Construction has finished on Riley Brook Apartments, a $25 million affordable housing development in Hamburg, Erie County. The project adds 70 new units for families and is situated near schools, a recreation center, shopping areas, and public transportation. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), which has helped create or preserve over 11,000 affordable homes in Erie County as part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s broader housing strategy.
Governor Hochul stated, “As a former Hamburg Town Board Member, it is so exciting to bring housing that families can afford to the community where my dedication to serving New Yorkers began. I know first-hand the importance of finding an affordable place where you can raise a family and have access to schools, stores, parks and more. Our investment in Riley Brook Apartments mirrors the efforts my administration is making across the state to help address the housing crisis impacting our communities.”
The complex consists of seven all-electric buildings with ten apartments each. These apartments are available for households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income and feature two-story layouts with up to three bedrooms plus either a balcony or patio. The site was designed for walkability, providing residents with easy access to nearby amenities such as schools and bus lines. Sidewalk improvements were also included for safer pedestrian routes.
Park Grove Development and Southern Tier Environments for Living led construction on Riley Brook Apartments. Amenities include a clubhouse, fitness center, laundry facilities, playgrounds, and accessible units equipped for residents with mobility or sensory impairments.
This project is among several HCR-supported developments underway or completed in Erie County this year—including additional multi-family projects in Hamburg and senior housing initiatives elsewhere in the region.
Funding for Riley Brook Apartments included $13.4 million from Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits administered by HCR; $1.5 million from State Low-Income Housing Tax Credits; just over $5.4 million from the Low-Income Housing Trust Fund; eight units supported by project-based vouchers ensuring tenants pay no more than 30 percent of their income on rent; $385,000 from NYSERDA through its Clean Energy Initiative; and $500,000 from Erie County’s HOME Fund.
RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner/CEO of New York State Homes and Community Renewal said: “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, HCR’s investments are ensuring more families across New York have access to the stable, affordable housing they need to thrive. Riley Brook Apartments does just that by providing units that have up to three bedrooms and are within walking distance of an elementary school and high school. Thank you to Park Grove, Southern Tier Environments, as well as local and state leaders, on making this vital 70-unit project in the Town of Hamburg a reality.”
Doreen M. Harris, President & CEO of NYSERDA added: “The completion of the Riley Brook Apartments is proof that affordable housing can provide clean, modern, and healthy environments for residents. NYSERDA is proud to continue to invest in all-electric projects like Riley Brook that provide New Yorkers with quality living and supportive amenities they need while advancing the State’s clean energy transition.”
Senator Charles Schumer commented: “Every family in Western New York 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 more than $13 million to help build 70 brand new units at Riley Brook Apartments in Hamburg. 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 Erie County and across Western New York, and I will continue working to deliver federal resources to deliver more affordable housing across New York.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand stated: “New Yorkers deserve access to affordable and secure housing, and I am grateful that the Riley Brook Apartments will benefit families and businesses in the Buffalo area. I am pleased to see this federal funding having a positive impact on New Yorkers, and I will continue to work tirelessly to make housing more accessible across our state.”
State Senator Patrick M. Gallivan remarked: “Riley Brook Apartments is the result of a public-private partnership and helps meet the demand for quality, affordable housing in a vibrant community. Individuals and families of all abilities will enjoy living close to schools, stores and restaurants. I congratulate everyone involved in making this project a reality.”
Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said: “Riley Brook Apartments is a major step forward in addressing the growing need for affordable housing in our community. I’m proud to see Governor Hochul’s historic five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan… taking root.” He noted ongoing challenges facing working families who seek quality homes near jobs or transit.
County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said: “Affordable housing is a critical need everywhere… This is an example of government working…to address needs…make lives better…”
Hamburg Town Supervisor Catherine Rybczynski added: “The completion…represents a major investment…We’re grateful…for recognizing…the importance…”
Andrew Crossed (Park Grove Realty) stated: “…providing affordable,…safe,…housing…is…the most important thing we can provide families…This thoughtfully designed community offers residents spacious open-concept floor plans,…private balconies or patios,…generous storage throughout….”
Thomas Whitney (Southern Tier Environments) said: “…thanks…for approving this very worthwhile…project…partners at Park Grove…dedication…vision…”
Governor Hochul’s administration continues efforts aimed at expanding affordability statewide through various programs—such as tax incentives via recent budgets—and policies supporting both renters’ protections and increased supply measures targeting localities including Hamburg.
