People, Inc and Sinatra & Company Real Estate celebrated the start of work on their on a $31 million affordable and supportive housing development on the East Side yesterday. Jefferson Avenue Apartments will include 89 affordable apartments in two buildings with 16 units set aside for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The ground floor of both buildings will contain a total of 16,500 square feet of commercial space.
“Building new affordable and supportive housing is integral to revitalizing our cities and providing some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers a place to call home,” Governor Cuomo said. “The creation of Jefferson Avenue Apartments perfectly illustrates New York’s investment in Buffalo’s East Side, spurring economic activity in the neighborhood and enhancing overall quality of life for generations to come.”
This new affordable housing development builds upon our work to improve Buffalo’s East Side through strategic investment,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “Affordable housing is an essential component of our plans to create a brighter future for the City of Buffalo. The Jefferson Avenue Apartments will complement projects like the Northland Training Center and the Better Buffalo Fund to advance economic development goals and chart a new course for East Side residents.”
The development will be constructed on two formerly vacant lots. Jefferson Avenue Apartments will include 71 one-bedroom and 19 two-bedroom apartments across two three-story buildings. Sixteen apartments will be set aside for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Support services will be provided by People, Inc.
Amenities include community rooms with kitchens and laundry rooms in both buildings, balconies for all apartments, a playground, and additional outdoor green space. The Arts Commission of Buffalo will provide art installations in the site’s open spaces.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s financing for Jefferson Avenue Apartments includes $1.3 million in tax-exempt bonds, federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credits and Brownfield tax credits that will generate a total of $14.6 million for the project, and an additional $9.3 million in subsidy. The New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities provided $2.2 million in financing and Empire State Development provided a $1.9 million loan from the Better Buffalo Fund. The City of Buffalo provided HOME funds.
Photos by People, Inc.