December 19, 2018
| Buffalo, NY
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the start of construction on a $31 million affordable and supportive housing development on Buffalo's East Side. 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. The project was supported by the Better Buffalo Fund to revitalize neighborhoods and improve transportation.
"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."
Jefferson Avenue is a main artery that runs through the East Side and is near several college campuses, Buffalo's Medical Campus, Route 33 and downtown Buffalo. The revitalization of Jefferson Avenue as a commercial corridor with affordable housing is a priority infrastructure project for the City of Buffalo.
This project complements other investments made by New York to further revitalization of the Buffalo's East Side. The Forge on Broadway is redeveloping the long vacant site of the Buffalo Forge Company. The four-phase development will eventually include nearly 250 affordable and supportive homes for individuals, families and seniors, townhomes for first-time homebuyers, and ground floor retail space. Construction on the first phase is underway. Since 2011, New York State has invested more than $252 million on Buffalo's East Side using locally driven strategies.
Located at 1140 Jefferson Avenue, 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.
The development is served by three bus lines and is adjacent to Masten Park, which contains recreation facilities including tennis courts, track, a baseball diamond, swimming pool and playing fields. The development is close to a grocery store and small shopping center.
Jefferson Avenue Apartments will be constructed in accordance with Enterprise Green Communities criteria and NYSERDA's Low Rise New Construction Program. Energy efficient features include Energy Star high-efficiency, natural gas-fired furnaces with Direct Expansion cooling and high efficiency Domestic Water Heating equipment, low-flow and Water Sense labeled plumbing fixtures, Energy Star lighting with sensors, advanced air sealing techniques and higher than code levels of insulation.
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.
The project's co-developers are People, Inc and Sinatra & Company Real Estate, LLC.
The State's commitment to providing all New Yorkers with access to safe, affordable housing is reflected in the state's unprecedented $20 billion, five-year Housing Plan. The plan makes housing accessible and combats homelessness by building and preserving more than 100,000 units of affordable housing and 6,000 of supportive housing. The plan is a comprehensive approach to statewide housing issues and includes multifamily and single-family housing, community development, and rent stabilization. Since 2011, HCR has invested $226 million in Western New York that has created affordable housing for about 9,000 residents.
Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "With Jefferson Avenue Apartments, we are continuing targeted investments to enhance quality of life and boost the local economy in the City of Buffalo. Jefferson Avenue Apartments replaces vacant lots with 89 affordable and supportive apartments and ground floor retail to create a walkable and vibrant neighborhood along this main commercial corridor. We look forward to welcoming residents to their new home."
New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Acting Commissioner Kerry A. Delaney said, "Developments like Jefferson Avenue Apartments afford people with developmental disabilities the opportunity to have a home in the community where they can enjoy their neighborhoods while receiving the services they need and want. We are pleased to be joining with our fellow state agencies and community partners to offer these 16 units designated for people with developmental disabilities to increase integrated housing opportunities for the people we support."
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "The targeted push from the Better Buffalo Fund to incentivize vital projects like the Jefferson Avenue Apartments is revitalizing the city's neighborhoods and strengthening its communities, which lead to a bright economic future for Buffalo."
Congressman Brian Higgins said, "This project, made possible with the support of federal HOME dollars and tax credits, under the leadership of People Inc., meets a critical need for affordable housing and continues investments in our neighborhoods which are contributing Buffalo's rebirth."
Senator Tim Kennedy said, "The Jefferson Avenue Apartments will be yet another success story in Buffalo's ongoing rejuvenation. Soon, dozens of families will be calling this new site home, and they will benefit from New York State's leadership in affordable housing. I want to congratulate People Inc., Sinatra & Company, and CSS Construction for their efforts to see this project through to fruition."
Assembly Majority Leader Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes said, "I am proud to see construction along Jefferson Avenue; I'd like to congratulate the entire development team including HCR on what is a much-needed quality affordable housing project on Buffalo's East Side. As increased vibrancy and density return to our communities, we must maintain our Cold Spring neighborhood identity while embracing the desired commercial development."
Mayor Byron W. Brown said, "Congratulations to everyone involved in this $31 million Affordable and Supportive Housing Development that's going to create jobs and more affordable housing opportunities for our residents. Today's 'construction kick-off' represents a significant milestone in the Jefferson Avenue neighborhood and another win-win for our entire community. As we continue to grow Buffalo into an inclusive and equitable City of Opportunity, we recognize that strong neighborhoods are critical to the economic strength of Buffalo. The Jefferson Avenue Apartments will be a great fit for this historic neighborhood, supports my vision for Jefferson Avenue and complements other investments that will bring residents and businesses to the Jefferson Avenue Corridor."
Buffalo Common Council President Darius Pridgen said, "I'm excited to see the construction start for yet another affordable housing project in the Ellicott District. This project is a part of millions of dollars of investment in the Jefferson Business Corridor. As Buffalo continues to revive it is important that all areas experience the revival. This project continues the spread of positive projects that will enhance the area and fulfill a much needed affordable housing demand."
Rhonda Frederick, President and CEO, People Inc. said, "I'm proud to help move the construction of the Jefferson Avenue Apartments forward, as well as to be part of the historic corridor and the community's vibrant history. We are so pleased to have the support of many community leaders and organizations, as we work together to provide an affordable housing opportunity for individuals ages 18 years and older. We are so grateful to the several funders and elected officials that are making this project a reality."