Affordable housing project on Jefferson Avenue has 400-plus waiting list

People Inc.'s affordable housing complex in the Masten Park neighborhood shows the demand for more low-cost housing around the city, officials of the nonprofit agency said during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

"The need for affordable housing continues right here in our region," said Rhonda Frederick, the CEO of People Inc., said during the ceremony, which had been postponed because of the pandemic. "Everyone in this room needs to be a vigilant advocate for the power of what affordable housing can mean to a neighborhood. The Jefferson Avenue Apartments are a shining example of what people working together for the good of all can accomplish."

The complex has 89 units, including some for those needing supportive services. 

The $31 million complex – co-developed with Sinatra & Company Real Estate and CSS Construction – features two three-story buildings just north of Masten Park, with 71 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom apartments aimed at those earning less than 50%, 60% and 90% of the area median income. Sixteen of the units are reserved for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, with the nonprofit agency providing services.

"So don't let anyone tell you there is not affordable housing in this city because there is," said Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown.

Designed by Long Associates and located at 1140 and 1166 Jefferson, the complex also includes a community room with a small kitchen, on-site laundry, balconies for all apartments, a playground, green space and courtyards and off-street parking. There's also 16,500 square feet of commercial space, including a financial literacy center operated by Northwest Bank and Belmont Resources, new offices for Say Yes Buffalo and a new day care.

The project began in 2016, with construction starting two years later. It was financed with tax credits and $19 million in state funding – from New York State Homes and Community Renewal, Housing Finance Agency, Empire State Development Corp., the Energy Research & Development Agency and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities – as well as $500,000 in city HOME funds.

"People knew what they wanted to see in this neighborhood, and we delivered it," Frederick said. "Putting all those sources together and building this took an incredible amount of work."

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul noted the funding is part of the state's five-year $20 billion commitment to affordable housing – which has already produced 3,200 units in the city – and part of the $65 million invested in economic development on Buffalo's East Side.

"We’re not going to stop until every single neighborhood is lifted up, and that’s what we’re accomplishing here today with this ribbon-cutting," she said. "We're just getting warmed up, because we are realizing that this community has amazing potential."

People Inc., marking its 51st year in operation, serves more than 12,000 seniors and people with disabilities each year, and employs 3,500. Among other recent projects, the agency built affordable senior housing at Linwood and Lafayette avenues and plans a new project in part of the former Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo.

"You’re doing great projects, and we could not be doing what we’re doing in affordable housing without you," Brown said.