ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Another building on the site of the former Inner Loop in downtown Rochester is open and ready for tenants.
A ribbon-cutting was held Wednesday for the Union Square Apartments at the corner of East Avenue and Union Street.
Owner Home Leasing claims the range of studio to two bedroom units is affordable for those wanting to live downtown.
Part of the development's goal is to be an LGBTQ+ welcoming community.
"As we commemorate Pride Month, New York is continuing our leadership in the fight for justice, inclusion and compassion for the LGBTQ+ community," Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said in a statement. "Our investment in Rochester's Union Square Apartments is addressing the needs of a community that is disproportionately impacted by housing insecurity and often unable to obtain decent and compassionate healthcare. Through our partnership with Home Leasing and Trillium Health, we are delivering 72 beautiful homes with services that empower individuals to live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives."
Union Square Apartments features 72 units, and 21 of those are reserved for people dealing with homelessness. The units will also have onsite supportive services for those living with HIV or who are 55 or older and require assistance with daily living, Governor Cuomo announced.
"The best way to address homelessness and housing insecurity in our state is by working directly with our most at-risk New Yorkers," Cuomo said in a statement. "As we celebrate Pride Month, the opening of Union Square Apartments will provide LGBTQ+ New Yorkers - who are often disproportionately impacted by homelessness - with access to affordable housing and the supportive services they need to lead healthy, independent lives. This supportive housing development represents yet another accomplishment in our overall efforts to achieve housing equality in New York State once and for all."
Among those in attendance was Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul.
Work is underway to bring an art installation to the site.