A significant affordable and energy-efficient residential development project has been completed on the city’s West Side. People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH) came together with Housing Visions Unlimited, Inc., to orchestrate the $13.4 million project that led to the construction of the 46-unit Massachusetts Avenue Community Homes. Eight of the units were built to accommodate residents with physical disabilities. 800 sq.’ of commercial space was incorporated into the development plan, as was a community center (527 West Utica Street), laundry facilities and a business center.
“As one of the largest investments in affordable housing in Buffalo in recent memory, this announcement marks a major step forward for western New Yorkers,” Governor Cuomo said. “With the cost of living continuing to climb, it is more important than ever to protect and expand the supply of affordable housing in New York. This project will make a fundamental difference in the lives of dozens of hard-working families, and is another example of how we are creating vibrant, sustainable communities across the State.”
The development project was made possible thanks to investments by the City of Buffalo and the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). Moneys procured also included $9.8 million in federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credit Equity and $2.3 million via the Housing Trust Fund.
“Replacing blight and vacant lots with quality affordable housing and commercial space is key to neighborhood revitalization,” said Kenyon M. Craig, President and CEO of Housing Visions. “Our investment in the Mass Ave Community is part of this neighborhood’s continual efforts to revitalize itself and was, in a large part, driven by residents and organizations who have a dream for a healthy and vibrant community. We are proud to be part of that dream.”
Altogether 16 buildings were completed. Nine of the buildings were built from the ground up. The remaining buildings were rehabbed. In order to provide low energy units for the residents, the development team issued Energy Star Certified appliances, Heat Recovery Ventilators, low-flow faucets, showers and toilets and a storm-water management system called PUSH Blue. PUSH Blue’s mission is to incorporate progressive eco-friendly features into the structures, including living roofs and rain gardens. PUSH’s Hiring Hall program ensured that the people who live in the neighborhood were hired to work on the project. Others received on the job training.
“The new homes in this development have brought new life to this neighborhood, and in doing that created jobs, and job training opportunities,” said HCR Commissioner James S. Rubin. “This is the sort of economic and community development that Governor Cuomo envisions when he talks about creating sustainable, affordable housing opportunities for New Yorkers. Thanks to Housing Visions, PUSH Buffalo, the City of Buffalo, Urban Initiatives, KeyBank, and our dedicated public servants at HCR, I’m proud of the work we’ve done together and look forward keeping this momentum going.”
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said, “This new housing is the result of a great partnership between the City of Buffalo, Housing Visions, the State of New York and PUSH advocates. As Buffalo continues to build a city of opportunity to ensure that everyone benefits from our city’s significant economic resurgence, these new homes mark a fresh start for a neighborhood on the cusp of change. I thank the developer and partners for their unshakeable commitment, and Governor Cuomo’s Homes and Community Renewal program for helping us continue to make important investments in Buffalo’s future.”
“As we unveil 46 high quality, affordable apartments on Buffalo’s West Side today, we’re reminded of PUSH’s commitment and dedication to the City of Good Neighbors,” said Senator Tim Kennedy. “Not only will these units significantly open up opportunities for low-to-moderate income families in our City, but they will become a place for these families to call home. I thank PUSH for their vision, and I commend them for their continued efforts to make Buffalo a vibrant, accessible city full of possibilities and I thank the Governor and the State for providing the financing to make this development a reality.”
Assemblyman Sean Ryan said, “This is one of the largest affordable housing developments in Buffalo’s recent history and PUSH deserves a lot of credit for bringing us all here today. They made this possible. Getting this housing built and making it a reality took a substantial investment on the part of the state. I want to thank the Governor, and Housing and Community Renewal for making this project a priority. Our investment here will help to continue the growth and momentum on Buffalo’s West Side, and ensure that low income residents will have more affordable housing options in the City of Buffalo.”
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz added, “This new sustainable, affordable development is exactly the right development at exactly the right time for this neighborhood. This is a powerful and meaningful, life-changing injection of capital into the Massachusetts Avenue community – I thank the Governor and all of the partners including PUSH, Housing Visions, Key Bank, and the City – for this commitment.”