Construction has finished on Riley Brook Apartments, a $25 million affordable housing project in Hamburg, Erie County. The development includes 70 units and aims to provide modern, affordable homes for families. The apartments are located near schools, recreation centers, shopping areas, and public transportation.
Governor Kathy 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 project consists of seven all-electric apartment buildings with up to three bedrooms per unit. Each apartment features either a balcony or patio. Sidewalks were added as part of the development for safer pedestrian access to nearby amenities and bus stops.
Park Grove Development and Southern Tier Environments for Living led the project. Amenities include a clubhouse, fitness center, laundry facilities, playground, and units designed for residents with mobility or sensory impairments.
Riley Brook Apartments is among several recent affordable housing initiatives in Erie County this year. Other projects include additional multi-family developments in Hamburg and Tonawanda as well as rebuilding over 400 units in Buffalo’s First Ward.
Funding for Riley Brook came from multiple sources: $13.4 million was raised through federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), $1.5 million from state tax credits, over $5.4 million from the Low-Income Housing Trust Fund, $385,000 from NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Initiative, and $500,000 from Erie County’s HOME Fund. Eight apartments are supported by project-based vouchers ensuring tenants pay no more than 30 percent of their income on rent.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas 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.”
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris commented on energy efficiency: “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 said he was proud that federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit funding contributed over $13 million toward building these new apartments: “Every family in Western New York deserves a safe and affordable place to call home… 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.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said she was pleased federal funds benefited Buffalo-area families: “New Yorkers deserve access to affordable and secure housing… I will continue to work tirelessly to make housing more accessible across our state.”
State Senator Patrick M. Gallivan noted public-private collaboration: “Riley Brook Apartments is the result of a public-private partnership… Individuals and families of all abilities will enjoy living close to schools, stores and restaurants.”
Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera called it “a major step forward” addressing local needs: “Too many working families are being priced out of safe, quality homes close to schools… This development ensures that more families can put down roots… without being burdened by rising housing costs.”
County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz highlighted government action: “Affordable housing is a critical need everywhere… This is an example of government working to address the needs of its constituents…”
Hamburg Town Supervisor Catherine Rybczynski described it as “a major investment” benefiting local residents: “We’re grateful …for recognizing the importance of providing quality, affordable housing options…”
Park Grove Realty Managing Partner Andrew Crossed emphasized partnership: “This thoughtfully designed community offers residents spacious open-concept floor plans… Park Grove extends its sincere thanks …for their partnership…”
Southern Tier Environments for Living Executive Director Thomas Whitney thanked supporters: “Their support has made it possible…”
Governor Hochul’s broader agenda includes measures passed under recent budgets such as new tax incentives for construction; increased capital funding; renter protections; pilot voucher programs; policies supporting affordability; electrification targets; service-supported homes; expanded Pro-Housing Community Program certification allowing exclusive access up to $750 million in discretionary state funding; with over 370 certified communities statewide.
More than 68,000 homes have been created or preserved under these initiatives so far.
