WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (WENY) --Watkins Glen's downtown revitalization efforts are progressing as the Harborside Village Apartments have been completed. The five apartments are one of 16 DRI projects that fall under the $10 million grant Watkins Glen received from New York State in 2018.
The Harborside Village Apartments are located inside a former Guthrie Medical Center.
"We are at the Harborside Village Apartments here in the village of Watkins Glen, and we're here as a part of the DRI initiative that is one of our flagship economic development programs in the Department of State, at the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, in conjunction with a private-public partnership, where we've created five new affordable homes," says New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley.
The need for affordable housing remains a pressing issue, and local leaders hope that Harborside Village can help continue bridging the gap.
"Housing is an issue for older individuals, housing is an issue for young professionals, housing is an issue across the board. We want to make sure that we are addressing that as such and making sure that New Yorkers know that they have a place that they can call home, right here in Watkins [Glen]," says Mosley.
For some, the Harborside project holds special significance as it reaches completion alongside another initiative such as the ongoing Clute Park ADA Park addition. Reflecting on the progress made a local leader express mixed emotions about the journey.
"This project is one of the final ones, along with the Clute Park project... and it's bittersweet for me because I've been there from the beginning and this is an incredible investment for our community and long-term housing and beyond this apartment building upon everything you guys are doing with the DRI money," says Watkins Glen Mayor Laurie DeNardo.
As these projects near the finish line, Watkins Glen continues to enhance its appeal, not just by offering new facilities, but by strengthening its commitment to community and sustainable growth. By addressing housing, leaders hope to ensure Watkins Glen continues to be a place everyone can call home.
The apartments are located at 101 1st Street, Watkins Glen, NY, 14891. More information about the apartments can be found here.