May 10, 2017: People Inc.’s Community Housing Development Organization is pleased to announce that it has received official notification from the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) of funding for its 37-unit apartment project at 637 Linwood Avenue in Buffalo. In conjunction with the Gates Circle renovation initiative, the project will help revitalize the community with much needed housing. New construction of mixed income apartments, for people age 55 years and older, will also include seven units for individuals with developmental disabilities age 55 years and older who live independently.

People Inc.’s apartments will be located on the long-vacant parking lot on Linwood and Lafayette Streets in Buffalo. Located next to a high-end senior living complex planned by Canterbury Woods, the project will provide an affordable option for the diverse neighborhood. 

Well known for its development of group homes for individuals with developmental disabilities and providing affordable housing to seniors, People Inc. continues to broaden its scope to bring various audiences together for a unique housing model. 

“We are thrilled that we have the support of New York State Homes and Community Renewal and the New York State Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) for this important project,” said Rhonda Frederick, People Inc. president and CEO. “Working together over the past year, we are grateful to have the support of community groups and many important partners to provide an affordable housing opportunity.”

The one-bedroom apartments will include a kitchen with appliances. Tenant income limits will be based on current federal rates. The apartment building will include a community room with a small kitchen, on-site laundry facilities, ample green space and courtyards. Tenants will be permitted to have one small pet. Safety features will include a secure entrance and a 24-hour on call emergency service. Additionally, the building is near a major bus route and accessible to various services and retail shops.  

People Inc., along with its development team partners, TM Montante Development and Long Associates Architects, will mirror architectural designs from the neighborhood for the exterior of the apartment building’s structure. Construction is scheduled to start this fall and continue well into 2018.

People Inc. is proud to have support from many agency leaders and elected officials: 

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said: “My administration has aggressively supported affordable housing in Buffalo over the past 11 years. Since I took office, the City has invested over $34 million that has leveraged over $333 million in affordable housing development. I applaud People Inc. for this mixed-income project that targets seniors, and also includes units designed to accommodate persons with disabilities. This is a great fit for the Gates Circle neighborhood, which will include Canterbury Woods and Lancaster Square.”

Assemblymember Crystal Peoples Stokes said: “I’m excited that People Inc. has received the necessary approvals to move forward on their affordable housing project. This development reflects the architectural fabric and support of the community, fills a need for affordable housing and further stabilizes a historic neighborhood by turning a parking lot into an active facility. People Inc. has a great leadership team and is a dependable community partner. I applaud their efforts and look forward to the project’s completion.”

Senator Tim Kennedy said: “People Inc. continues to go above and beyond when it comes to providing housing to independent seniors and people with disabilities in our community, and I’m thrilled to see that their project to provide mixed affordable housing at Linwood and Lafayette has been given the green light. Getting People Inc.’s incredible vision off the ground, matched with the State’s emphasis in the recent budget on affordable housing, has been a true partnership between all levels of government, and I look forward to seeing this project’s progress in the coming months.”

Commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Everyone deserves a good home. When people have a safe, affordable place to live, families and communities thrive. The Linwood and Lafayette Apartments development continues the transformation of Gates Circle from a vacant hospital site into a vibrant new neighborhood. It also serves as another powerful example of Governor Cuomo’s commitment to expanding housing opportunities in Buffalo and across the state. Congratulation to People Inc. on today’s award.”

People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 12,500 people with special needs, their families and seniors throughout Western New York and Rochester. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. To learn more, visit people-inc.org. Like us on Facebook at People Inc. and follow us on Twitter @PeopleIncNews.