Helen Hill Apartments (Photo provided)

SARANAC LAKE – After a years-long effort, a subsidiary of the Adirondack Housing Development Corporation acquired the 12-unit Helen Hill Apartments in Saranac Lake from L’Esperance Housing Development Corporation on Dec. 19, 2018.

AHDC, which has managed the rent-restricted property for six years, will continue to manage the property. Earlier this year, the state Homes & Community Renewal awarded the AHDC with $720,077 to undertake needed interior and exterior upgrades. Upgrades include but are not limited to roofing, paving, insulation, exterior lighting/security, doors, and boilers.

AHDC President Allen Dunham said, “This project has been in the works for a very long time. I am thankful to everyone who helped us get to this point. Among the many in this long list are the state’s Homes & Community Renewal, the village of Saranac Lake, town of Harrietstown, and our consultant and attorneys.”

AHDC CEO Sarah Clarkin also expressed gratitude and added, “There is a real need for quality affordable housing in Saranac Lake. This project helps address this need. Its proximity to the business center is also a big plus.”

The apartments are fully occupied and will remain so during the course of the work, expected to begin in January and end mid-summer. Clarkin stated residents will be fully informed of the work schedule and inconvenience will be minimal.

In addition to Dunham, the AHDC Board of Directors includes Craig Stevens, James Connolly, David Bauer, Chris Covert, Aaron Kramer, and Robert Laba.

The buildings’ one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments are rent restricted and available to income-eligible individuals and families. Amenities include heat, playground, storage lockers, laundry room, and on-site parking. Applications are available at the Harrietstown Housing Authority’s offices, 14 Kiwassa Road, Saranac Lake.

AHDC’s mission is to provide, on a nonprofit basis, decent affordable housing and related community services and facilities to meet the needs and requirements of low income families and individuals by developing and improving rental housing and home ownership opportunities.