Construction on the Alberta Place housing project in Amherst, New York has been completed. The New York governor, Andrew Cuomo announced the completion of the US$12.3 million, 46-unit housing development that is aimed at serving the elderly, specifically those over the age of 55. The development also features seven units that will provide fully supportive services for residents in need of assistance who still live independently. Alberta Place was constructed on a plot that was previously occupied by a vacant firehouse. The development features 38 one-bedroom and eight two-bedroom units. The three-story structure includes 27 units for those earning below 60 percent of the area median income and 19 apartments serving households with incomes at or below 50 percent of the area median income.
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Community Renewal and State Homes provided nearly US$2.4 million in Housing Trust Fund subsidy and US$9.3 million in equity through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program. In addition, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority provided US$46,000 from its Low-rise Residential New Construction Program, and Amherst contributed US$300,000 to the project. The development features a community room with a kitchen area, laundry, and trash rooms on each floor, a computer and lounge area, and a site management office. The building has easy access to neighborhood services, including health centers, pharmacies, retail, banking, and recreational facilities, as well as an extensive public transportation system that provides direct access to downtown Buffalo.
The housing development was designed to reduce environmental impacts, be energy efficient, and provide long-term cost savings to both owners and tenants, thereby meeting the 2015 Enterprise Green Communities criteria. Energy-saving measures include motion-activated lights in common areas, LED lights, light sensors on parking lot lights, and ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and equipment. Alberta Place is part of the New York governor’s commitment to providing all residents with access to safe, affordable housing thanks to the state’s unprecedented US$20 billion, five-year Housing Plan.
