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Bracken Commons

Pocket Neighborhood in Saratoga Springs

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Who We Are

Bracken Commons is an inclusive, affordable housing community designed to address the growing housing crisis, particularly for first-time buyers, modest-income families, individuals, and people with disabilities in Saratoga Springs, NY, where homeownership is rapidly becoming financially inaccessible.

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Bracken Commons offers long-term affordability through an inclusive-zoning model, providing a solution to the rising cost of homeownership. This community will prioritize accessibility for individuals with disabilities by offering units that include a bedroom on the first floor, making it easier for people to live with their caregivers or family members. The 16 modest units, a mix of 1- and 2-bedroom townhomes with lofts, will range from 600 to 1,000 square feet.

In addition, the community will feature a well-equipped common house with dining space, meeting rooms, and a community kitchen, all designed to foster a sense of belonging and community for residents of all abilities. Every member of Bracken Commons will have access to community facilities and be part of a cooperative or condominium structure, ensuring everyone can contribute to and benefit from the community. The development will also provide adequate parking, including some attached garages, and all homes will serve as the primary residence of the homeowners.

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Bracken Commons is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where individuals of all races, abilities, ethnicities, and gender expressions can live, thrive, and age with dignity. With access to community gardens, walking trails, and open spaces, Bracken Commons offers a welcoming place where people with disabilities can live alongside their families and caregivers, fostering a sense of community and belonging for everyone.

Community Impact

Environmental Sustainability:

  • Solar Power, Electric Heating & Cooling

  • Instant hot water heaters

  • Environmentally conscious construction

  • Small footprints, clustered homes, shared green spaces.

  • Bracken Woods is a smoke/vape free community.

Community Design:

  • All units will be accessible for people with mobility issues.

  • Advisory resources for first time homeowners.

  • Most homes will be sold to those earning 90% of AMI or below.

  • 2,000 sq ft common house includes dining space, guest rooms, meeting, worship and office spaces, and a community kitchen. The 1820's farmhouse will be mindfully renovated & expanded.

  • Visitors to the Common House will find convenient off-street parking and a bicycle rack.

  • Programming opportunities will be responsive to the interests and needs of the residents.

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Long Term Affordability:

  • Homes will remain affordability with deed restrictions at resale.

  • Home for individual significantly below AMI will be funded with additional grants.

Paying it Forward:

  • Already existing meditation trail

  • Adding a labyrinth, orchards, vegetable gardens, and play spaces during community work events.

  • Several shared meals each week, run tool & game libraries and facilitate ride sharing and other collaborations.

  • Financial literacy education for homeowners.

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