By CRAIG FREILICH

POTSDAM -- With rezoning approved, Potsdam developer Ron Page is moving forward with his plan to build about 100 units of high-end residences on Outer Elm Street, across from the Tim Horton’s.

“I see a need,” Page said after the Potsdam Village Board voted to approve a zoning change on 39 acres from business and light industrial use to a residential designation.

“I want to cater to the hospital, with the influx of doctors, and people at Clarkson and SUNY Potsdam, and St. Lawrence and SUNY Canton,” Page said of the development, which he will call Elm Grove Landing.

He has in mind not just people looking for a new place to stay, but also people who might own houses now but who are looking to sell the house and move into other housing where they would not have to be concerned with maintenance, taxes and other expenses associated with owning a house.

Subject to site plan approval, which is the next step in the official process, he envisions two-bedroom townhouse-style units of about 1,000 to 1,200 square feet with garages, granite countertops, hardwood floors, ceramic tiles, in-floor heating, gas fireplaces, patios and central air conditioning.

He is also emphasizing that he will use all local materials and labor.

“I’ll use local people, buy all materials locally. Nothing will be brought in from out of town, to help the local economy.”

He says that as he has worked on financing for the project, he has had a positive response from the local banking community.

Page also says there will be lots available on the property for people who might want to build a house there.

In addition to a site plan review, Page says he and architect Brooks Washburn are working with the state Department of Transportation on things like driveway specifications.

“I would like to break ground this fall, depending on how the planning goes,” Page said.

He said he is considering a six-month lease of a building in the nearby IDA Commerce Park to have an indoor space where workers would build framing during the winter and be ready to erect the structures in the spring.

Page said he is working on a web site, ElmGroveLanding.com, which will have information and allow site reservations.

And he offers more information to people who call 244-0110.