A $54 million project to renovate and expand public housing in Rochester has been completed, according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. The Parliament-Fairfield initiative involved both the substantial rehabilitation of 88 apartments and the construction of 15 new units across two Rochester Housing Authority developments: Parliament Arms and Fairfield Village. In total, the project delivers 103 energy-efficient, affordable homes.
Governor Hochul said, “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. 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 project is part of a broader effort by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), which has financed over 4,000 affordable homes in Rochester. These actions align with Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year housing plan aimed at creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes statewide.
Parliament-Fairfield was developed through a partnership between the Rochester Housing Authority and Edgemere Development. All apartments are all-electric and meet modern green building standards set by the 2020 Enterprise Green Communities Plus criteria. Features include heat pumps, upgraded appliances, and improved air duct systems. Most units are reserved for households earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income; four units have no income restrictions. Every unit receives Section 8 Project Based Vouchers under HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration Program.
At Parliament Arms—originally built in 1969—six buildings with a total of 52 apartments underwent extensive renovations including exterior repairs, asbestos abatement, and new bathrooms. One existing building was demolished while a new structure containing 15 apartments was added.
Fairfield Village comprises seven buildings with 44 units that were also renovated with updates to exteriors as well as kitchens and bathrooms.
Funding sources included Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from HCR generating over $20 million in equity along with $14 million in additional subsidy from HCR itself. The development received more than $1.2 million from the Clean Energy Initiative—a joint program 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: “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 stated: “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…”
Assemblymember Demond Meeks commented: “The completion of the Parliament Fairfield development… represents real progress in addressing the housing needs of our Rochester community… I commend the Rochester Housing Authority… As we continue to confront the affordable housing crisis… projects like this are essential…”
Assemblymember Sarah Clark said: “Investing in renovations … is an investment in Rochester’s future…. Supporting our residents is … responsibility … thankful for … leadership that made today possible.”
Rochester Housing Authority Executive Director Shawn Burr noted: “This project represents more than new walls … it’s another step toward creating connected … communities where families can thrive…. Thanks … incredible partners … continue delivering high-quality …housing that will continue to strengthen our City’s neighborhoods.”
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello remarked: “Creating more affordable …homes is not only a win for our residents,…providing new opportunities while reducing our community’s carbon footprint…. securing a clean,…future for Monroe County families.”
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans observed: “Upgrading communities like Parliament Arms … illustrates [the] deep commitment [of] City…to increasing affordable…[housing].”
J.P Morgan Community Development Banking East Region Division Manager Sharmi Sobhan commented on financing support: “J.P Morgan is proud to support [this] renovation….a testament [to] power of public-private partnerships….”
Edgemere Development stated: “The Rochester Housing Authority is truly transforming…[and] both communities will continue as high-quality…affordable housing…”
Governor Hochul’s broader agenda includes measures enacted through recent state budgets aimed at increasing New York’s overall supply of affordable homes via tax incentives as well as protections for renters/homeowners; these policies supplement ongoing efforts such as her five-year plan targeting both creation/preservation goals—including support services for vulnerable populations—and electrification initiatives impacting tens of thousands statewide.
Additionally,over 65,000 homes have already been created or preserved under these plans, reflecting steady progress toward meeting statewide targets.More than 300 communities—including Rochester—have secured Pro-Housing certification granting them exclusive access up to $750 million discretionary state funding designed further boost local development efforts.
