New homeowner Alison Helm, second from left, stands with Maria Lopez, housing counseling program manager at Adirondack Roots, Caitlin Wargo, interim executive director at Adirondack Roots and attorney Bill Finucane following the closing of Helm’s home purchase. (Provided photo — Eric Teed)

KEENE — The first three homebuyers in the affordable-forever Both Meadow Trail project in Keene closed on their homes last week, marking an important step in easing that community’s housing shortage.

Adirondack Roots, a non-profit housing organization based in Elizabethtown, spearheaded development of the four-home development off state Route 73. One home remains for sale.

“We’re thrilled to bring these new, accessibly priced homes online,” Caitlin Wargo, Adirondack Roots’ interim executive director, said in a press release. “Home prices across our region have risen more quickly than people’s ability to afford them. This project helps middle-income buyers with good jobs live in the place where they work–which is vital to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our communities.”

Each of the two-bedroom, one-bath homes sold for $160,000. This below-market price was possible because of support provided by the New York State Office of Homes and Community Renewal and the Adirondack Community Foundation. In addition, a shared-equity homeownership model kept costs down: While buyers will own their homes, the land beneath is owned by the Adirondack Community Housing Trust. Homeowners will pay $300 yearly to lease the land, as well as property taxes.

Should owners decide to sell, resale prices are capped under a formula that limits appreciation. In addition, future buyers must provide proof of income eligibility.

It’s a plan that made it possible for Alison Helm and her two children to finally make a permanent home in the North Country after three years of renting and staying with friends.

“It’s really hard to settle in a place that’s not your own,” said Helm, a teacher assistant at Lake Placid Central School who moved to the area from Connecticut in 2022. While she came here for a fresh start, she said finding a place to live was a struggle. “It’s so difficult. You can’t even find affordable rent, nevermind to own. And I don’t have two incomes — I just have me.”

She stuck it out because of the community. “It’s a really nice place to raise a family,” Helm said. “It’s safe. I can’t tell you how many people have looked out for me during this process.”

Joe Pete Wilson, town of Keene supervisor, said places like Both Meadow Trail are critical to keeping people like Helm in the region.

“I hear so often from people who want to move here, who want to live here, but simply aren’t able to make it happen because housing is so scarce,” Wilson said in a press release. “Projects like this make Keene stronger, and I’m grateful to Adirondack Roots for helping bring this to fruition.”

Over 30 applications were submitted to purchase the two-story modular units, which were made by Simplex Homes and constructed by O’Neil Contracting of Bloomingdale.

“Our community thrives when we attract new residents, and it’s been frustrating to know many homebuyers who would love living here simply couldn’t afford it,” said Teresa Cheetham-Palen, a member of the Keene Town Council and chair of the Keene Housing Task Force. “The seed for these homes began two decades ago when former Town of Keene Supervisor Tom Both sold this property to Adirondack Roots. It reflects a long-term commitment to maintaining a vibrant year-round community in Keene. I’m excited to welcome our new neighbors.”

Helm, the proud owner of her first home, usually spends Christmas traveling to see family. But not this year.

“For once, we are in our own space,” Helm said, grateful for all the pieces that fell into place. “And we don’t have to move again.”