Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the completion of 53 new affordable and supportive homes throughout Rochester’s Beechwood neighborhood, marking a major milestone in the $27 million Federal Street Scattered Site Redevelopment project. The initiative, which replaced outdated Rochester Housing Authority properties, is part of the state’s broader efforts to expand access to affordable housing while revitalizing urban communities.

“Creating and preserving public housing opportunities in Rochester is vitally important for families today and in the future,” Governor Hochul said. “The work completed in the Beechwood neighborhood demonstrates my dedication to New Yorkers and ensuring communities across the state have access to affordable, energy-efficient homes in safe neighborhoods.”

This development contributes to Governor Hochul’s ambitious $25 billion five-year housing plan, which aims to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York State. In Monroe County alone, more than 6,800 affordable homes have been financed in the last five years.

The redevelopment aligns with the goals outlined in Rochester’s 2034 Comprehensive Plan and was completed in partnership with the Beechwood Neighborhood Association. The project involved demolishing eight blighted structures on the Rochester Housing Authority’s Federal Street property and constructing two multi-family buildings and a single-family home, totaling 18 new homes. In addition, 35 existing homes throughout the Beechwood neighborhood were replaced or substantially rehabilitated.

Fifty-one of the units are designated for households earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income, while nine apartments will provide supportive housing services for individuals experiencing homelessness. These services are funded by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, with Spiritus Christi serving as the supportive service provider.

Designed to meet the EPA’s ENERGY STAR® Multifamily New Construction – Energy Rating Index compliance standards, the development incorporates sustainable features such as ENERGY STAR® appliances, low-flow water fixtures, all-electric domestic hot water systems, high-performance insulation, air source heat pumps for heating and cooling, and LED lighting. Solar panels have been installed on one of the buildings, and additional improvements include better ventilation, window replacements, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure where feasible. The Federal Street site also offers community spaces and a playground.

State funding included $13 million in equity from State and Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, $7 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), $2 million from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, and $77,000 from NYSERDA. The Community Preservation Corporation provided a $2 million SONYMA-insured permanent loan through its partnership with the New York State Common Retirement Fund. The city of Rochester and Rochester Housing Authority also contributed $400,000 in subsidy.

State and Local Leaders Applaud the Project

“Through a combination of replacing blighted properties with new, energy-efficient modern buildings, and preserving essential public housing stock, this $27 million project will bring 53 affordable homes to Rochester’s Beechwood neighborhood and benefit families and individuals in need of support,” said New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas. “Thank you to all our public and private partners for bringing this innovative project to fruition and for guiding our efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and increase housing supply in the city and across Monroe County.”

New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn highlighted the project’s impact on vulnerable populations, stating, “The nine permanent supportive housing units included in this development will provide a safe and affordable place to live for formerly incarcerated individuals and their families, while connecting them with essential support services they need to live stable, independent lives in the community. We are grateful for Governor Hochul’s strong support of the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and for her unwavering commitment to expanding the supply of permanent supportive housing across New York State.”

“I am thrilled to see these out-of-use, neglected buildings transformed into modern, clean housing for the Rochester community,” said New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris. “By implementing the latest sustainable building solutions, such as air-source heat pumps and all-electric hot water, projects like this continue to demonstrate how sustainable affordable housing can be achieved in communities throughout the state.”

Federal leaders also praised the effort. “Every family in Rochester deserves a safe and affordable place to call home,” said U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. “I’m proud that the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which I worked hard to protect and expand, has delivered millions to build over 50 new homes across Rochester’s Beechwood neighborhood. Many working families in New York are struggling with high housing costs, and building more housing for working people will help to bring down those high prices. I applaud Governor Hochul’s efforts to increase access to affordable housing in Rochester and across Upstate New York, and I will continue working to deliver federal resources to ensure that every New Yorker has a roof over their heads.”

“Access to a safe and affordable home is a basic necessity, but sadly, this reality is still out of reach for far too many in our community,” said Representative Joe Morelle. “These 53 new homes in the Beechwood Neighborhood will help provide the safety and security people deserve and help set them up to thrive. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for continuing to invest in Rochester and our families, and I look forward to our continued work together.”

“Our longstanding partnership with the Community Preservation Corporation has allowed the state’s pension fund to invest in New York’s communities,” added New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. “This project is a win-win that helps grow much-needed affordable and supportive housing to Beechwood, while providing the pension fund with the kind of steady return on investment that provides retirement security for its members, retirees and beneficiaries.”

Local leaders emphasized the neighborhood impact. “I am proud to support the Rochester Housing Authority’s Federal Street and Scattered Sites development, a vital step toward ensuring equitable and affordable housing for families in our community,” said Assemblymember Demond Meeks. “This project will provide safe, stable homes for working families, seniors, and individuals in need, while also breathing new life into our neighborhoods through the rehabilitation of existing properties and the construction of new ones.”

Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson called the initiative a collaborative success. “The Federal Street and Scattered Sites Housing initiative is bringing much-needed affordable, safe, equitable housing opportunities to the Beechwood neighborhood, which I am proud to represent. This effort is the result of thoughtful collaboration between Rochester Housing Authority working with partners in all levels of government and the community to ensure these homes meet the needs of existing residents and families in the neighborhood and the fabric of the vibrant Beechwood community.”

“In the face of a continued affordable housing shortage, the Rochester Housing Authority is taking action,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “These new units will revitalize the Beechwood Neighborhood and provide families with a safe and stable environment. Additionally, RCH’s emphasis on constructing environmentally friendly units expands the reach of this project and ensures its long-term sustainability.”

“These homes are more than wood and stone; they are the visible proof that Rochester is moving forward with a new momentum,” said Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans. “When we lift up our neighborhoods and invest in the dignity of every street, every family, and every block, we move Rochester forward together, building a city where hope and opportunity walk hand in hand.”

“This milestone marks more than the completion of new housing – it is a celebration of what can be achieved when we make meaningful investments in the future of our communities,” said Community Preservation Corporation Vice President Miriam Zinter. “This project is helping to revitalize the Beechwood neighborhood while providing high-quality, affordable and supportive housing that will serve the diverse needs of our city’s residents for decades to come.”

“These homes are more than just buildings—they represent our renewed commitment to preserving public housing, revitalizing neighborhoods, and strengthening our community,” said Rochester Housing Authority Executive Director Shawn Burr. “We’re proud to kick off our summer of progress right here on Federal Street.”

Governor Hochul’s announcement underscores her broader housing agenda, which includes landmark initiatives in the FY25 Enacted Budget to increase New York’s housing supply, expand protections for renters and homeowners, and incentivize affordable housing development statewide.

The completion of these 53 homes also aligns with the “Finger Lakes Forward” economic development strategy, aimed at fostering sustainable growth and community development throughout the region.

Originally reported by Governor New York Govt.