Patio furnishings and snow shovels, a bicycle secured with a padlock, a crumpled blue blanket with snow nestled in its folds, and an abundance of nut shells adorned the porches of the various ground-floor apartments at the Dietz Street Lofts last Friday.
Life at the Lofts, a residential building standing four stories tall at 34 Dietz St., offers a blend of artist lofts, handicapped accessible units, and low- to middle-income apartments. Since the move-in process commenced in late July, residents have been adjusting to urban living in downtown Oneonta.
With a new low-income housing initiative proposed for downtown Oneonta at 27 Market St. by Rehabilitation Support Services Inc., individuals are stepping forward to share their experiences of residing at the Lofts.
While some residents recount challenging encounters, others remain optimistic about the potential emergence of a genuine neighborhood atmosphere.
The Lofts house a total of 65 apartments, featuring a diverse mix of units. Among them are 40 one-bedroom artist lofts, 24 two-bedroom apartments allocated for middle-income occupants, seven units tailored for individuals with mobility challenges, and three units designed for those with hearing or visibility impairments.
Additionally, one apartment is set aside for an on-site building superintendent, with Kearney Realty Group overseeing the management of the property.
As of Friday, a spokesperson from Kearney had not responded to a request for comment.
Insights from Within
On Friday, March 22, property manager Alicia Viatore mentioned that the building is almost entirely occupied but is still welcoming rental applications. Only a couple of apartments remain available, and they have already been spoken for, she noted.
Viatore disclosed that nearly half of the residents are artists, without specifying the exact number of designated artist lofts among the 40 units. While the aspiration was to fill these units with artists, they were not exclusively reserved for that purpose.
Despite facing some challenges initially, Viatore remarked that residents are increasingly looking out for one another and their living spaces. She emphasized the progress made, stating, “We’ve come a long way.”
Maureen Daly, a 60-year-old resident residing in an artist unit since September, shared her perspective. She is also a recipient of Section 8 housing vouchers and considers herself part of the artist community.
In a letter addressed to the city Common Council on March 14, Daly provided insights into life at the Lofts, highlighting the complexities of creating an artificial ‘neighborhood’ with 64 households condensed into a relatively small area in a short span of time.
Daly expressed concerns about the initial challenges of assimilation in a new Section 8 project, citing instances of unpleasant experiences and the time required for such projects to establish a harmonious living environment.
She mentioned submitting 18 incident reports to building management, citing concerns such as observed drug activities in the parking lot, daytime dealing, and the presence of needles on the ground. While no needles were sighted during a brief inspection by The Daily Star, cigarette butts were prevalent in the parking lot.
Daly also noted the padlocking of a community bathroom due to unsanitary conditions left behind by individuals.
Community Engagement
Resident Owen Thaxton, 37, expressed his desire to engage with neighbors through activities organized by the building management, although such interactions have yet to materialize.
He emphasized the importance of fostering cooperation between the apartment complex and the Oneonta community, envisioning a space that facilitates connections and collaborative endeavors among residents.
Kyle Davis, 29, serving as Mayor Mark Drnek’s liaison to the Lofts, highlighted the vibrant community on the fourth floor. He mentioned organizing several events, including dinner parties and artistic collaborations, with the approval of the management.
While acknowledging initial challenges like loitering, Davis commended the proactive approach of the building management in addressing disruptive behavior and maintaining a safe environment for residents.
He expressed gratitude towards the superintendent and Alicia Viatore for their diligent efforts in managing the property.
Collaboration with Law Enforcement
Building management has been collaborating with the Oneonta Police Department, encouraging tenants to report any issues promptly.
Police Chief Christopher Witzenburg provided insights into the police response at the Lofts since its opening, comparing call volumes to other residential complexes and streets in the vicinity.
He emphasized the importance of establishing a sense of community stewardship and enhancing comfort levels among tenants in the evolving neighborhood.
Witzenburg highlighted specific police interactions at the Lofts, including arrests made in response to various incidents, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to maintain a safe environment for all residents.
Future Developments
The Oneonta Planning Commission approved the site plan application in November 2019, following the city Common Council’s endorsement of the project for $16 million in July 2019.
Construction of the building commenced in April 2021, with a focus on integrating community-oriented facilities like the Baking Innovation Lab of Hartwick College’s Center for Craft Food and Beverage.
Despite delays due to supply chain issues, the Baking Innovation Lab is slated to open in the south end of the building in early summer, offering a platform for regional and national programs and activities.
Community Perspectives
Eighth Ward Common Council member Don Mathisen, representing all residents in the building, shared his observations of the Lofts’ atmosphere. He noted a sense of tension and wariness among residents, drawing parallels to his past experiences in public housing projects.
Mayor Drnek expressed optimism about the budding sense of community at the Lofts, emphasizing the collective responsibility of building management, the city, and tenants in ensuring its long-term success as a safe and welcoming addition to Oneonta.