Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A $200 million dollar redevelopment proposal for the Perry Projects went before the Buffalo Planning Board Monday.
"Great project," Planning Board Chairman James Morrell said on WBEN Tuesday. "Nineteen acres would be redeveloped right off the I-190 by the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority. Everyone sees the 24 dilapidated buildings. 405 housing units and 27 buildings will put that community back to where it was many years ago."
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The project would be done in four phases. The next step is for zoning board
approval. Following that, it will go back to the Planning Board for final approval at the end of this month.
Morrell said it's all affordable housing which is very much needed in the city.
It includes 4 and 5 bedroom units, which is rare. The buildings will be mid-rise
and town homes.
Ellicott Development and Sinatra presented plans Monday for Elmwood Crossing at the old Women's and Children's Hospital between Bryant and Hodge in the Elmwood Village, which closed in 2017.
"That's another project that has been many years in the making," said Morrell.
"What's important here is that historic tax credits don't allow a lot of changes on certain buildings.
For that reason, Morrell said there will not be big changes to the exterior of certain buildings.
This particular project has brought the community together.
"The community group that has been working with Elmwood Development for five or six years now, has been very involved and has improved the design. It's come a long way."
Morrell noted that several people stood up at Monday's meeting, praising the process.
"Everyone didn't get what they wanted. But they have parkland, trees, new buildings and market rate units." Adding, "the community worked well with the developer. And in the next 2 or 3 years, that area that once houses Children's Hospital will be transformed. People will be walking, playing and there will be activity in that area."