New York Construction Report staff writer
A major rehabilitation has been completed at McCarley Gardens Apartments, an affordable housing development in East Buffalo. Work included energy efficiency, weatherization, and other necessary safety upgrades to the 46-year-old development, while preserving affordable rents for 149 households.
The development team consisted of St. Johns Baptist Church and BFC Partners.
“Our team has gotten to know McCarley Gardens residents very well through the renovation process, making it all the more rewarding to know that 149 families are now enjoying significantly upgraded homes, complete with much improved energy efficiency,” said BFC Partners managing principal Donald Capoccia. We gratefully thank all our partners in this project, including St. Johns Baptist Church and the critical funding and support from New York State.”
State funding for the $57 million rehabilitation included $10 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, $24 million in Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and $9 million in subsidy from HCR. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority provided nearly $210,000 in support, including $60,000 from the New Construction-Housing program for the new two-story and nearly $73,000 through the NY-Sun Solar incentive program.
The McCarley Gardens project included renovation of 21 townhome-style buildings that were built in 1978 and the new construction of four additional two-story townhome buildings.
The scope of interior renovations included the installation of new kitchens with upgraded appliances, fixtures, cabinets, and countertops; new low-flow bathroom fixtures; and cosmetic upgrades that include new flooring and new paint. Exterior upgrades included the replacement of storm and sewer lines, newly repaved parking areas, and new sidewalks.
Energy efficiency was a focus of the design which utilized solar panels, upgraded insulation and new windows expected to reduce overall energy usage by nearly 30 percent.
“The energy efficient features at McCarley Gardens, which include upgraded insulation and new windows, Energy Star-rated appliances, clean heating and cooling, and onsite solar, will help make the development a healthier, more affordable and comfortable place to live for residents,” NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said in a statement. “This project exemplifies how under Governor Hochul’s leadership, combining state resources with private-public partnerships can provide modernized housing with high-quality benefits that reduce carbon emissions.”
