New York Governor Announces New Housing Development Project in Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Friday that a $23.6 million project at a historic former school in East Buffalo is complete.

The project transformed the former St. John Kanty High School in East Buffalo into a 42-unit affordable, energy-efficient apartment complex with 12 supportive housing units, 5 fully ADA accessible apartments, and 2 apartments for people with audio/visual disabilities.

“Transforming this historic former school into affordable, energy-efficient homes is part of our ongoing commitment to building a more affordable future for East Buffalo,” Gov. Hochul said in a statement.

“The Lyceum Apartments provide low-income individuals and families with much-needed affordable housing and provide survivors of domestic violence and others in the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood with access to the resources they need to succeed.”

Funding was provided by numerous programs, including the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the Homeless Assistance and Housing Program, and the HCR Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation also assisted by utilizing federal and state historic rehabilitation tax credits to bring the project to life.

“Affordable housing is a critical need throughout Erie County and it takes strong partners and visionary leadership to address it,” Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said in a statement.

“I thank Governor Hochul for her attention to this urgent issue and for her investment in affordable, energy-efficient housing. These investments are life-changing for families and individuals who will now have safe, affordable homes to live out their American dreams. Additionally, this project breathes new life into a former derelict school and reinvigorates the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood, building a stronger community for all.”