Keep Old Forge,
Old Forge.
February 28th Public Information Meeting is now available to watch:
What are The Woodlands?
A proposed 52-unit workforce and senior housing option for those who are eligible.
- Not Government Housing.
- Not Section 8 Housing.
- Not HUD Housing.
A shortage of available, affordable housing has made it hard for young working families and seniors to remain in Old Forge. This housing is ideal for working families, teachers, nurses, emergency responders, and seniors. The Woodlands is a proposed solution, with 52 housing units available to make living and working in Old Forge fun and affordable.
Walkthrough/Simulation Video
Who is People First?
People First is a nonprofit based in the Mohawk Valley, committed to enhancing living environments and quality of life. People First is committed to putting Old Forge first.
Bob Calli, Executive Director of People First, knows Old Forge well. After reading about the Town of Webb’s housing shortage in the Adirondack Explorer while at his home on First Lake, he wanted to help the town that has been a part of his life since his childhood. Bob’s family has been in the area for three generations and growing. Bob saw an opportunity to assist the residents of Old Forge to add enhancements that wouldn’t change Old Forge or turn it into something it’s not.
Who is eligible to live at The Woodlands?
Seniors
Teachers
Young Families
Service Workers
Woodlands Household Income Range for Affordable Units:
$11,000 – $52,000
Examples of a Woodlands Resident:
- Seniors: $18,000 – $50,000
- Teachers: $35,000 – $72,000
- Young Families: $18,000 – $70,000
- Service Workers: $18,000 – $65,000
Affordable Income / Rent Examples:
1 Bedroom:
Income: $11,375 – $41,000
Rent: $405 – $975 /mo.
2 Bedroom:
Income: $18,125 – $45,000
Rent: $655 – $1,055 /mo.
3 Bedroom:
Income: $26,000 – $52,000
Rent: $950 – $1,210 /mo.
Why is The Woodlands needed?
Town of Webb Housing Shortage
*Source: Herkimer County IDA Town of Webb Employee Workforce Housing Survey — Final study delivered to Town of Webb Town Board in 2021.
North Country Labor Force
*Source: Office of the New York State Comptroller
Town of Webb School Enrollment
*Source: National Center for Education Statistics
Town of Webb Senior Citizens
*Source: American Community Survey (US Census)
Opportunities
According to town experts, a catastrophic sewer pipe failure is imminent.
- 756 Year-Round Residents Affected
- 93 Businesses Affected
- School Affected
Additional Information
Click an image to view full screen
Frequently Asked Questions
People First is a nonprofit organization based in the Mohawk Valley, committed to enhancing living environments and quality of life. People First is committed to putting Old Forge first.
Bob Calli, Executive Director of People First, knows Old Forge well. After reading about the Town of Webb’s housing shortage in the Adirondack Explorer while at his home on First Lake, he wanted to help the town that has been a part of his life since his childhood. Bob’s family has been in the area for three generations and growing. Bob saw an opportunity to assist the residents of Old Forge to add enhancements that wouldn’t change Old Forge or turn it into something it’s not.
To provide a place for our seniors, teachers, young families, and service workers to live in Old Forge instead of commuting or relocating elsewhere. Studies have shown there is a need for 388 units. These 52 units will help, but not solve, the housing shortage crisis in Old Forge.
No! This will be affordable housing for seniors, teachers, young families, and service workers.
No.
No.
The Woodlands.
North Street. It will be set back and not visible from the road. These will be townhome-like buildings separated into homes, not large buildings.
Yes! As you can see from the drawings it will be very “Old Forge” Adirondack.
The rental units will be affordable for those who are eligible based on income. Like any rental process, it will include credit report, background check, and personal/landlord reference checks.
There is no cost to Old Forge taxpayers.
Yes! The current infrastructure has supported a higher population and school enrollment in Old Forge in the past, both of which have been declining over the years. This will only partially solve the overall problem. We need to safeguard against further declines in population, workforce, and school enrollment by maintaining and keeping Old Forge, Old Forge.
Studies have shown there is a need for 388 units. These 52 units will help, but not solve, the housing shortage crisis in Old Forge.
The Town of Webb retained the services of BCA Architects & Engineers in 2019 to complete an investigation of the Old Forge Sewer District collection system to locate and identify deteriorated pipes. During the project testing, portions of the 100-year-old sewer system were found to have deteriorated. Some of the pipes were installed decades ago using vitrified tile pipe and asbestos cement pipe. The Woodlands would help access additional grant funding for the deteriorated sewer system.