Transformation of Buffalo’s historic Fruit Belt neighborhood continued on Dec. 14 when federal, state and local government officials joined religious leaders in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new townhome project. The event was held at 145 Maple Street, where a three-bedroom, fully handicapped accessible unit is now under construction. St. John Fruit Belt Community Development Corp. is developing 49 new townhomes on properties near the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.
The $15.3 million project will include 17 buildings, with two, three and four-bedroom townhomes that will be energy efficient. The rental properties will feature historically-friendly designs, allowing them to blend in with existing properties in the area. Monthly rents will be $500 for two bedroom units, $550 for three bedroom units and $600 for four bedroom units, plus utilities. Three units will be built for mobility impaired residents and two will be for hearing and visually impaired.
“New York is proud to be a leader on this project,” Lieutenant Governor Robert J. Duffy said. “Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, the State’s investment of Low Income Housing Tax Credits and New York State HOME Funds are providing quality new housing to low income families while putting New Yorkers to work, bringing opportunities to the neighborhood and dramatically changing the landscape, something that is happening across the state. This is collaboration at its best, government at all levels working with the local community, pooling our resources to produce significant investment that is leading to the re-birth of a neighborhood – everyone wins.”
“St. John Fruit Belt Community Development Corporation’s $15.3 million plan to build 49 new townhomes in Buffalo’s Fruit Belt neighborhood is an exciting project that will create jobs and affordable housing opportunities for the many hardworking men and women who work on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and throughout Buffalo,” said Mayor Byron Brown, noting that he allocated $2.75 million in city HOME funds for this project.
Each townhome will have a front porch with off-street parking provided in the rear of the property. Every house will be LEED certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), and will include energy efficient mechanical systems and landscaping. Three buildings are single-story handicapped accessible units. Through a workforce development program, the project has a goal of 60 percent minority participation, which will include training for unemployed Fruit Belt neighborhood residents for jobs that are in demand. HCR is providing $10 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credits and $2.4 million in funds through the New York State HOME program.
The City of Buffalo is providing $2.75 million in HOME funds. Key Community Development Corporation is providing approximately $9.2 million in private equity investment. Stratford Capital Group is the syndicator for the project with M&T Bank providing construction financing.
General contractors are Lamparelli Construction Company and SLR Contracting and Service Company, both of Buffalo. Foit-Albert Associates of Buffalo provided architectural designs for the townhomes, Hodgson Russ, LLP is project legal counsel and Oxford Consulting Inc. is development consultant.