Buffalo Black Billion & BFC Partners Receive Final City Approval for $134 Million McCarley Gardens Expansion
Buffalo, N.Y– After years of review, debate, and legal challenges the Buffalo Black Billion & BFC Partners have received final city approval to move forward with a transformative $134 million expansion of McCarley Gardens. The project, located at the corner of Virginia and Ellicott Streets, will bring 220 units of affordable workforce housing, along with 21,000 square feet of retail space, to Buffalo’s Fruit Belt community.
The recent unanimous vote by the Buffalo Planning Board came after a significant court victory in May that upheld the project's environmental review, ending a protracted legal battle with the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC).
The six-story, 265,680-square-foot building will be constructed on a 1.6-acre section of McCarley Gardens, with plans for 132 one-bedroom and 88 two-bedroom apartments for households earning 40%, 60%, or 80% of the area median income. In addition to providing much-needed housing, the project will include 161 on-site parking spaces—more than city requirements—and commercial space designed to bring new retail opportunities to the neighborhood.
Despite opposition from BNMC, community leaders emphasize the importance of the development for equity and neighborhood revitalization. “The BNMC board is intentionally obstructing the development of safe, high-quality, and affordable housing, as well as vital retail services, for this historically underserved community of color,” said Donald Capoccia, Managing Principal at BFC Partners.
Michael Norwood, spokesman for the Buffalo Black Billion, added, “Local opposition only contributes to Buffalo’s standing as one of the most racially segregated cities in the nation. This project represents progress for our neighbors.”
About Buffalo Black Billion: A faith-based, spirit driven institution which represents Two churches, Two Campuses and One Village. It is comprised of 15 non-profits and for-profit entities which will bring one Billion dollars in construction, renovation, programming, and ministry to the East Side of Buffalo. The two churches reflect 174 years of spiritual and social ministry in the fruit belt community. In addition, the Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church site has attained legal historical presentation status. The Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church was built in 1875 and founded in 1874 by St Paul’s Evangelical Church.
About BFC Partners: A leading developer specializing in mixed-use, affordable, and workforce housing projects across New York State. With commitment to community engagement and sustainable development, BFC Partners has delivered transformative projects that meet local needs and foster inclusive growth.