The first designs for the affordable, single-family homes planned for scattered sites in Buffalo and Cheektowaga have been released. The City of Buffalo has identified 46 vacant properties where 47 affordable, single-family homes are to be constructed. An additional five homes will be constructed in Cheektowaga. The sites are to be sold to the Buffalo Erie Niagara Land Improvement Corp. (BENLIC) who will oversee the construction and sale of the residences.
HHL Architects has prepared five two and three-bedroom prototype home plans designed to fit on lots as narrow as 25 feet.
The homes will have buyer income restrictions with income levels being at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, or $93,600 for a family of four. The homes will be kept affordable for a set time period (10-15 years) through a deed restriction.
Erie County and the City are partnering on the project using a combined $23.5 million in American Rescue Plan funds to subsidize the initial 47 homes. The sites are located in the Old First Ward, LaSalle, Black Rock, Lower West Side and elsewhere. More homes will be constructed as the first 47 residences are sold.
Construction is proposed to start later this year with the first homes to be completed in Fall 2025.