STAFF REPORTNorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG - A former Ogdensburg man announced he has closed on his purchase of the former Hacketts store as part of his plan to open a major retail department store and hardware center this spring.

Robert A. Noble III, who owns stores and commercial property in Vermont, New York and New Hampshire, says the purchase from the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad ran into unexpected delays that forced his company to reschedule the renovation project.

 “I want to thank the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad, the City of Ogdensburg, the St.

Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency, the New York State Empire Development

Corporation, and St. Lawrence County Legislator James E. Reagan for working with me to make this project happen,” said Noble. “As someone who grew up in Ogdensburg and who believes in the future of this community, I am convinced that this city and surrounding area will support my efforts to bring a new, major retail center to a familiar location.”   

      “My project will: Get a major commercial building back on the city, school, and county property tax rolls. Bring a new, major retail department store and hardware company to Ogdensburg. Help bring additional sales tax to the city and county.

Create new, above-minimum-wage jobs with benefits to the community. Open a new retail destination that will draw visitors and tourists to Ogdensburg, its stores, and restaurants.

Save a major Ogdensburg landmark, renovate the building, and prevent it from further deterioration.

Pay off the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad’s million-dollar-plus debt. Guarantee the Rescue Squad’s future with a long-term, affordable lease and a permanent home at its current location.

Help provide long-term fiscal stability to the Rescue Squad.

Give our Canadian friends a reason to return to Ogdensburg to shop, eat at our restaurants, and visit other landmarks like the Frederic Remington Art Museum.

   “Anyone who visits Ogdensburg’s Marina District can see that Ogdensburg is on the move,”said Noble. “I believe in the future of Ogdensburg. I want to be part of the effort to get the Maple City back on its feet. I believe the time is right for businesspeople to invest in our community’s future.”  

“I want to thank St. Lawrence County Legislator Jim Reagen for working behind the scenes to help me get this project off the ground,” he said. ” I also want to publicly thank St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency CEO Patrick Kelly, former Ogdensburg Planning

Director Andrea Smith, former IDA staff member John Pinkerton, City Councilor Storm Cilley, City staff member Jennifer Ashley, City Manager Fonda Chronis, OVRS Chief Ken Gardner,

OVRS President Michael Paige, the OVRS officers and board of directors, Mayor Mike Tooley and City Council, and the past city council for their support.”

“Over my 27 years in the retail industry in three states, I can honestly say that I have never seen city government officials and a county industrial development agency staff so helpful and welcoming to a new business as the City of Ogdensburg staff and the St. Lawrence County IDA staff,” Noble said. “This project never would have happened without their help, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way.”

“When I was trying to put this $6 million project together, the IDA and the City of Ogdensburg helped me apply for a $1.3 million Restore New York Grant that will help me save the Hackett’s building and help return it to its glory days as a major retail and shopping destination,” he said. “While my company is putting up a significant portion of the money that I raised by selling four of my six stores, the IDA has been helping and guiding me every step of the way.”

Noble believes Ogdensburg is an attractive place to invest because of its potential for growth and strong sense of community. Ogdensburg Free Academy has earned national recognition, while Corning’s $315 million investment in its nearby plant is expected to create additional jobs and economic opportunities.

Noble said he sees Ogdensburg as an attractive place to invest because of its potential for growth and strong sense of community. He pointed to Ogdensburg Free Academy’s national recognition, Corning’s $315 million investment in its nearby plant and the jobs expected to come with it as signs of the city’s economic potential. Noble also highlighted Ogdensburg’s ranking among the top five places in New York for young families, citing its affordable housing and cost of living.

He said programs such as the Ogdensburg Promise, which helps local students afford higher education, further strengthen the community. Along with the city’s scenic waterfront and growing business opportunities, Noble said these factors make Ogdensburg a promising place to invest. He views the opening of his new store as another positive step toward the city’s economic growth and revitalization.