Governor Kathy Hochul shared exciting news about the successful completion of rehabilitation work at East Buffalo’s former Public School 78. The vacant building has been transformed into 46 affordable apartments, along with dedicated space for community programs and services.
All the homes in the Olympic Avenue Apartments development, worth $19 million, will be made available to low-income households. Additionally, eight of the units will be specifically reserved for disabled individuals, who will have access to on-site support services. The project was initiated by Governor Hochul in 2022.
“This project showcases the ingenuity of New York in repurposing unused properties into essential housing,” Governor Hochul remarked. “Our continued investments in East Buffalo are making housing more affordable, enhancing our communities, and expanding housing options for everyone.”
Over the past five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has successfully developed or maintained 7,500 affordable homes in Buffalo. Olympic Avenue Apartments is actively contributing to Governor Hochul’s ambitious $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan, which aims to develop or maintain 100,000 affordable homes throughout New York. This plan also includes the provision of support services for vulnerable populations in 10,000 of these homes, as well as the electrification of an extra 50,000 residences.
Olympic Avenue Apartments is a testament to the State’s dedication to meeting the important needs of the East Buffalo community in the wake of the tragic incident at Tops Supermarket on May 14, 2022.
The project features a total of 43 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom apartments, including eight units specifically designed for individuals with physical disabilities. All apartments are within the budget of households earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income.
The rehabilitation includes various energy-efficient upgrades, including a green roof, updated electrical systems, fuel-efficient heating and cooling, an improved stormwater system, and new windows. Every apartment came with Energy Star® or equivalent appliances, energy-efficient lighting, and water-saving plumbing fixtures.
The project also encompasses various enhancements that enhance the overall well-being of the community and create a more welcoming environment in the surrounding area. These improvements consist of new sidewalks, improved lighting, the addition of a playground, as well as the implementation of native landscaping and a community garden.
The project’s efforts in historic preservation encompassed various aspects, such as restoring brick and stone masonry, repairing historic windows, decorative metal railing, and interior plasterwork, as well as uncovering the original height of suspended ceilings. A new initiative aims to offer free internet access, addressing the digital gap in low-income communities.
