Applications now available for Phase I of the BMHA’s Commodore Perry Homes

Buffalo, NY—The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA) is pleased to announce that the application process for the 405 residential units in Phase I of the newly built Commodore Perry Homes is now open.

Together with its development partner, Pennrose, BMHA continues the redevelopment of the former Commodore Perry site into a mixed-income community as part of the first phase of this transformative redevelopment.

The all-new Perry Homes, located on an 18-acre residential cam pus bordered by Perry, Louisiana, and Ham burg streets, and South Park Avenue, range in size from one-bedroom to five-bedroom units situated in 27 structures, which include 24 two- and three-story town houses and residential walk-ups, and three five story apartment buildings.

The first residents will move into their new homes this summer, and a cycle of move-ins will continue throughout 2025 and into 2026, when all the units in Phase I are completed.

The $254 million mixed-income development includes 284 subsidized units where residents will pay no more than 30% of their annual household income, and 121 affordable housing units for those earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

“This is another major milestone in this once in-a-generation project that will not only trans form the quality of life for residents, but will also be a catalyst for investment in the sur rounding neighborhood,” said BMHA Executive Director Gillian D. Brown. “This project represents a transformative repositioning of the obsolete Commodore Perry development into a welcoming, vibrant community.”

The physical layout of the new Perry also emphasizes physical connections with the neighborhood at large and provides attractive green spaces for all residents to enjoy.

“New York is com mitted to improving the quality of life and expanding access to affordable homes in Buffalo and throughout the state. Commodore Perry Homes is helping trans form the community by turning a long-dormant public housing com plex into more than 400 modern, energy-efficient apartments. We are proud that households can now apply to live in Perry Homes through our online portal. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her bold vision in helping revitalize Buffalo. Thank you to our partners, including Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority and Pennrose,” said RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner, New York State Homes & Community Renewal.

Two different income based housing programs are available for families and individuals seeking to live at the new Perry Homes.

One program offers rent subsidies, similar to traditional public housing, for prospective residents with very low- and low-incomes, with rents capped at 30% of annual household income. There are 284 apartments and townhomes available through that program.

Qualifying applicants for the subsidized pro gram are being placed on a first-come, first-served wait list.

The remaining 121 housing units are open to those who earn up to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Applicants to this pro gram must meet both minimum and maximum income standards.

Applicants for the non-subsidized pro gram must submit their applications by 1 p.m. on August 1, 2025. A live streamed lottery will take place on August 15, 2025.

Digital applications for both programs can be found at www.bmha housing.com. Paper applications can be picked up at the BMHA’s Housing Assistance Office, 245 Elmwood Ave.

Applications for the non-subsidized program can also be found at HCR’s website: https://housingsearch.hcr.ny.gov/housing/s/waitlist/a0Ycs00000nGNR6EAO/hcr000057. The spacious units boast modern kitchens and baths, are between 730 and 1,645 square feet, and have high-efficiency electric heating and air conditioning. The three apartment buildings offer on-site laundry facilities, while the townhomes have in-unit washers and dryers.

The development also offers community rooms, landscaped greenspace, and 8,000 square feet of commercial space.

The demolition of 24 long-vacant, boarded-up residential structures began in April 2024. Construction started as the derelict buildings were torn down, fast tracking the construction phase.

“The leasing for Phase I is a significant step forward for the Commodore Perry redevelopment and a tremendous milestone for the city of Buffalo,” said Dylan Salmons, regional vice president at Pennrose. “We are thrilled to intro duce local families to the brand-new Perry Homes, complete with quality affordable housing and expansive community amenities.”

The Perry Master Plan also envisions a second phase addressing the remaining row houses and towers.

The new Perry is one of three bold, innovative housing projects the BMHA and Bridges are undertaking through public-private partner ships made possible by the federal Department of Housing & Urban Development’s Rental Assistance Demonstra tion (RAD) Program. Governor Kathy Hochul and New York’s HCR have provided signifi cant financial support. This ambitious project is being financed through a mix of loans, grants, tax credits, and equity contributions.

In addition to Perry, the BMHA will also transform its Marine Drive and Shaffer Village developments at a cost of over $1 billion, representing the largest housing investment in Buffalo’s history. The shared goal of each project is to preserve affordable housing for extremely low-income families and individuals, as well as mixed-income diversification and mixed-use development to provide for additional commercial development.

Construction on the first phase of Marine Drive and demolition work at Shaffer Village will begin this summer with private partners.