1927 Canaras Address: now vacant
Old Address: 16 Prospect Avenue
Other names: Prospect Market, Ruthie's
Year built:
Other information: Prospect Market, which came to be known as Ruthie's in later years when was owned and operated by Ruth Mullen.
Adirondack Daily Enterprise, July 3, 1962
FIRE DAMAGE
The fire on Prospect Avenue yesterday, in Saranac Lake destroyed the garage in the back and extensively damaged the adjacent building containing the Prospect Market. Twenty-one firemen answered the call at 1:39 p. m. and had it put out by 3:09 p.m.
Cause of the blaze is unknown. Mr. and Mrs. Harry James, who owned the property, are in need of clothing since they lost most of theirs in the fire.
Adirondack Daily Enterprise, September 16, 1977
Board supports people, rights
By JAMES ODATO
SARANAC LAKE - After discussion of civil rights and compassion to one's fellow man, the village planning board last night approved village acquisition of three buildings as part of its urban renewal plan. The board also passed a resolution protecting the rights of real estate owners.
The action came during a public hearing on the Community Development Act which did not draw the public Thursday evening at the village office.
The resolution, composed by James LaPan, Frank Casier, and chairman John Campion, is to be placed before the village board by Fred Neese, village community development officer.
It reads: "We approve the concept of the Department of Housing and Urban Development program as outlined and we agree on the designation of the three properties as most eligible for urban renewal. Not withstanding the above, we believe the civil rights of the owner of a piece of real estate should be respected beyond the rules and regulations of government agencies and wherever possible should take precedent. And in those specific cases, that the alternative of condemnation should not be resorted to."
The resolution was a result of Neese's report that three buildings in the community development area — the French Hill section — are to be acquired by the village. The buildings are the Prospect Market on 16 Prospect St., 40 Ampersand Avenue, and 8-10 McComb Street.
The prospect Market, which is owned and operated by Harry and Ruth James of Lake Colby, is the only one not vacant. The building was described by Neese as "dilapidated," but the board was concerned with taking away a man's business.
Neese said a relocation benefit fee which is the top income figure James has made in the past three years will be provided him in addition to money for his building.
Under the Community Development Act, Neese contacts owners of real estate which is in poor condition, blighted, or is an economic hindrance to the village.
The owners are given three alternatives: rehabilitation of the real estate with a HUD loan; sell; or do nothing. If the owner decides to sell, two appraisals are made by two outside realtors and a lawyer. If the owners choose to do nothing, the village board is likely to commence condemnation procedures.
The board was disturbed with the procedures of purchasing the designated buildings. It believed the owners should be asked a selling price rather than let "two disinterested realtors and some sharp lawyer appraise the guy's house."
Neese told the board that according to procedure he is not permitted to negotiate with building owners until after the appraisals.
"Would you sell your house under those circumstances?" Cosier asked Neese.
The development officer replied, "No."
Campion said, "I'm not just worried about these people. After awhile you get the feeling things are closing in on you. It hasn't happened to you or I yet, but. . . "
Neese said the village has wanted to rehabilitate neighborhoods for 25 years and now federal money is available. He said James could easily be granted a HUD 312 Redevelopment Loan, and that rehabilitation is the most desired alternative.
The HUD program here, Neese said, is in its second year and has been allotted $150,000. Another $150,000 will be utilized in October, he said. The board mentioned the condemnation of a home formerly owned by Mrs. Elmer Smith of 17 Virginia Street.
"I don't think it's right to take a person's home away. She lived here 25 years. Brought her children up here, got on the Greyhound every morning to work hard in Placid. She wanted to keep the home her children grew up in," Casier said. "I don't thing any board or piece of paper should make a person. . . . should have power to take away a building from someone — unless it's a health hazard or something."
The village now owns the building which is also in the French Hill redevelopment area.
Adirondack Daily Enterprise, October 25, 1977
Village to acquire houses
By JAMES M. ODATO
SARANAC LAKE - The village will acquire two houses and allow a third to be renovated, it was decided after a public hearing during the village board meeting Monday night.
The meeting was in the first floor of the firehouse to comply with open meeting rules.
Buildings at 40 Ampersand Avenue and 8-10 McComb Street will be taken by the village as part of a Community Development Act plan for the French Hill section.
The third building - the Prospect Market, owned by Harry and Ruth James — was deleted from the acquisition plan upon recommendation of Fred Neese, village community development officer.
"I talked with Mr. James. I recommend that we can accomplish a renovation program without taking away a man's livelihood," he said, Neese said the 16 Prospect St. market keeps the Jameses active and lively…
