Niagara County Awarded $57M for Affordable Housing Preservation

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Project Overview

Three Niagara County affordable housing developments will share $57 million in state funding to preserve and improve residential communities across the county. According to reporting from Niagara Gazette, published early January 2026, the projects are part of Governor Kathy Hochul's $25 billion five-year Housing Plan—an ambitious initiative creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes statewide. Niagara County's three projects will benefit over 187 households while contributing to broader statewide goals to create more than 6,600 affordable, sustainable, and supportive homes across New York.

Three Projects, One Mission: Affordable Housing Preservation

The $57 million Niagara County allocation supports three distinct housing preservation and improvement projects across the county:

Niagara County Housing Projects Breakdown

Project 1: Jordan Gardens in Niagara Falls – $49 Million

The Largest Investment

The flagship project receives $49 million to preserve and improve Jordan Gardens, a 100-unit Niagara Falls Housing Authority development. The investment will provide significant benefits to the residents and community:

  • 100 units preserved for households earning up to 80% Area Median Income (AMI)
  • New community center for resident programs and gatherings
  • New playground for families and children
  • Infrastructure improvements across the development
  • Developer: Beacon Communities
  • Residents served: Low-to-moderate income families

Jordan Gardens serves as a critical affordable housing resource in Niagara Falls, providing stable housing for households earning up to 80% of Area Median Income. The $49 million investment—representing 86% of Niagara County's total award—demonstrates state commitment to preserving this major asset.

Project 2: Meadowbrooke Apartments in Newfane – $3 Million

Meadowbrooke Apartments in the Town of Newfane receives $3 million for preservation and improvement of this 26-unit development:

  • 26 units preserved for households earning up to 60% Area Median Income
  • Building and systems upgrades to extend property life
  • Developer: MM Development Advisors
  • Affordability level: Serves very low-income households

Project 3: Walden Park in Lockport – $5 Million

Walden Park Apartments, located in the City of Lockport, receives $5 million to preserve and improve a specialized senior housing community:

  • 61 units preserved for senior residents earning up to 60% Area Median Income
  • Age-restricted affordable housing serving 55+ population
  • Property improvements and modernizations
  • Developer: MM Development Advisors
  • Specialized service: Preserves senior-focused affordable housing

Project Impact: The Numbers Behind $57M

Housing Preservation Across Niagara County

  • Total funding: $57 million
  • Total units preserved: 187 units (100 + 26 + 61)
  • Households served: Low and very-low-income families and seniors
  • Geographic distribution: Niagara Falls, Newfane, and Lockport
  • Affordability maintained: 30+ years in all three projects

Statewide Context: $2 Billion Initiative

The Niagara County $57 million award is part of a much larger $2 billion state initiative creating or preserving more than 6,600 affordable, supportive, sustainable, and modern homes across New York State. This broader statewide program represents the scale of New York's commitment to addressing housing affordability across all regions.

When combined with private sector resources and additional funding sources, the statewide projects are expected to generate more than $3.5 billion in total investment across the state—demonstrating how public subsidies leverage private capital for maximum housing impact.

Governor Hochul's $25 Billion Five-Year Housing Plan

Ambitious Statewide Goals

The three Niagara County projects exemplify Governor Kathy Hochul's broader $25 billion five-year Housing Plan. This comprehensive initiative aims to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York State—representing an unprecedented state investment in housing accessibility and community stability.

Plan Goals and Focus Areas

  • 100,000 affordable homes created or preserved across the state by 2029
  • Regional investment in all upstate counties and NYC communities
  • Sustainability focus – reducing energy costs and carbon emissions
  • Support services – including supportive housing for vulnerable populations
  • Community improvement – outdoor spaces, services, and amenities
  • Accessibility – serving households earning 60-80% Area Median Income

Governor Hochul's Vision

"These investments reflect my commitment to creating quality, modern homes that enrich communities and are making New York more affordable for a wide array of households, including families and seniors," Governor Hochul stated. "By coupling State financing tools with private resources, we are generating more than $3 billion in overall investment that will improve neighborhoods, reduce energy costs and provide thousands of affordable housing options across every region of the State."

Sustainability and Climate Goals

Green Housing Standards

All three Niagara County projects, as with all statewide award recipients, will meet high sustainability standards including:

  • Energy efficiency improvements to reduce operating costs for residents
  • Carbon reduction measures aligned with New York's climate targets
  • Green building practices for long-term environmental benefit
  • Sustainability certifications where applicable

These green improvements directly benefit residents through lower utility costs while advancing New York's goal to decrease emissions 85% by 2050 across all sectors.

Area Median Income (AMI) and Affordability

Understanding Project Affordability Levels

The three Niagara County projects serve households at different affordability tiers:

  • Jordan Gardens (Niagara Falls): Households earning up to 80% Area Median Income – slightly higher income threshold, serving working families
  • Meadowbrooke Apartments (Newfane): Households earning up to 60% Area Median Income – very low-income households
  • Walden Park (Lockport): Households earning up to 60% Area Median Income – very low-income seniors

This tiered approach ensures housing preservation serves the broadest spectrum of affordable housing needs—from working families to fixed-income seniors.

Why This $57M Investment Matters for Niagara County

Preserving Critical Community Assets

Affordable housing preservation is essential in Niagara County. Rather than allowing aging housing stock to deteriorate, the $57 million investment maintains existing communities, upgrades infrastructure, and improves resident quality of life. For low-income families and seniors on fixed incomes, stable, affordable housing is foundational to economic security.

Supporting Economic Stability

When housing remains stable and affordable, households can allocate limited resources to other necessities—healthcare, education, food security, transportation. Housing stability enables families to build wealth, secure employment, and invest in community stability.

Community Improvement and Amenities

Projects like Jordan Gardens' new community center and playground demonstrate how preservation funding extends beyond building repair. New community spaces strengthen neighborhood bonds, support resident wellbeing, and create environments where families thrive.

Private Sector Leverage

The $57 million state investment catalyzes additional private and philanthropic investment. Developers like Beacon Communities, MM Development Advisors, and others commit to long-term property stewardship because state funding de-risks preservation projects and ensures affordability compliance.

Workforce and Construction Activity

Property preservation and improvement projects generate construction employment, contractor opportunities, and ongoing property management jobs—contributing to Niagara County's broader economic development.

Looking Ahead: What Comes Next

Project Implementation Timeline

The three Niagara County projects will move into active phases during 2026:

  • Design and planning phase – finalizing improvement scopes and timelines
  • Construction begins – improvements at Jordan Gardens, Meadowbrooke, and Walden Park
  • Community engagement – resident notification and support during improvements
  • Property enhancement – physical improvements completed over 12-24 months

Broader Housing Plan Milestones

Niagara County's three projects are among hundreds of properties receiving 2026 funding from the $25 billion state plan. Together, statewide projects will create or preserve 100,000 homes by 2029—fundamentally reshaping housing accessibility across New York.

Industry Insight: Westside Construction Group brings extensive experience managing affordable housing preservation, adaptive reuse, and property improvements across Upstate New York. From housing authority partnerships to community housing development, WCG delivers quality results on complex preservation projects while maintaining resident continuity and community focus. For your affordable housing project: (585) 440-0304 or www.buildwcg.com

Related articles: Buffalo Towne Gardens $126M Renovation Financing | NY Housing Authority Preservation Projects

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