Eligible Expenses

Funding can be used for:

• Structural repairs (roof, foundation, windows, doors, etc.)
• Electrical and plumbing systems
• Mold remediation, asbestos removal, and other environmental health hazards
• Appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and water heaters (if necessary for habitability)

Ineligible Expenses

Funds cannot be used for:

• Garages, decks, and ancillary structures
• Furniture, vehicles, and personal property
• Luxury items such as stone countertops or swimming pools

Questions?

For any questions, please contact FCEDC at help@adirondackfrontier.com or (518) 651-2957.

The Saranac Lofts project Saranac Lake is a mixed use project on a former brownfield that will lead to the development of 70 mixed-income apartment units. Centrally located in Downtown Saranac Lake and adjacent to the Adirondack Rail Trail, the project will be complete in 2025. FCEDC supported the project by facilitating the purchase and transfer of the property to Kearney Realty & Development Group, the company developing the project. FCEDC also awarded $500,000 in Saranac Lake Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding to the project.

Originally constructed in the 1970s, the Donald E. Smith apartment complex in Tupper Lake provides 50 quality and affordable housing units to income-restricted seniors. FCEDC, through its industrial development agency, supported the purchase and renovation of the property by issuing tax-exempt bonds and approving a payment in lieu of tax agreement. Renovations will be completed in 2024.

Located on Demars Boulevard in Tupper Lake, the Oval Wood Dish property marks the final remnant of the 14 wood product mills that once graced the area. However, since 2008, this property has remained inactive. Recognizing its potential, the North Country Regional Development Council has prioritized its revitalization since 2011.

In 2019, a seasoned team of developers, led by the Lahinch Group, Housing Visions, and Hueber-Breuer Construction Co., Inc., purchased the Oval Wood Dish property with bridge loans from Adirondack Regional Credit Union and FCEDC with the goal of transforming the property into a vibrant mixed-use development.