(June 24, 2021) New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas and Sarah A. Clarkin, Executive Director of the Harrietstown Housing Authority today announced the completion of renovations at the 78-unit Lake Flower Apartments in the village of Saranac Lake.
The $2.1 million project restored the building’s façade, improved energy-efficiency, and beautified Saranac Lake’s streetscape in a community in the midst of major enhancement efforts. The village of Saranac Lake was named a Round 3 winner of the Governor’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative in August 2018. The $10 million DRI investment is building upon more than $45 million in public and private funds invested in downtown improvement projects over the past 10 years, including the reopening of the historic Hotel Saranac.
“HCR’s $525,000 CDBG housing rehabilitation award is an investment in Lake Flower Apartments and furthers the revitalization efforts already underway in Saranac Lake,” Commissioner Visnauskas said. “We are proud to partner with the Housing Authority, Town of Harrietstown and other stakeholders on the façade restoration at Lake Flower, which improves the building’s energy-efficiency, enhances quality of life for more than 78 residents, and adds to the neighborhood’s beauty. By preserving affordable homes in the North Country, we are helping the region’s economy to rebound and grow.”
A combination of public and private funding made the $2.1 million project possible. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the Housing Authority $814,211 through its Capital Fund Reserve for Emergencies and Natural Disasters. HCR awarded a $525,500 Community Development Block Grant for Housing Rehabilitation. The Town of Harrietstown contributed $100,000 of local funds. The Housing Authority provided $373,000.
“We are deeply grateful to New York State Homes and Community Renewal for its investment and vote of confidence in Saranac Lake's public housing," said Executive Director Sarah Clarkin. “While the old brick facade at Lake Flower had no role in supporting the structure, two engineering studies identified several problems. Our architectural/engineering firm and contractor did a great job."
The renovation of Lake Flower builds upon other recent improvements at affordable housing developments in the village. Last year, a $720,000 state-funded project through HCR renovated the Helen Hill Apartments in Saranac Lake, which preserved 12 affordable apartments for families in the two-building complex which was transferred to the Adirondack Housing Development Corporation. The Harrietstown Housing Authority performed an upgrade at its Algonquin Apartments, where six new roofs were installed last year in addition to a new interior and exterior security camera system and additional energy-efficient lighting and plumbing fixtures.
Senator Dan Stec said, “Affordable housing helps assure a better quality of life for many people in communities throughout the Adirondacks. I am very grateful for the partnership and financial support made possible through Homes and Community Renewal for these renovations and upgrades that would otherwise be unaffordable for Saranac Lake and Harrietstown.”
Assemblyman Billy Jones said, "Throughout the North Country, there is a lack of affordable housing available, and the housing that does exist is often deteriorating. The renovations at Lake Flower Apartments along with the previous renovations at the Helen Hill Apartments and the Algonquin Apartments in Saranac Lake will help keep affordable housing options in the area and I am proud to support this project that will ensure existing options are safe and energy efficient."
Harrietstown Supervisor Mike Kilroy, said, “The Town Board recognized the need and value of the Housing Authority and wanted to support the project at Lake Flower Apartments. The Board voted to sponsor the application for CDBG funding and also voted to contribute $100,000 to the effort.”
Harrietstown Housing Authority Board Chairperson James Connolly, said, “The restoration of the Lake Flower facade has addressed a problem which, if neglected, would have threatened the health and safety of residents. Our Board is very happy with the results.”
Allen Dunham, President of the Adirondack Housing Development Corporation, said, “AHDC is committed to the provision of quality affordable housing. The upgrades made to the Helen Hill Apartments will improve residents’ quality of life and enhance the neighborhood. We are proud of this project and look forward to building on this effort.”
The Harrietstown Housing Authority provides income-eligible households with clean, safe and affordable housing Residents are provided with opportunities to achieve self-sufficiency and improve the quality of their lives. The Housing Authority administers two programs, the Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs. Between the two programs, the HHA can assist 248 families. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has oversight of the HHA’s operations. For more information, call 518-891-3050 or visit www.harrietstownha.org.