Plattsburgh Housing Authority oversees a vast realm in the City of Plattsburgh.

It owns more than $22 million in property, with 600 families living in buildings spread across the city.

In many larger cities, federal housing units are known as "the projects" and have a nasty reputation as a haven for drugs, crime and other wanton behavior.

It is said that if you can make it out of the projects, you've done well for yourself.

But the Plattsburgh Housing Authority projects are hardly the gutter of the national stereotype.

In fact, some people live there for years and love it.

"I'd say that about 95 percent of the people living here are truly making a go of it," Plattsburgh Housing Authority Executive Director Patricia Lucia said.

CREATED IN 1951

The Housing Authority was created in Plattsburgh on March 20, 1951 -- the 18th such program in the state at the time.

The federal program was designed to provide affordable and safe living conditions for people with lower incomes.

Over the years, Plattsburgh Housing Authority grew to include John Collins Park, Lakeview Towers, Robert Long Apartments, Russell Barnard Apartments and units on McGaulley Avenue and Bushey Boulevard.

Some of the buildings are exclusively for senior citizens; the rest are family housing.

Tenants are chosen based on their income levels. A single person can make up to $32,850 per year and be eligible.

People can rent one-, two-, three- or even four- and five-bedroom apartments.

Rents are based on a percentage of a person's income, and they also get a utility allowance.