South End project seeks extension of site plan approval
The developer of a new six-story, $38.6 million South End project, featuring affordable housing units and a retail complex, is asking the Falls Planning Board for an extension of the approval of its site plan.
The planning board will consider the request from Community Services for Every1 (CSE1), a Buffalo not-for-profit, and USA Niagara (USAN) at its meeting this evening. The current site plan approval is set to expire March 13 and the project is reportedly not yet ready to break ground.
The site plan was originally approved by the Planning Board on Sept. 13, 2023.
In August, demolition crews tore down the former TeleTech call center building which had previously occupied the project development site at 333 First St. They also leveled the former Smokin Joe's Native American Cultural Center at First and Old Falls streets.
The properties were among 21 South End land parcels acquired from Anderson by USA Niagara, the subsidiary of Empire State Development that is assisting in the redevelopment of the Falls. An Empire State Development spokesperson said unforeseen delays in the start of major construction projects are not uncommon.
'This is part of the process,' the spokesperson said. 'Sometimes all of the various steps necessary to move forward with a project take a little longer than anticipated. We are excited to be breaking ground in the spring.'
Community Services for Every1 currently operates programs in the Falls School District and has been looking to expand its presence in the community and establish a local base of operations. CSE1 has dubbed its project 'THE NEST.'
The currently approved site plan calls for a six-story building with 78 apartments and 4,700 square feet of commercial space. Kelly E. Kinderman, CSE1 vice president of program support and development, said her organization's local staff will initially occupy the commercial space.
The long-term goal of the project, Kinderman said, is to bring a commercial tenant into that space, consistent with a request by USA Niagara that the project have a retail component.
The building will have three studio units, sixty-one 745-square-foot one-bedroom apartments and 14 970-square-foot two-bedroom units. The apartments will be targeted to households earning up to 50-60% or 80-90% of the area's median income.
Eight units will be designed to accommodate individuals with mobility impairments, four will be for persons with hearing or visual challenges and 18 apartments will be dedicated for survivors of domestic violence. Kinderman said the mission of CSE1 is to support domestic violence and crime victims and people with disabilities.
The project architect has said that the building will be environmentally friendly and 'all electric.' The project also calls for a parking lot for tenants and green space, including a playground.
USA Niagara has characterized the project as helping to 'meet the local need for new housing, while street-level commercial and community spaces will contribute to pedestrian activity and street life.'
The project is being funded by a combination of private investments, through the sale of tax credit bonds, and a host of state and local government grants and incentives. CSE1 representatives said they anticipate that construction will be completed in March 2026, with commercial and residential tenants moving in by December 2026.
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