New York Construction Report staff writer
Officials broke ground on the redevelopment of the Commodore Perry Homes on Monday in Buffalo.
The development team is Pennrose and Bridges Development, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation affiliate of the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority. The Perry Homes redevelopment will use the Federal Housing and Urban Development RAD program to convert the vacant public housing units to Project-Based Rental Assistance.
A total of 405 all electric units will be contained in 27 newly constructed buildings. Amenities will include broadband internet services, green space, and other outdoor amenities.
“It’s been an eyesore for years,” said Felecia Bell, president of Commodore Perry Tenants Council. “We’ve seen it over the years decline and we would like to be Perry proud so that we can say we’re proud to say where we live.
“Because you know it’s easy to be judged where you come from and background. You know where you live and like I said I don’t want people to judge me because I am from the Perry project.”
The development, part if a $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York will also include about commercial space in the mid-rise buildings.
It’s expected that the first new units will be built by August 2025 for people to start moving into them.
“Redeveloping the Commodore Perry Homes is a transformative project for Buffalo, presenting the chance to inject vitality into a long-dormant public housing complex,” said HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas. “By creating more than 400 modern, energy-efficient apartments, we are demonstrating our continued commitment to creating more affordable housing opportunities and enriching neighborhoods across Buffalo.”
