Adirondack Frontier Watch: May 2023

As we embrace the end of May in the Adirondack Frontier, we are greeted by the signs of spring and the promise of new beginnings. The vibrant blossoms and longer days bring with them a renewed sense of hope and positivity.

One topic that has been generating significant buzz both locally and regionally is the pressing need for housing. It is an issue that deserves our utmost attention, as the demand for more housing options in Franklin County continues to grow. In fact, our projections indicate that we will require an additional 900 housing units over the next decade (for more details, please see the information below).

However, amidst this challenge, we find reasons to be optimistic. The Harison Place project, a development that will introduce approximately 40 units to Downtown Malone, is progressing smoothly and remains on schedule. We anticipate its completion by the end of this year. Similarly, the Oval Wood Dish redevelopment project in Tupper Lake, set to offer 80 units, has recently secured significant funding support from New York State. We expect construction to commence by the end of this year. Furthermore, we are thrilled to announce that next month, the Saranac Lofts project will break ground in Downtown Saranac Lake, bringing over 70 units to the area.

At the Franklin County Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC), we are fully committed to fostering housing development initiatives throughout our county. We firmly believe that having adequate and affordable housing options is paramount for our communities to thrive. By supporting these projects and working collaboratively with developers, local stakeholders, and government agencies, we aim to address the housing needs of our residents effectively.

FCEDC will continue to advocate for and support housing initiatives that align with our vision for Franklin County’s future. We encourage you to stay connected and informed about the progress of these projects and the opportunities they bring to our communities.

— Jeremy Evans, CEO

North Country Housing Strategy and Analysis.
As a member of the steering committee FCEDC CEO Jeremy Evans attended and presented at the launch for the regional housing strategy and analysis. Read more here: https://www.adirondackexplorer.org/stories/regions-housing-problems-revealed

FCEDC was proud to support the development of the Building Balanced Communities for the North Country: A Comprehensive Housing Study and Strategy produced by the Lake Champlain Lake George Regional Planning Board (LCLGRPB). Even though Franklin County is not within LCLGRPB’s five county region, FCEDC understood how valuable it would be to include Franklin County in the scope of the strategy and contributed financially towards its completion.

The study quantified what we all feel, that there is an unmet housing need in the North Country. The study estimates that Franklin County alone needs almost 950 additional housing units over the  next 10 years.

Renewable Energy.
The North Country has long been a leader in renewable energy production. Provisions of the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act will drive additional renewable energy development. And while wind and solar projects grab a lot of the headlines, we are also home to small hydropower producers that generate clean and reliable energy.

Northern Power & Light is a Franklin County company that helps electricity customers purchase power from these local producers. Check out our latest Where the Wilderness Worksvideo to learn more.