Springbrook Answers Call for Affordable Housing in Oneonta
Here's good news for Oneontans who have been upset for a long time about the issue of a lack of affordable housing in Oneonta and wondered by there are so many upper stories of buildings empty on Oneonta's Main St. that could become apartments.
AllOTSEGO is reporting that Springbrook, an organization serves those with developmental disabilities will be buying the building located at 212 Main St., otherwise known as the Ford Block building. According to Springbrook CEO Patricia Kennedy, the purchase of the Ford Block supports Springbrook's mission by providing housing for young professionals. According to Indeed.com, Springbrook employs more than 1200 people in the local area. During a presentation to Oneonta's Common Council on Tuesday evening Kennedy informed the council that it's difficult for people to find non-student apartments in Oneonta.
Renovations are planned to convert the two upper stories of the building into 22 to 24 market-rate one and two bedroom apartments and has a price tag of around $4.8 million, with the City of Oneonta lending a financial hand by kicking in $411,000 to help pay for the project. Kennedy says that Springbrook will be preserving the historical qualities and facade of the building with upgrades to the interior for energy efficiency purposes.
Along with building improvements, architectural plans include making sure the building is handicap accessible, there will be a pedestrian bridge that will connect to Main Street, and there is a tentative plan to have a brick walled hallway in the building that acts as a display wall for Oneonta history and local art. It's expected that the renovation project will be done by fall of 2022.
This story was provided in partnership with AllOTSEGO.
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