Springbrook details plans
to develop Oneonta's
Ford Block building

By KEVIN LIMITI • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com

Springbrook, an organization that provides support for the developmentally disabled, is purchasing the Ford Block building on 212 Main St. in Oneonta for the purpose of providing housing for young professionals.

The project will include renovations of the upper two stories of the building, with 22 to 24 market rate residential one and two bedroom apartments.

The project is estimated to cost about $4.8 million, with more than $411,000 being paid for by the city.

Springbook CEO Patricia Kennedy stated during a presentation to the Common Council on Tuesday, May 18, that there was a need for housing not focused around students for Oneonta, because of the difficulty in finding apartments in the area.

“I’m very excited that we’re at this point,” Kennedy said, calling the Ford Block building a “way to support Springbrook’s mission.”

“We can only be as successful as our downtown is,” Kennedy said.