Erie County provides $1 million to new developers to build affordable housing

BUFFALO, N.Y. *(WKBW) — Erie County is giving $1 million to five new developers to build 48 affordable housing units in the city of Buffalo.

The idea is to encourage people from underrepresented communities to become the next developers of their neighborhoods.

“We need to develop affordable housing for all, but we need it to be done by developers from all walks of life,” Erie County Legislature Chairwoman April Baskin said Tuesday at a news conference on Broadway to announce the projects.

Funding comes from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

Dr. Reverien Mfizi received $250,000 to transform the long-closed Sacred Heart Church and Convent into apartments, offices and a gathering space.

Brandi Barrett and Jackeysi Benitez plan to build an apartment building with an eco-friendly laundromat on what is now a vacant lot at Michigan Avenue and Laurel Avenue.

Lindsey Taylor is transforming a burned-out bar into apartments and community space, just across from Broadway Market.

Here is a full list of developers and projects:

• “Park 75” at 1175 Delaware Ave. in Buffalo by Cedarland Development Group; $275,000
• “Sacré-Cœur” at 198 Emslie St. in Buffalo by Rugo Holdings, Inc.; $250,000
• “Lots of Love” at 59-61 Laurel St. in Buffalo by Barrett & Benitez Development, LLC; $250,000
• “The Gibson: Creative Art Space & Apartments” at 232 Gibson St. in Buffalo by Amerie Rose, LLC; $150,000
• “Hopkins Manor” at 696 Hopkins St. in Buffalo by Triton Ventures, LLC; $75,000