NRDC celebrates completion of two affordable apartments in Schroon

SCHROON LAKE | The North Country Rural Development Coalition (NRDC), together with local business owners Amanda and Ryan Ragland and community partners, celebrated the completion of two newly rehabilitated affordable rental apartments with a ribbon cutting on Friday, Oct. 30 at 1089 U.S. Route 9 in Schroon Lake. The apartments were rehabilitated through New York State Homes and Community Renewal's Vacant Rental Program (VRP) and will serve households earning at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), expanding access to quality, year-round rental housing in a community where housing availability remains a significant challenge. The project reflects a shared commitment to community reinvestment, housing preservation, and the long-term economic vitality of Schroon Lake. HCR under the Vacant Rental Program has awarded $3.9 million total to NRDC to be used to rehabilitate vacant properties into long-term rental housing across five counties, with 13 units completed and another 29 units planned or underway. More than $80 million in VRP monies has been awarded to non-profits and local governments outside New York City to transform vacant and uninhabitable apartments into more than 1,100 safe, affordable homes. "Bringing more affordable housing to the Adirondacks so that its workforce can continue to live there and thrive is key to addressing a housing crisis that communities across the state continue to grapple with," said New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas. "The Vacant Rental Program is part of this effort, with nearly $4 million awarded total to the North Country Rural Development Coalition to rehabilitate and bring back online more than 40 new and energy-efficient homes across the North Country. Thank you to NCRDC, as well as Schroon Lake Department Store owners Amanda and Ryan Ragland and other local partners, for using a portion of the VRP funding to renovate and adapt an underused portion of this historic storefront while providing much needed affordable housing for individuals and families in the heart of beautiful Schroon Lake." For Amanda and Ryan Ragland, owners of the historic Schroon Lake Department Store, investing in their community is part of a broader commitment to preserving the character and strengthening the future of Schroon Lake. The couple has demonstrated their dedication to local revitalization through their stewardship of the department store, a longstanding community landmark. Their continued investment reflects the important role local business and property owners play in sustaining the economic and residential vitality of Adirondack communities. The completion of these two apartments represents another meaningful contribution to Schroon Lake's year-round housing opportunities. "One of the most encouraging things about this project is seeing local business owners who are genuinely invested in the future of their community," said Nicole Justice Green, NRDC President and CEO. "Amanda and Ryan have already demonstrated what thoughtful reinvestment can mean through their work at the Schroon Lake Department Store. Their commitment to creating additional housing reflects that same spirit of preservation, revitalization, and long-term community stewardship. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and willingness to invest in housing that will benefit the community for years to come." Across the Adirondacks, the availability of affordable, year-round rental housing continues to affect the region's workforce, families, businesses, and longtime residents. HCR's Vacant Rental Program provides an opportunity to address these challenges by rehabilitating vacant and underutilized residential properties into safe, quality rental housing. Rather than relying exclusively on just new construction, the program supports the preservation and rehabilitation of existing buildings, making more efficient use of existing infrastructure while helping communities retain their distinctive character. The Schroon Lake project was completed with the craftsmanship of Homestead Carpentry, whose work helped transform the property into two newly rehabilitated apartments. "Two apartments may seem like a modest number, but in a rural community, every housing opportunity matters," Green continued. "These are homes that can support local employees, young families, and residents who want to remain part of this community. Housing is directly connected to the success of our small businesses, schools, healthcare services, and local economy." NRDC extends its sincere appreciation to HCR, Hope Carroll and Sophia Palma, whose dedication, persistence, and hands-on project management were instrumental in bringing this rehabilitation to completion. Carroll played an important role in the project's earlier development and coordination, while Palma carried that work forward, shepherding the rehabilitation through its final stages. Working closely with Homestead Carpentry, Palma helped coordinate construction activities, navigate project challenges, and maintain progress toward completion. "Projects like this don't happen overnight, and they certainly don't happen without dedicated people working behind the scenes," acknowledged Green. "I am incredibly grateful to Hope and Sophia for their hard work and commitment to seeing this project through. Sophia, in particular, worked closely with our contractor to bring everything together and get these apartments across the finish line. Their efforts are a reminder that the success of our programs is ultimately built on the people who care enough to do the difficult work of making these projects happen." NRDC also wishes to recognize and thank the Town of Schroon Code Enforcement Office and Town Supervisor Margaret "Meg" Wood for their support throughout the project. Local code enforcement officials play an essential role in ensuring rehabilitation projects meet applicable safety and building standards. Their cooperation and responsiveness, alongside the support of town leadership, are important components of successfully delivering housing improvements in rural communities. The Oct. 30 ribbon cutting recognized Amanda and Ryan Ragland, Homestead Carpentry, NRDC's project team, New York State Homes and Community Renewal, Town of Schroon officials, and the many individuals whose work contributed to the project's completion. The celebration highlighted how partnerships among local property owners, contractors, community leaders, and New York State can bring vacant and underutilized housing back into productive, year-round use.

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NRDC celebrates completion of two affordable apartments in Schroon

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