Construction has started on South Street Apartments, a $27 million affordable housing development in Glens Falls, Warren County. The project will provide 70 units for individuals and families with incomes between 30 to 70 percent of the Area Median Income. Five units are designated for people with developmental disabilities, supported by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, while six units are reserved for homeless youth through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, with services from Community, Work and Independence, Inc. and WAIT House.
The building’s first floor will host a SUNY Adirondack satellite space focused on healthcare workforce development. Funding for equipment and instruction comes from the New York State Department of Health’s Healthcare Education and Life-skills Program (HELP) awards.
Governor Kathy Hochul said, “South Street Apartments is emblematic of what we’re accomplishing in New York’s Pro-Housing Communities — creating more affordable housing for today’s workforce, providing resources that help support vulnerable residents in their homes and revitalizing our downtowns both big and small. With the addition of a State University of New York space within the building, we’re also prioritizing education and job training by making it more accessible to those who live in and around the city. We thank our local partners for continuing to share our vision.”
The five-story, all-electric building will feature amenities such as a fitness center, outdoor courtyard, fenced playground, surface parking lot, access to a nearby garage through a municipal agreement, and units equipped for people with mobility or sensory impairments.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) provided significant financial support: $13.8 million from the Low-Income Housing Credit Program; $3.1 million from the New York State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program; $3.6 million from the Low-Income Housing Trust Fund; $689,489 from the Rural and Urban Community Investment Fund; and $385,000 from the Clean Energy Initiative Program. The city is contributing a property tax abatement.
RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner/CEO of NYS Homes and Community Renewal said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, HCR is working across New York to provide accessible, affordable housing where it is most needed. Thank you to Bonacio Development, Mayor William Collins, and our State and non-profit partners for bringing a project to downtown Glens Falls that will not only provide stability for 70 families, but also essential supportive care and workforce training.”
The development builds on previous investments in Glens Falls’ downtown revitalization efforts. It complements projects funded through Glens Falls’ Downtown Revitalization Initiative award—including renovations of historic structures into market-rate apartments—and follows an earlier $70 million HCR-financed project that updated all Glens Falls Housing Authority units.
Commissioner Willow Baer of the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities said, “Expanding the supply of affordable, accessible, and integrated housing opportunities for people with developmental disabilities who want to live in and be a part of their communities is essential to our mission of helping people live richer lives. We are so excited for the people who will ultimately call the South Street Apartments their home and are grateful to Governor Hochul for being a true partner in helping New Yorkers with developmental disabilities live as independently as possible.”
Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn of Temporary and Disability Assistance stated: “The causes of homelessness are complex, and Governor Hochul understands that supportive housing is a critical and proven tool in helping stabilize the lives of people who have experienced or are at risk for homelessness. When completed, South Street Apartments will be a haven for youth aging out of foster care by providing them access to not only a safe, affordable home but also the supportive services they need to thrive in their community.”
Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald added: “I commend Governor Hochul and local partners on this development, which will serve multiple purposes, where New Yorkers will live, learn and thrive. By providing a support system for healthcare students and trainees, SUNY Adirondack is helping to build a more resilient healthcare workforce and strengthen the communities they serve.”
SUNY Adirondack President Anastasia L. Urtz said: “SUNY Adirondack celebrates Gov. Hochul’s unwavering focus on expanding access to affordable housing, improving lives and livelihoods through health care careers, and strengthening community vitality. This important community development project will leverage SUNY Adirondack ‘s new $5M NYS Department of Health workforce training grant and support individuals to prepare for in-demand careers in health care.”
Senator Charles Schumer commented: “Every family in the Capital Region deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. I’m proud that the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit that I worked hard to protect and expand has delivered millions to help build 70 units in Glens Falls. High housing costs are a key driver of inflation so we must build more housing for working people to bring down those high prices. I applaud Governor Hochul’s work increasing access to housing for working families in the Capital Region and across New York, and I will continue working to deliver federal resources to deliver more affordable housing across New York.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand stated: “Expanding access to affordable housing is essential to strengthening our communities and driving economic growth across New York. South Street Apartments will provide quality homes, help revitalize downtown Glens Falls, and boost the local economy. I am proud to support this project and will continue advocating for investments that ensure every New Yorker has a place to call home.”
Assemblymember Carrie Woerner said: “Glens Falls’ strong economic growth needs to be supported by housing that is affordable for teachers, nurses, retail workers, firefighters, and first responders. I am excited to see the construction of a significant number of apartments on South Street that will be priced so that people who work in Glens Falls can afford to live in Glens Falls. I thank Governor Hochul for her leadership in aggressively pursuing a housing growth strategy that strengthens communities.”
Mayor William Collins noted: “The new South Street Apartments are an important addition to the stock of affordable housing in our city. These 70 new affordable housing units and the associated commercial space are welcome additions to our thriving downtown. They both complement and increase the momentum of the revitalization of the South Street neighborhood catalyzed by our DRI project. The city of Glens Falls is fortunate to have partners like New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, New York State Homes and Community Renewal and Bonacio Development among many others in the realization of this effort.”
Sonny Bonacio from Bonacio Family of Companies added: “Bonacio is proud and honored to assist in fulfilling Governor Hochul’s commitment to plentiful and affordable housing here in Glens Falls and across the state of New York. The South Street Apartments will join our transformative Market Square project to provide a strong residential foothold within the vibrant Glens Falls Business District.”
April Boucher from Community Work & Independence stated: “Community Work & Independence (CWI) is proud to partner with OPWDD and GF South Street Apartments LLC to expand housing options that promote independence and inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” She continued: “Through this Housing Services Agreement we’re ensuring that at least five units are dedicated to individuals we serve—empowering them to live more independently engage in their communities and experience the dignity that comes with having a home of their own.”
WAIT House Executive Director Jason McLaughlin remarked: “At WAIT House we believe every young person deserves the chance to build a stable and fulfilling life right here in our community.” He added: “We’re thrilled to be part of the South Street Apartments project which will give youth aging out of foster care not just a safe home but a real opportunity to grow and succeed.” He concluded: “This collaboration shows what can happen when neighbors local organizations and state partners work together to make Glens Falls stronger and more inclusive for everyone.”
This construction aligns with broader state initiatives led by Governor Hochul aiming at increasing affordable housing stock statewide through multi-year plans totaling billions in funding.
More than 350 communities have been certified under New York’s Pro-Housing Community Program—providing them exclusive access up to $750 million in discretionary state funding—an effort that includes Glens Falls among its participants.
