Two new affordable rental apartments celebrate local investment, community partnerships, and the transformation of existing housing through New York State’s Vacant Rental Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2026
SCHROON LAKE, NY — The North Country Rural Development Coalition (NRDC), in partnership with local business owners Amanda and Ryan Ragland, is pleased to announce a ribbon-cutting celebration on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., at 1089 U.S. Route 9 in Schroon Lake, New York.
The celebration marks the completion of two newly rehabilitated affordable rental apartments made possible through New York State’s Vacant Rental Program (VRP). The apartments will serve households earning at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), expanding access to quality, year-round rental housing in a community where housing availability continues to be a significant challenge.
The project reflects a shared commitment to community reinvestment, housing preservation, and the long-term economic vitality of Schroon Lake.
Local Investment, Lasting Community Impact
For Amanda and Ryan Ragland, owners of the historic Schroon Lake Department Store, investing in their community is part of a broader commitment to preserving the character and strengthening the future of Schroon Lake. The couple has demonstrated their dedication to local revitalization through their stewardship of the department store, a longstanding community landmark. Their continued investment reflects the important role local business and property owners play in sustaining the economic and residential vitality of Adirondack communities.
The completion of these two apartments represents another meaningful contribution to Schroon Lake’s year-round housing opportunities.
“One of the most encouraging things about this project is seeing local business owners who are genuinely invested in the future of their community,” said Nicole Justice Green, President and CEO of the North Country Rural Development Coalition. “Amanda and Ryan have already demonstrated what thoughtful reinvestment can mean through their work at the Schroon Lake Department Store. Their commitment to creating additional housing reflects that same spirit of preservation, revitalization, and long-term community stewardship. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and willingness to invest in housing that will benefit the community for years to come.”
Addressing the Adirondacks’ Housing Challenges
Across the Adirondacks, the availability of affordable, year-round rental housing continues to affect the region’s workforce, families, businesses, and longtime residents. New York State’s Vacant Rental Program provides an opportunity to address these challenges by rehabilitating vacant and underutilized residential properties into safe, quality rental housing.
Rather than relying exclusively on just new construction, the program supports the preservation and rehabilitation of existing buildings, making more efficient use of existing infrastructure while helping communities retain their distinctive character.
The Schroon Lake project was completed with the craftsmanship of Homestead Carpentry, whose work helped transform the property into two newly rehabilitated apartments.
“Two apartments may seem like a modest number, but in a rural community, every housing opportunity matters,” Green continued. “These are homes that can support local employees, young families, and residents who want to remain part of this community. Housing is directly connected to the success of our small businesses, schools, healthcare services, and local economy.”
Recognizing the People Behind the Project
NRDC extends its sincere appreciation to HCR, Hope Carroll and Sophia Palma, whose dedication, persistence, and hands-on project management were instrumental in bringing this rehabilitation to completion.
Hope played an important role in the project’s earlier development and coordination, while Sophia carried that work forward, shepherding the rehabilitation through its final stages. Working closely with Homestead Carpentry, Sophia helped coordinate construction activities, navigate project challenges, and maintain progress toward completion.
“Projects like this don’t happen overnight, and they certainly don’t happen without dedicated people working behind the scenes,” Green said. “I am incredibly grateful to Hope and Sophia for their hard work and commitment to seeing this project through. Sophia, in particular, worked closely with our contractor to bring everything together and get these apartments across the finish line. Their efforts are a reminder that the success of our programs is ultimately built on the people who care enough to do the difficult work of making these projects happen.”
NRDC also wishes to recognize and thank the Town of Schroon Code Enforcement Office and Town Supervisor Margaret “Meg” Wood for their support throughout the project. Local code enforcement officials play an essential role in ensuring rehabilitation projects meet applicable safety and building standards. Their cooperation and responsiveness, alongside the support of town leadership, are important components of successfully delivering housing improvements in rural communities.
Community Invited to Celebrate
The October 30 ribbon cutting will recognize Amanda and Ryan Ragland, Homestead Carpentry, NRDC’s project team, New York State housing partners, Town of Schroon officials, and the many individuals whose efforts contributed to the project’s successful completion.
Community members, local elected officials, business owners, housing partners, and members of the media are warmly invited to attend, tour the completed apartments, and celebrate this investment in Schroon Lake’s future.
Event Details
Event: Schroon Lake Apartments Ribbon Cutting: Please register to attend: https://form.jotform.com/262864421285057
Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m. (Noon)
Location: 1089 U.S. Route 9, Schroon Lake, NY
RSVP Deadline: Monday, October 26, 2026
Media Contact: Sophia Palma
spalma@northcountryruraldevelopment.org
North Country Rural Development Coalition, Ticonderoga, New York