Governor Kathy Hochul announced on April 9 the completion of Blocher Apartments, a $42.6 million affordable housing development with 93 units in the village of Williamsville. The project, developed by People Inc., involved renovating the former Blocher Homes senior community and constructing three new two-story buildings.
The development aims to address local housing needs and is part of Governor Hochul’s broader five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York State. Under her leadership, more than 11,600 homes have been created or preserved in Erie County.
Blocher Apartments is located centrally in Williamsville near shops, eateries, Glen Park’s waterfall, and public transit to Buffalo. It features community rooms and an outdoor area with a playground. The apartments are available to households earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income. Twenty-three supportive units are reserved for tenants with developmental disabilities who will receive support from People Inc. or other agencies.
The all-electric complex includes heat pumps for heating and cooling, energy-efficient lighting, electric vehicle charging stations, ENERGY STAR appliances, and a green roof system for stormwater management. Funding came from multiple sources including federal and state tax credits through New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), support from the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities’ Integrated Supportive Housing program, contributions from NYSERDA’s New Construction-Housing Program, as well as funding from Amherst’s HOME ARP program and loans.
RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner/CEO of HCR said: “Thanks to the efforts of Governor Hochul we are able to expand access to affordable homes across Erie County to communities like Williamsville. This $42.6 million investment is providing nearly 100 households the opportunity to live in safe modern and affordable apartments in a walkable beautiful community.”
Willow Baer of OPWDD said: “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership each new opportunity for affordable housing brings independence security and equity for people with developmental disabilities who are ready to live on their own terms in their communities.” Doreen M. Harris of NYSERDA said: “The Blocher Apartments in Western New York demonstrates how public investment can deliver clean modern and energy-efficient housing that improves the quality of life for residents while strengthening local economies.”
State Senator Jeremy Zellner called it “exactly the kind of investment our community needs,” while Assemblymember Karen McMahon highlighted its commitment “to inclusive community-centered living.” Local officials also praised its impact on affordability accessibility and neighborhood revitalization.
As part of her ongoing agenda Governor Hochul has launched programs such as Pro-Housing Community Program allowing certified localities exclusive access to up to $750 million in discretionary state funding—with more than 400 communities now certified statewide including Amherst—and proposed reforms aimed at speeding up development processes under her “Let Them Build” initiative.
