New York has officially broken ground on Hillview Commons, a new $26 million affordable senior housing community in the City of Tonawanda, marking a major step toward expanding housing access for older residents in Erie County. The 52-unit development will replace the Tonawanda Housing Authority’s aging Jacob J. Guzzetta (JJG) complex and is the latest investment under Governor Kathy Hochul’s statewide housing strategy.
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“Hillview Commons is more than a housing development, it’s an opportunity to support our seniors who deserve affordable and modern homes,” Governor Hochul said. “Hillview Commons will create new apartments, adding to Western New York’s housing stock and strengthening the Tonawanda community.”
Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has now created or preserved more than 11,000 homes in Erie County alone. Hillview Commons contributes to the Governor’s broader $25 billion, five-year Housing Plan, which aims to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.
At Hillview Commons, apartments will be available for seniors aged 55 and older earning up to 60% of Area Median Income. Existing JJG residents will move into the new development, ensuring continuity while the outdated complex is scheduled for demolition once construction wraps up.
Led by 3d Development Group, LLC and the THA Development Corporation, the new building prioritizes sustainability and accessibility. The all-electric design includes:
State and federal programs are providing a significant portion of the funding. The project is supported by:
M&T Bank serves as the equity partner, and NBT Bank is providing construction financing.
State and federal officials emphasized that Hillview Commons will address local needs and strengthen Tonawanda’s housing future.
RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner of NYS Homes and Community Renewal, said, “The start of construction at Hillview Commons marks a significant step forward in our commitment to expanding affordable housing opportunities across New York State. This $26 million investment will create 52 modern homes for seniors, while also providing reassurance that public housing will remain available for years to come. We thank Governor Hochul, the Tonawanda Housing Authority and our many partners for making this project a reality.”
Senator Charles Schumer added, “Every family in Tonawanda deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. I’m proud that the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit that I worked hard to protect and expand has delivered millions to convert the Tonawanda Housing Authority’s aging building into more than 52 new homes. High housing costs are a key driver of inflation so we must build more housing for working people to bring down those high prices. I applaud Governor Hochul’s work increasing access to housing for working families in Western New York, and I will continue working to deliver federal resources to build more affordable housing across New York.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand echoed that message, noting, “Our seniors deserve to live their golden years with dignity, and that starts with access to safe, affordable housing. Hillview Commons will help revitalize the City of Tonawanda and continue the work of making Western New York a more affordable place to live. I look forward to seeing the impact this project will have and will keep fighting for federal funding to make housing accessible for all New Yorkers.”
Representative Tim Kennedy stated, “Hillview Commons is exactly the kind of robust housing investment that our community needs and deserves. I applaud Governor Hochul’s commitment to building affordable housing across our state and right here in Western New York. This project delivers dignity, safety, and stability for older adults, and it sends a clear message that every senior in Western New York deserves a high-quality, affordable place to call home. I’m proud to stand with our local and state partners in making this vision a reality.”
Assemblymember William Conrad added, “We have long had a pressing need in this Assembly District for quality affordable homes, particularly for seniors. I am heartened by the Governor's attention to this, and I look forward to celebrating the success of this new development.”
Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz praised the redevelopment, saying, “The Hillview Commons project is a great investment that addresses the affordable housing issue directly while also replacing an aged housing complex with contemporary living facilities. This $26 million investment will be a huge improvement for the City of Tonawanda. I thank Governor Hochul for her continued investments in affordable housing, tackling the issue here in Erie County and statewide.”
Tonawanda Mayor John L. White emphasized the project’s significance: “This project has been in the making for a long time, and I want to congratulate the incredible team that made it possible. Hillview Commons represents a major step forward for our city, providing much-needed support for senior residents. I look forward to its completion and the positive impact it will bring to our community!”
Tonawanda Housing Authority Chairman Dale Zuchlewski added, “This is a historic day. Our seniors are living in housing built 80 years ago, and this new housing will give them the modern amenities and accessibility that they deserve.”
Bruce Levine, President of 3d Development Group, said, “Quality affordable housing is an important resource for any community. The Tonawanda Housing Authority has a mission of promoting the economic and social well-being of the tenants. This is another example of Governor Hochul’s emphasis of public-private partnerships. The State, through HCR, made the resources available to carry out this new construction.”
This project aligns closely with Governor Hochul’s overarching plan to make New York more affordable by building supply, deploying incentives, and protecting renters and homeowners. The FY25 and FY26 budgets include more than $1.5 billion in housing investments and expand programs such as the Housing Access Voucher pilot.
Her Pro-Housing Community Program now includes more than 380 certified localities, giving them priority access to up to $750 million in state funding.
With construction now underway, Hillview Commons is set to deliver modern, efficient, and accessible homes while setting a new benchmark for senior housing projects in Western New York.
Originally reported by Governor Newyork Government.
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