Construction has started on South Street Apartments, a 70-unit affordable housing development in Glens Falls, Warren County, according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. The $27 million project is part of ongoing efforts to revitalize the city’s downtown and will feature accessible and supportive units, as well as a new SUNY Adirondack satellite space on the building’s first floor.
Governor 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.”
The development will serve individuals and families earning between 30 to 70 percent of the area median income. Five units are designated for people with developmental disabilities, supported by rental subsidies and services from the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. An additional six units are reserved for homeless youth under the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative, with support from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. On-site support will be provided by Community, Work and Independence, Inc., and WAIT House.
SUNY Adirondack will use leased space in the building for healthcare workforce development programs, supported by funding from the New York State Department of Health’s Healthcare Education and Life-skills Program (HELP) awards.
The building, which will be all-electric and five stories tall, includes a fitness center, outdoor courtyard, fenced-in playground, and parking options. Units are designed to accommodate residents with mobility, hearing, and visual impairments.
Bonacio Development is leading construction. The project aligns with other South Street initiatives funded through Glens Falls’ Downtown Revitalization Initiative, such as the Events Downtown Center and the renovation of historic buildings into apartments and commercial space.
Previously, a $70 million project financed through New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) renovated or replaced all units across 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, and $385,000 from the Clean Energy Initiative Program. The city is also providing a property tax abatement.
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.”
New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Willow Baer added, “Expanding the supply of affordable, accessible, and integrated housing opportunities for people with developmental disabilities who want to live in and be a part of their communities is essential to our mission of helping people live richer lives. We are so excited for the people who will ultimately call the South Street Apartments their home and are grateful to Governor Hochul for being a true partner in helping New Yorkers with developmental disabilities live as independently as possible.”
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn stated, “The causes of homelessness are complex, and Governor Hochul understands that supportive housing is a critical and proven tool in helping stabilize the lives of people who have experienced or are at risk for homelessness. When completed, South Street Apartments will be a haven for youth aging out of foster care by providing them access to not only a safe, affordable home but also the supportive services they need to thrive in their community.”
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “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 commented, “SUNY Adirondack celebrates Gov. Hochul’s unwavering focus on expanding access to affordable housing, improving lives and livelihoods through health care careers, and strengthening community vitality. This important community development project will leverage SUNY Adirondack ‘s new $5M NYS Department of Health workforce training grant and support individuals to prepare for in-demand careers in health care.”
Senator Charles Schumer said, “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 added, “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 said, “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 stated, “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, “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, Work and Independence, Inc. Vice President and Chief Operating Officer April Boucher stated, “Community, Work and Independence (CWI) is proud to partner with OPWDD and GF South Street Apartments, LLC to expand housing options that promote independence and inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through this Housing Services Agreement, we’re ensuring that at least five units are dedicated to individuals we serve — empowering them to live more independently, engage in their communities, and experience the dignity that comes with having a home of their own.”
WAIT House Executive Director Jason McLaughlin said, “At WAIT House, we believe every young person deserves the chance to build a stable and fulfilling life right here in our community. We’re thrilled to be part of the South Street Apartments project, which will give youth aging out of foster care not just a safe home, but a real opportunity to grow and succeed. This collaboration shows what can happen when neighbors, local organizations, and state partners work together to make Glens Falls stronger and more inclusive for everyone.”
Governor Hochul’s administration has enacted several measures through recent budgets aimed at increasing New York’s housing supply. The FY25 Enacted Budget includes new tax incentives, capital funding, and renter protections. The FY26 Enacted Budget builds on this by adding more than $1.5 billion in state funding for housing programs and introducing policies aimed at improving affordability. These efforts are part of the governor’s five-year $25 billion plan that seeks to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide and includes additional funding for homes with support services and electrification projects. More than 65,000 homes have already been created or preserved under this initiative.
The Pro-Housing Community Program was also strengthened through these budgets, allowing certified localities exclusive access to up to $750 million in discretionary state funding. Over 350 communities have received Pro-Housing certification so far, including Glens Falls.
