Construction is underway to create 53 new homes across Rochester’s Beechwood neighborhood. The $27 million scattered site development involves the demolition of obsolete properties operated by the Rochester Housing Authority and the substantial rehabilitation of others to create homes across 25 separate locations.
“The work beginning today will invest millions into the revitalization of the Beechwood neighborhood by creating and preserving urgently-needed housing opportunities in the city,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “My administration remains committed to finding solutions to the state’s housing crisis that will provide New Yorkers with affordable, energy-efficient homes and enhance neighborhoods for existing residents and future generations.”
Located primarily within the Beechwood neighborhood, the development furthers the community revitalization goals articulated in Rochester’s 2034 Comprehensive Plan. The project is being developed in collaboration with the Beechwood Neighborhood Association with the goal of enhancing the neighborhood’s character.
As part of the construction, eight blighted structures at the Rochester Housing Authority’s Federal Street property will be demolished and replaced with two low-rise multi-family buildings and a single-family home, for a total of 18 homes.
The additional construction sites will involve the replacement or substantial rehabilitation of 35 existing homes. Homes will be a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom units affordable to households earning between 30 and 90 percent of the Area Median Income.
The development will include nine apartments with supportive services for individuals with a criminal justice history who are experiencing homelessness. Rental subsidies and services will be funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. The supportive service provider is Spiritus Christi Prison Outreach.
Designed to meet the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s New Construction – Housing Program Tier 4 criteria, the development will utilize Energy Star appliances, low-flow water fixtures, and LED lighting. Solar panels will also be installed on one of the buildings at the Federal Street site. Improvements to the rehabilitated homes will include new high-efficiency boilers, improved ventilation, enhanced insulation, and window replacements. The Federal Street site will also include free Wi-Fi, an electric vehicle charging station, and a playground.
The project is being developed by the Rochester Housing Authority with consultant Edgemere Development.
Financing for the development includes $13 million in State and Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and $7 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The project also received $2 million through the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, which is administered by OTDA. NYSERDA is providing $85,500 in funding. The Community Preservation Corporation is providing a SONYMA-insured $2 million permanent loan through its partnership with the New York State Common Retirement Fund. The city of Rochester and Rochester Housing Authority are providing $400,000 in subsidy.
