BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — New life is coming to a long-vacant property, just outside of Buffalo. We're talking about the Perry Apartment Complex, with efforts finally in motion to redevelop it.
7 News first told you the City of Buffalo was getting the green light to demolish the complex Thursday night. The city will spend millions to knock down the 85-year-old buildings, clearing the way for a new affordable housing center.
Franklin Parmer, a long-time community member, says this project is long overdue.
"We need some houses that are reasonable, and people can afford," said Parmer.
The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority is putting $260 million into the project. When complete, it will feature 405 residential units in 27 buildings, with 8,000 square feet of commercial space.
"There will be market rate in subsequent phases, but in this phase of the project everything is affordable," said Gillian Brown, Executive Director of the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority.
Brown says the demolition alone will cost $7 million.
"We would expect and like the demolition to be complete by the end of 2024," said Brown. "We are going to be doing construction concurrently with the demolition."
Jerry Daniels owns the Carl-Jeff Barbershop. He hopes this project will bring more business to lower income communities.
"The progress I was hoping on was the Bills stadium, but that fell through. I'm in favor of progress and affordable housing is desperately needed," he said. "I mean even the downtown area, which is nearby there, there's nothing going on. It'll be a great opportunity to develop some businesses, some shopping areas, and a supermarket. Hopefully they do it right."
