Transformative Affordable Housing: True Bethel Commons in Niagara Falls, NY | KeyBank Community Development
The completion of True Bethel Commons in Niagara Falls, NY was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This project involved the adaptive reuse of the former historic Sacred Heart school, rectory, and convent buildings on South Avenue, which were transformed into a vibrant community space with the help of financing provided by KeyBank Community Development and Lending, amounting to $15 million.
Michael McMahon, KeyBank Buffalo Market President and Regional Commercial Bank Executive, expressed his excitement about the positive impact True Bethel Commons has already had on the neighborhood. By providing safe and affordable housing, the project has brought significant improvements to the area. He also extended gratitude to the various partners involved, including Belmont Housing, True Community Development Corp., New York State, and the City of Niagara Falls, for their vision and dedication to the community.
Kate de la Garza, senior relationship manager with KeyBank Community Development Lending, highlighted the importance of the project's community-based approach. True Bethel Commons originated from the collaborative efforts of True Bethel Baptist Church and Belmont, ensuring that it aligns with and reflects the needs of the local neighborhood.
The building now features 39 apartments available to households with incomes at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income. Of these, eight apartments are fully accessible and adapted for individuals with specific physical needs. Additionally, the city of Niagara Falls has provided 24 Project-Based Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for the project.
True Bethel Commons' strategic location offers easy access to various amenities, including healthcare facilities, schools, retail establishments, grocery stores, pharmacies, a library, and public parks. The proximity to multiple public transportation routes further enhances residents' access to commercial areas and services beyond the immediate neighborhood.
Given the historic significance of the complex, dating back to 1889 and listed on the State and Federal Register of Historic Places, the project's design focused on preserving the character of the buildings. Notable elements such as wide school corridors, transom windows, extensive woodwork, stained-glass windows in the rectory and convent house, and a substantial portion of the gymnasium were retained.
True Bethel Commons adheres to Enterprise Green Communities requirements and offers a range of amenities, including a community room with a kitchen area, playground, bulk storage for bikes and larger objects, computer room, and laundry facilities. Tenants are responsible for electricity, heat, and gas costs, and all apartments are equipped with energy-efficient ranges, ovens, refrigerators, and lighting.
The project's development was a collaborative effort between Belmont Housing Resources for WNY, Inc., and True Community Development Corporation. As a major player in affordable housing, KeyBank is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those in need by supporting and realizing essential housing projects like True Bethel Commons.
Michael McMahon, KeyBank Buffalo Market President and Regional Commercial Bank Executive, expressed his excitement about the positive impact True Bethel Commons has already had on the neighborhood. By providing safe and affordable housing, the project has brought significant improvements to the area. He also extended gratitude to the various partners involved, including Belmont Housing, True Community Development Corp., New York State, and the City of Niagara Falls, for their vision and dedication to the community.
Kate de la Garza, senior relationship manager with KeyBank Community Development Lending, highlighted the importance of the project's community-based approach. True Bethel Commons originated from the collaborative efforts of True Bethel Baptist Church and Belmont, ensuring that it aligns with and reflects the needs of the local neighborhood.
The building now features 39 apartments available to households with incomes at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income. Of these, eight apartments are fully accessible and adapted for individuals with specific physical needs. Additionally, the city of Niagara Falls has provided 24 Project-Based Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for the project.
True Bethel Commons' strategic location offers easy access to various amenities, including healthcare facilities, schools, retail establishments, grocery stores, pharmacies, a library, and public parks. The proximity to multiple public transportation routes further enhances residents' access to commercial areas and services beyond the immediate neighborhood.
Given the historic significance of the complex, dating back to 1889 and listed on the State and Federal Register of Historic Places, the project's design focused on preserving the character of the buildings. Notable elements such as wide school corridors, transom windows, extensive woodwork, stained-glass windows in the rectory and convent house, and a substantial portion of the gymnasium were retained.
True Bethel Commons adheres to Enterprise Green Communities requirements and offers a range of amenities, including a community room with a kitchen area, playground, bulk storage for bikes and larger objects, computer room, and laundry facilities. Tenants are responsible for electricity, heat, and gas costs, and all apartments are equipped with energy-efficient ranges, ovens, refrigerators, and lighting.
The project's development was a collaborative effort between Belmont Housing Resources for WNY, Inc., and True Community Development Corporation. As a major player in affordable housing, KeyBank is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those in need by supporting and realizing essential housing projects like True Bethel Commons.
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