Glens Falls reports project timelines and new businesses; operator search for 36 Elm continues

At the May 22 meeting staff provided a roundup of development projects, new small businesses and efforts to find an operator for two city‑owned facilities.

Project timelines: Staff said construction at 47 Missouri is moving and aims for a late‑summer opening; 76 Lawrence is soliciting bids and could start next month; 178 Maple may be ready for occupancy by September, possibly on a floor‑by‑floor basis. Jeff said the projects are progressing and that the board will continue monitoring schedules.

Business openings and support: The LDC reported three supported openings on South Street: Case Boatz (soft opening), Florals Merkantile (women's clothing) and Paul's Guitar Hideout (retail and recording lessons). These businesses received small amounts of equipment support from the board’s small‑business program; staff will finalize reimbursement documents at the next meeting.

Manufacturing attraction and award: The board approved a small‑business award of up to $40,000 to Aderondac Fabrication Services to accelerate purchase of a press‑brake machine expected to cost in the mid six figures; staff said the injection of equipment could grow the entity’s workforce from roughly three employees to nine within a year and increase payroll from about $4,000 to $12,000 per week.

Operator search for 36 Inc. and the ED: Staff and the mayor said they have met with several prospective operators (three parties expressed interest) and have encouraged them to outline precisely what support they would need (equipment help, fit‑out assistance, phased rent). No agreement has been reached; staff anticipates receiving a formal proposal soon and will return to the board with recommendations.

Planning staff note: Allison Gaddy, the newly introduced director of planning and zoning, said the city is ‘about to adopt our comprehensive plan,’ and suggested the board consider reviewing the plan at a future agenda to better align development incentives with the city’s planning goals.

What happens next: staff will process paperwork to reimburse small‑business grants, continue operator outreach and report progress at the June meeting.