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“Inflation and housing affordability impact every corner of our nation, and we are not immune to it here in western New York. We can only have a strong county if the cost of good, safe housing is affordable to all.” – Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz
In his 2023 State of the County Address, County Executive Mark Poloncarz announced that Erie County would invest $20 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to build quality, affordable housing throughout our community. Erie County’s $20 million Affordable Housing Initiative includes the construction of new, single-family homes as well as the development of multi-family housing projects through new builds and adaptive reuse of existing structures. Erie County’s Affordable Housing Initiative funded $13.5 million to build single family homes, $5.5 million for multi-family affordable housing projects, and $1 million for affordable housing projects led by new and emerging developers.
Building Roots Single-Family Homes
Erie County partnered with the region’s land bank, the Buffalo Erie Niagara Land Improvement Corporation (BENLIC), the City of Buffalo and the Town of Cheektowaga to build new, energy efficient homes on vacant lots in existing neighborhoods.
Forty-six (46) homes are planned, under construction, or currently for sale in the City of Buffalo. Homes are located in the following neighborhoods: Black Rock, Riverside, Grant Amherst, Kensington – Bailey, University Heights, First Ward, Lower West Side, West Side, and Masten Park.
Homes are all-electric, energy efficient, and compliant with all applicable NYS and local building codes.
Belmont Housing Resources of WNY is facilitating the application and sales process of these homes. To learn more visit their webpage or speak to your realtor about this opportunity!
Five (5) homes were constructed and have been sold to new owners in the Town of Cheektowaga through the Building Cheektowaga Roots.
Support for Multi-Family Housing
Erie County issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) in 2023 inviting developers to submit applications for funding . In 2024, $500,000 was awarded to 11 projects with locations spanning Erie County for the construction of 703 affordable units. Projects include new construction and adaptive reuse of existing structures. Following that process, Erie County issued an RFP in 2024 inviting new and emerging developers to submit applications for funding multi-family affordable housing projects. Developers new to the affordable housing sector were prioritized in this RFP to expand and diversify the affordable housing sector and affordable housing options in Erie County. Five (5) new and emerging firms were awarded various amounts for the construction of 48 affordable units.
Construction timelines vary by project. All affordable units will benefit households with incomes at or below 80% AMI (Area Median Income), as per federal requirements. Awarded projects are listed below.