Construction has begun on the South Street Apartments, a $27 million project in Glens Falls, Warren County, that will add 70 affordable housing units to the area. The development is part of ongoing efforts to revitalize downtown Glens Falls and will also feature a new satellite space for SUNY Adirondack on its first floor.
The project targets individuals and families earning between 30 and 70 percent of the Area Median Income. Five units are designated for people with developmental disabilities, with rental subsidies and service funding provided by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. Six additional units will serve homeless youth through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, with services from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Community, Work and Independence, Inc., and WAIT House will offer on-site support.
SUNY Adirondack’s leased space in the building will focus on healthcare workforce development, supported by New York State Department of Health’s Healthcare Education and Life-skills Program (HELP) awards.
The five-story, all-electric building will include a fitness center, outdoor courtyard, fenced playground, surface parking, and access to a nearby garage through a municipal agreement. Several apartments are accessible for people with mobility, hearing, or visual impairments.
Bonacio Development leads construction, which complements other South Street projects funded by Glens Falls’ Downtown Revitalization Initiative award, such as the Events Downtown Center and renovations of historic buildings into apartments and commercial spaces.
The project follows a previous $70 million effort that renovated or replaced all units in the Glens Falls Housing Authority portfolio.
Funding for South Street Apartments includes $13.8 million in equity 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, $385,000 from the Clean Energy Initiative Program, and a property tax abatement from the city.
Governor Kathy Hochul stated, “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.”
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas 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.”
Other officials also voiced support for the project. New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Willow Baer said it expands opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to live independently. New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn highlighted supportive housing as a key tool against homelessness.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald commended the initiative: “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 added that the project leverages a new $5 million state workforce training grant to help prepare individuals for health care careers.
Senator Charles Schumer emphasized the importance of federal tax credits in supporting the project: “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 called the apartments essential for economic growth: “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 noted the need for affordable housing for local workers: “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.”
Glens Falls Mayor William Collins welcomed the addition: “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.”
Bonacio Family of Companies CEO Sonny Bonacio said the apartments align with statewide goals: “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.”
Community partners expressed their commitment as well. April Boucher of Community, Work and Independence highlighted dedicated units for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Jason McLaughlin of WAIT House emphasized opportunities for youth aging out of foster care.
Governor Hochul’s broader housing agenda includes a five-year plan aiming to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide. Recent state budgets have increased funding for housing initiatives and introduced programs such as the Housing Access Voucher pilot program. Over 65,000 homes have been created or preserved so far under these efforts.
The Pro-Housing Community Program now offers certified localities access to up to $750 million in discretionary state funding. More than 350 communities have received certification under this program.
