Mayor Sean Ryan and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz announced on April 27 that 20 new affordable, single-family homes in Buffalo are now available to low- and moderate-income buyers. The announcement is part of the Building Buffalo Roots initiative, a partnership involving the City of Buffalo, Erie County, the Buffalo Erie Niagara Land Improvement Corporation (BENLIC), and Belmont Housing Resources for Western New York.
The initiative aims to increase homeownership opportunities for residents who may not otherwise have access to affordable housing. “If we want strong neighborhoods, we need to make it possible for people to put down roots,” Mayor Ryan said. “This program is about creating an opportunity for Buffalo residents who might not otherwise have a path to homeownership. We’re helping families build equity, stabilizing our neighborhoods, and strengthening the future of Buffalo, one home at a time.”
Funding for these homes comes from $11.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds awarded to the City of Buffalo and $13.5 million awarded to Erie County. This funding will support a total of 47 new homes in Buffalo as well as five additional homes in Cheektowaga.
Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said, “Our community and our country are facing a housing shortage. We need to build more housing, and we need more opportunities for homeownership… The partnership between Erie County and the City of Buffalo has never been stronger.” Jocelyn Gordon, Executive Director of BENLIC added: “With household budgets being stretched further than ever, BENLIC is committed to deepening housing affordability for our neighbors… We look forward to continuing to help others build roots here and elsewhere in the future.”
The newly constructed homes will be listed on the Multiple Listing Service beginning April 27 at prices set at $205,000 for three-bedroom units and $175,000 for two-bedroom units. Buyers must use their purchased property as their primary residence with household income not exceeding $81,960.
Applications are open through May 27 at belmonthousingwny.org/bbr with eligible applicants selected by lottery on June 4. Proceeds from sales will be reinvested into future construction phases.
