It’s been a while since the Gateway Lofts project popped up in the news.

The timing of last week’s county IDA approval of the first loan from the county’s newly established Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund to Southern Tier Environments for Living (STEL) could provide a big boost to the project as well as help curb the homeless population.

Loan funding will help with STEL’s need to install a sub slab depressurization system, which is required by the state Department of Environmental Conversation before development can take place at the site of the former Chautauqua Hardware building that currently houses Community Helping Hands, the Mental Health Association of Chautauqua County and the St. Susan Center. The Gateway Lofts project will turn the old manufacturing site into a 110-unit, multi-family affordable housing complex that will include supportive services. The $67 million project is a collaboration among Community Helping Hands, the YWCA of Jamestown, and STEL.

Thomas Whitney, STEL executive director, told county officials after years of delays finding funding that construction could begin in the middle of 2025. Local approvals have been secured and a new investor is on board.

Gateway Lofts could prove to be an important tool as city and county officials try to prevent some of the more heartbreaking cases of homelessness that have become visible over the past couple of years – children living in tents or under bridges as their parents try to figure out how to keep a roof over their heads. Rents have increased to the point that affordable housing has become a key factor in homelessness. County officials said recently they are trying to increase the housing allowances included in safety net programs, which is an admission that those struggling to make ends meet are finding themselves homeless because available help is insufficient for some.

And we know some people need help with substance abuse and other services to get their lives back on track. The supportive services planned for the Gateway Lofts could help do just that in much the same way the UCAN City Mission provides its own array of services and guidance to the homeless who find themselves in the shelter.

It’s been a long road for the Gateway Lofts project. Given what we have seen over the past couple of years, cutting the ribbon on the project can’t come soon enough.