Friendly Neighborhoods. Safe Communities.
Friendly Neighborhoods. Safe Communities.
When it comes to establishing your home, nothing compares to a locale that offers top-notch educational institutions, a plethora of outdoor recreational pursuits, secure neighborhoods, all complemented by a cost of living that’s remarkably up to 26% below the national average.
Housing is a key component in supporting the growth of Franklin County’s economy and the quality of life for people who live here. Access to adequate and reliable housing for our workforce has been a long-standing issue that continues to be a challenge across the region.
Through our programs we have been able to directly support projects that will lead to the creation or renovation of over 200 housing units in Franklin County within the next several years.
Supporting the development of new housing and the improvement of existing housing is a high priority for FCEDC. The Adirondack Frontier is a great place to call home but only if quality and affordable housing is available for those who desire to live in our amazing communities.
- Fair Housing
- Land Bank
- Saranac Lofts
- Donald E. Smith Apartments
- Oval Wood Dish Redevelopment
- Resilient & Ready Storm Recovery Program
Fair Housing
The Franklin County Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) affirms its commitment to the principles of fair housing and equal opportunity. While FCEDC is not a regulatory or enforcement agency, we recognize the critical role that housing plays in economic development and community well-being. In alignment with the federal Fair Housing Act, New York State Human Rights Law, and our organizational mission, FCEDC supports efforts to expand access to safe, affordable, and inclusive housing opportunities throughout Franklin County.
Countywide
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 27th 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.
Saranac Lake
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.
Tupper Lake
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.
Tupper Lake
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.
Resilient & Ready Storm Recovery Program
In September 2024, we launched the Resilient & Ready Storm Recovery Program in direct response to the widespread damage caused by Tropical Storm Debby on August 9–10, 2024.
Thanks to funding from New York State Homes and Community Renewal (NYSHCR), the program provided critical financial assistance to 51 homeowners across Franklin County, helping them address emergency housing repairs and return to safe, sanitary, and habitable living conditions.
From flooded basements to damaged heating systems, the storm’s impact left many residents displaced or living in unsafe conditions. The program was designed to fill gaps in recovery support—covering essential repairs not funded through insurance or other emergency relief efforts.
The work spanned communities throughout northern Franklin County, including Malone, Fort Covington, Akwesasne, and St. Regis Falls. FCEDC worked closely with homeowners to scope needed repairs, connect them with qualified contractors, and support project coordination from start to finish.
As of June 2025, the Resilient & Ready Storm Recovery Program is closed to new applicants. Most projects are now completed or underway.
FCEDC remains committed to helping Franklin County build resilience in the face of future climate-related challenges—and to ensuring that every resident has a safe place to call home.
