BUFFALO, N.Y. — People Inc. celebrated the opening of a new mixed-income affordable housing apartment complex on Buffalo’s East Side Monday.

What You Need To Know

  • People Inc. commemorated the opening of Jefferson Avenue Apartments

  • The housing development is mixed-income with services for people with disabilities

  • There is a 400-name waitlist

Located at 1166 Jefferson Avenue, the two-building complex has 90 units, 16 of which offer support services from People Inc. for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities who live independently. 

“When I heard I got the apartment, I knew that the independent life I deserved was in reach,” said Shanell Davis, a resident who relies on a wheelchair. “After moving into the apartment, I finally have the life that I always wanted. I love the fact that I can come and go as I please without having to worry about the barriers of stairs.”

There are 71 one-bedroom apartments and 19 two-bedroom apartments. There will also be 16,000-square feet of ground floor commercial space.

The $31 million project was funded by the NYS Homes and Community Renewal, which is the state’s affordable housing agency, NYS Housing Finance Agency JP Morgan Chase Bank, Raymond James Tax Credit Funds, City of Buffalo HOME Program, NYS Empire State Development, NYS Energy Research and Development Authority, and NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities.

The head of household must be 18 years or older and meet income eligibility. This apartment complex is currently full with a waitlist of about 400 names.

Local and state leaders in attendance of the ribbon cutting ceremony included Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, Rep. Brian Higgins, state Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, state Sen. Tim Kennedy, Erie County Legislator District 1 Howard Johnson, and People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick.