Heart of the City Neighborhoods Announces $1.5 Million Green Development
Tue, Jun 30th 2009 09:00 am
BUFFALO – Following years of hard work to locate financial resources to support their comprehensive development initiative, Heart of the City Neighborhoods has received a $1.5 million award from New York’s Housing Trust Fund Corporation to build 8 units of green, affordable housing on the city’s Lower West Side.
Heart of the City is the Lower West Side’s leading residential development agency in providing quality housing opportunities that people can afford. With the successful completion of the Plymouth Avenue Reclamation Project, Heart of the City is now prepared to institute a comprehensive 3 year development initiative on Hudson Street. The Hudson Street Revitalization Initiative employs a strategy of selective acquisition of vacant, dilapidated properties for rehabilitation and resale to new home owners, and development of vacant lot infill housing.
The proposed development will be located on what is currently vacant land at 294-302 Hudson Street. The two townhouse-style buildings designed to reflect the neighborhood’s historic character will contain four apartments each. It will include four 2-bedroom apartments and four 3-bedroom apartments, a direct response to the lack of quality affordable housing for families in the neighborhood.
The proposed development will also include off-street parking, landscaping and green space.
“With Buffalo residents paying some of the nation’s highest utility costs, green housing IS affordable housing,” said Stephanie Simeon, Executive Director. The new development will comply with the standards of New York’s Energy Efficiency and Green Building Initiative using energy efficient windows, appliances and other technology to save residents hundreds of dollars.
Heart of the City anticipates a Spring 2010 groundbreaking.
Project partners include the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation, the leadership of the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, Lamparelli Construction, Stieglitz Snyder Architects, Oxford Consulting, Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, and the surrounding residents of the Lower West Side.
“This will not only be a first for the Lower West Side but this is one among few green developments in Buffalo today. Heart of the City is excited about the green design but also looks forward to providing quality housing for 8 working families,” Simeon said.
The Hudson Street Revitalization Initiative, also includes the successful renovation of 263 Hudson Street, a single-family home that is currently on the market for 65,000 for a income-qualified first time homebuyer. Work on Hudson Street follows successful rehabilitation of three properties on adjacent Plymouth Avenue. By employing a block-by-block strategy, Heart of the City believes they can make a real difference in improving whole neighborhoods, not just one or two homes.
About Heart of the City Neighborhoods
Heart of the City Neighborhoods, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization committed to improving Buffalo, NY’s lower west side neighborhood through community advocacy, attracting affordable housing and providing assistance for both current residents and those looking to move to the area. For more information, visit our Web site at www.hocn.org.