The Housing Solutions Series: Key Takeaways

Addressing the pressing need for an estimated 7,500 additional housing units in the expansive Adirondack region is no small feat. But it’s a challenge that various entities — from county agencies and local municipalities to nonprofits and private homeowners — are collectively rising to meet.

In Essex and Franklin counties, land banks have been established as a creative approach to rejuvenating run-down homes. These homes, usually acquired due to nonpayment of taxes, are refurbished and then sold to individuals or families with limited financial resources. Proceeds from these sales are then reinvested into the next home refurbishment project. Clinton County is also in the planning stages of creating its own land bank, signaling a growing commitment to this innovative housing solution.

But it’s not just external organizations that are stepping up; local governments themselves are diving into the fray. They’re utilizing various funding sources, like grants or revenues from land sales, to build small yet potent workforce housing communities. While examples can be found in both Hamilton County and Wilmington, the scale may be modest, but when combined with other initiatives, the impact could be substantial.

Adding another layer to this multifaceted approach are nonprofit organizations, some of which are highly specialized in the realm of housing. Organizations like the Adirondack Foundation, Northern Forest Center, Adirondack North Country Association, and Homestead Development Corp. of Lake Placid are offering their expertise and resources to develop affordable housing options. These range from smaller apartment complexes to more expansive housing developments and even cooperative communities that are initiated by the homebuyers themselves. The funding for these nonprofit-led projects typically comes from a mix of grants, philanthropic gifts, and lines of credit from local banking institutions.

Together, these multi-pronged efforts from various stakeholders are painting a more hopeful picture for the future of housing in the Adirondack region, demonstrating that with collaborative action, even daunting challenges can be met.