August 4, 2021
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the completion of Alberta Place, a $12.3 million 46-unit affordable housing development in Amherst serving adults over age 55. Built with support from the New York State Homes and Community Renewal, the development features seven fully accessible apartments with supportive services for residents in need of assistance to live independently.
"As we build back New York better than it was before, we must ensure that all New Yorkers have a stable place to call home," Governor Cuomo said. "The state's investment in Alberta Place is another example of our continuous commitment to creating strong, vibrant communities that are inclusive and offer safe, affordable homes for all."
Built on a site previously occupied by a vacant firehouse, Alberta Place features 38 one-bedroom and eight two-bedroom units. The three-story structure includes 19 apartments serving households with incomes at or below 50 percent of the area median income and 27 units for those earning below 60 percent of the area median income.
State Homes and Community Renewal provided nearly $9.3 million in equity through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program and $2.4 million in Housing Trust Fund subsidy. In addition, Amherst contributed $300,000 to the project, while the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority provided $46,000 from its Low-rise Residential New Construction program.
The development features a community room with kitchen area, trash and laundry rooms on each floor, a lounge and computer room, and a site management office. The building has easy access to neighborhood services, including retail, pharmacies, health centers, banking and recreational facilities, as well as an extensive public transportation system that provides direct access to downtown Buffalo
Alberta Place was designed to be energy efficient, reduce environmental impacts, and provide long-term cost savings to both tenants and owner, thereby meeting the 2015 Enterprise Green Communities criteria. Energy-saving measures include LED lights, motion activated lights in common areas, light sensors on parking lot lights, and ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and equipment.
The project was developed by Belmont Housing Resources for WNY, Inc., a company that has built more than 2,000 rental and single-family housing units throughout the region. Key Bank Community Development Corporation was the tax credit investor and Key Bank was the construction lender. Western New York Independent Living, Inc., a family of agencies that provides services and programs that assist individuals with disabilities, is providing supportive services.
Alberta Place is part of Governor Cuomo's commitment to providing all New Yorkers with access to safe, affordable housing thanks to 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 units of supportive housing.
Since 2011, Homes and Community Renewal has dedicated nearly $502 million in resources to finance 82 multifamily developments and 5,586 affordable apartments in the Western New York Region. The agency's investment has leveraged more than $754 million in other funding to create or preserve these developments.
HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "Our investment in Alberta Place is evidence of Governor Cuomo's ongoing commitment to the residents of Western New York. This new $12 million complex will provide 46 beautiful affordable homes for older adults, with supportive services and easy access to all the growing, thriving community offers. Congratulations to Belmont Housing and the town of Amherst for their generous and cooperative efforts to plan, fund and, through the worst of the pandemic, get this development built and occupied."
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "The completion of this multifamily affordable and supportive housing community will provide low-income senior residents in Amherst with a safe, efficient, and comfortable place to call home. Equipping buildings like Alberta Place with energy efficient solutions such as Energy Star appliances and LED or motion activated lighting will empower our most vulnerable New Yorkers to discover new ways for managing their energy use that leads to lower energy costs, healthier living spaces and a smaller carbon footprint."
Belmont Housing Vice President Brad Packard, said, "Belmont Housing is very pleased to advance our mission of expanding affordable housing opportunities with the addition of the Alberta Place project within the Town of Amherst. This site will provide exceptional access and proximity to public bus routes, convenient shopping options and medical services for 46 senior households in our community. We want to thank our partners who make these projects possible including New York State Homes & Community Renewal, KeyBank and the Town of Amherst."
KeyBank Buffalo Market President Michael McMahon said, "All of us at KeyBank congratulate the team at Belmont Housing on the opening of Alberta Place. This facility represents a new era of opportunity and independent living in Western New York. KeyBank and Belmont Housing share a common purpose of helping the communities we serve thrive. We look forward to seeing the transformative impact that Alberta Place will have on this community."
Congressman Brian Higgins said, "Alberta Place meets a community need for affordable, accessible living options for senior citizens living on fixed incomes. This project, made possible with Low Income Housing Tax Credits, creates a welcoming community for residents within and is situated in a neighborhood that features easy access to restaurants, retail and supermarkets."
Senator Edward Rath said, "Thank you to Belmont Housing Resources for WNY, Inc. and New York State Homes and Community Renewal for their investment in the town of Amherst. Investing in affordable senior housing is important so that our seniors have the opportunity to live independently and can continue to enjoy the communities that they have helped build."
Assemblywoman Karen McMahon said, "Congratulations to Belmont Housing Resources, the Town of Amherst and New York State Homes and Community Renewal, on the ribbon-cutting of this beautiful new apartment complex. This project will provide much needed affordable and accessible housing to many Amherst seniors and individuals with disabilities, allowing them to live independently and thrive in our community."
Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said, "This project is an example of repurposing a vacant structure into something that fits into the character of the existing neighborhood. The collaboration involving different agencies has helped transform a previous eyesore into something that is attractive, affordable and accessible. I applaud all involved with helping to make this vision for much-needed housing for senior citizens become a reality."
Amherst Supervisor Brian Kulpa said, "There are very few options in our region for low-income seniors, and that's why the Town Board and I established the HOME Rental Subsidy Program and why I am delighted to be here today to cut the ribbon on Alberta Place which is not only the Program's first project but also the first affordable senior housing project built in Town in over 20 years. As our population grows, we committed to ensuring that affordable housing grows as well and that people can afford to live and grow old here, in a community that they love and helped to build. I am grateful to work with HCR and Belmont housing that provide great senior housing to Amherst residents."