Photo by Howard Owens
There have been signs of life at Ellicott Station, if for no other reason than to button up the property just before it officially becomes winter.
Construction vehicles have been parked on the premises, and Public Works Director Brett Frank confirmed that staff has observed a few subcontractors who were “closing up the building and moving materials in preparation for winter weather” the past week or two.
The Batavian has been regularly checking in with City Manager Rachael Tabelski for any updates about the property, and she was told by investors that "the building would be winterized," she said.
"HCR, the bank, and the investors continue to work on a takeover/transition plan with other interested housing developers/operators," Tabelski said.
HCR is the state Department of Housing and Community Renewal.
The Ellicott Street property has been fairly dormant since late August when former developer Sam Savarino announced that he was closing his Savarino Companies. There apparently won't be any further construction on the apartment complex until a new developer is in place, and tenants that were chosen for the 55 rental units have been advised a while ago by Savarino's management company to find alternative housing.
The Batavian had also asked Tabelski for a response to how Ellicott Station seems to be representative of what some communities are fearful may happen to them -- the town of Pembroke as one example -- and is named as some type of icon of doom that other developers don't wish to be compared to.
"Respectfully, I think the characterization of Ellicott Station as the 'icon of doom' is overdramatic," Tabelski said. "I understand there is disappointment with the project, but our strong hope is another developer will see this as an opportunity to invest in our city. The final verdict on the success of this project is still out.
"The city is focused on moving forward, working on creating housing that adds tax base and gives middle and higher earners the products they demand, as well as active seniors, who want to move to apartments/condos with less maintenance," she said. "The (Batavia Development Corp.), with participation from the GCEDC and city, hosted a very successful developers tour on (in late November). There remains a lot of interest in developing projects in our city."
