Judy Caligero, presiding officer of the Glens Falls Industrial Development Agency, said the board approved a five-year pilot for 178 Maple Street LLC, clearing the way for redevelopment of a historic warehouse into 19 residential units and one commercial space.

Tom Morelli, attorney for property owner Brian Green, described the project as "the redevelopment of an old warehouse building" that "consists of 19 residential units, 1 commercial unit" with a parking plan and storm-water management. The proposed unit mix would include studios, one-bedroom apartments and a single two-bedroom unit.

Brian George, superintendent of the Glens Falls City School District, urged the board to consider the district’s fiscal exposure. "The only concern the school district has is just with the pilot program ... we're talking about having units and therefore these housing units will more than likely probably house students, which then will require education, which there's a cost associated with," George said, citing typical per-student cost figures and saying the pilot estimate does not account for those education costs.

Board members and staff responded that the pilot is intended to bridge upfront rehabilitation costs and make a historically eligible property viable for redevelopment. Caligero and staff noted the project’s eligibility for historic tax credits and Restore New York grants was being explored and that staff had reviewed the pilot estimate with the owners and consultants.

After discussion and a formal motion, the IDA voted to adopt the resolution approving the five-year pilot and related benefits for 178 Maple Street LLC. Caligero said the IDA would sign the documents and provide final papers to the developer later in the week.

What’s next: the board directed staff to finalize paperwork and continue outreach with the school district so district officials can track projected enrollments and fiscal impacts as the project proceeds.