A $54 million housing project in Rochester has been completed, providing 103 affordable and energy-efficient homes through a combination of renovations and new construction at Parliament Arms and Fairfield Village. The initiative, called Parliament-Fairfield, involved the substantial rehabilitation of 88 existing units and the addition of 15 new apartments across two developments operated by the Rochester Housing Authority.
The project is part of ongoing efforts led by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), which has supported more than 4,000 affordable homes in Rochester. The Parliament-Fairfield development aligns with Governor Kathy Hochul’s five-year, $25 billion housing plan aimed at creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes statewide.
“With the completion of Parliament-Fairfield, we are delivering more than 100 modern, energy-efficient and affordable homes to Rochester, reinforcing our commitment to tackling New York’s housing crisis,” Governor Hochul said. “This project preserves vital public housing and creates new opportunities for residents to thrive. Together, we are building a more affordable and sustainable future for all New Yorkers.”
The development was undertaken by the Rochester Housing Authority in partnership with Edgemere Development. All apartments are designed to be all-electric and meet 2020 Enterprise Green Communities Plus criteria. Features include heat pumps, updated appliances, and air duct replacement for improved energy efficiency. Most units—99 out of 103—are reserved for households earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income; all units have Section 8 Project Based Vouchers under HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration Program.
At Parliament Arms, originally built in 1969, six buildings containing 52 apartments underwent exterior repairs, asbestos abatement, bathroom upgrades, as well as the construction of a new building with 15 apartments. One building was demolished during this process. Fairfield Village saw similar updates: its seven buildings were renovated with new kitchens and bathrooms.
Funding sources included over $20 million in equity from Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Programs administered by HCR and $14 million in HCR subsidy. Additional support came from over $1.2 million provided through a Clean Energy Initiative—a collaboration between HCR and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)—and $750,000 in HOME funding from the City of Rochester.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “The transformation of Parliament Arms and Fairfield Village exemplifies our commitment to ensuring that the State’s supply of public housing is safe, modern, and affordable. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, HCR has invested in preserving and enhancing nearly 3,000 public housing units throughout the State. This latest investment in Rochester delivers 103 modern, all-electric homes for residents, ensuring they have access to safe, energy-efficient and affordable places to live. Under Governor Hochul’s visionary $25 billion housing plan, we are not only addressing New York’s housing crisis but also building stronger, more resilient communities for generations to come.”
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris added that such projects help make energy bills more manageable while improving tenant comfort: “As the State continues to expand its housing supply, projects like Parliament Arms and Fairfield Village are utilizing modern, energy efficient features to help make energy bills more affordable for New Yorkers while increasing tenant comfort and well-being. This public housing redevelopment is a tremendous contribution to the Rochester community and will help ensure a cleaner, healthier New York for all.”
State Senator Jeremy Cooney commented on timing: “The completion of Parliament Arms and Fairfield Village comes at a crucial time when the demand for accessible public housing has never been higher. This initiative has transformed housing in our community… I’m proud to have supported this development along the way and thank Governor Hochul for her continued leadership to strengthen Rochester’s public housing infrastructure.”
Assemblymember Demond Meeks stated: “The completion of the Parliament Fairfield development… represents real progress in addressing the housing needs of our Rochester community… These new and rehabilitated homes represent more than just bricks and mortar; they reflect a commitment to dignity, sustainability, and equity for working families.”
Assemblymember Sarah Clark said: “Investing in the renovations and new construction at Parliament Fairfield is an investment in Rochester’s future… Supporting our residents is the responsibility of our government…”
Rochester Housing Authority Executive Director Shawn Burr noted: “This project represents more than new walls and rooftops – it’s another step toward creating connected, accessible communities where families can thrive… Thanks to all of our incredible partners… we are able to continue delivering high-quality, affordable housing that will continue to strengthen our City’s neighborhoods.”
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello highlighted environmental benefits: “Creating more affordable and energy-efficient homes is not only a win for our residents… With over 100 new and renovated homes… providing new housing opportunities while reducing our community’s carbon footprint…”
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans emphasized collaboration: “Upgrading… communities like Parliament Arms… illustrates [our] deep commitment …to increasing affordable …housing….”
J.P. Morgan Community Development Banking East Region Division Manager Sharmi Sobhan remarked on partnership: “J.P. Morgan is proud to support …with a $25MM credit facility …This development is a testament …to create a sustainable …future…”
Edgemere Development credited RHA’s transformation efforts: “The Rochester Housing Authority is truly transforming …Public Housing… both communities will continue to serve as high-quality …affordable housing…”
Governor Hochul recently secured measures through recent state budgets—including increased funding programs—to boost New York’s overall supply of affordable homes via tax incentives as well as protections for renters (https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-landmark-housing-agreement-fy-2025-budget). Over $1.5 billion has been committed through FY26 alongside pilot initiatives like Housing Access Voucher programs (https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-key-housing-investments-and-policies-fy-2026-budget).
More than 65,000 homes have already been created or preserved under these policies so far (https://hcr.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-completion-65000-affordable-homes-throughout-new-york-state). Additionally,
over 300 localities—including Rochester—have earned Pro-Housing certification that allows them exclusive access
to discretionary state funding under this program (https://hcr.ny.gov/prohousing-community-program).
