STATE IS ADDRESSING THE HOUSING CRISIS             ANOTHER VOICE | HOUSING

The Buffalo News, June 13, 2024

by BRIAN KULPA – Supervisor of the Town of Amherst

In the heart of Western New York, a housing crisis has left many families yearning for stability and the opportunities their parents and grandparents had.

Many renters are facing eviction as landlords raise rents and take advantage of market conditions. First-time buyers are priced out of the market as lack of stock drives up values and feeds bidding wars. Increasing investor ownership of single-family homes for short-term rentals even further reduces available housing for locals.

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s fiscal year 2025 state budget offers a visionary housing plan to reverse course on the housing crisis by building more homes and making it affordable for folks to stay in their homes. The budget allocates substantial resources to address the housing supply shortage, promote affordability and safeguard the rights of renters and homeowners.

The Town of Amherst has a strong commitment to fostering housing development that meets a variety of needs for our citizens. And thanks to Hochul’s pro-housing community designation, Amherst is already taking steps to go even further. Once certified as a pro-housing community, we will eligible for a portion of $650 million in funding only available to communities with this designation .

These funds will empower local leaders to create innovative housing solutions and provide funding to invest in public infrastructure projects – like redeveloping the Boulevard Mall into a vibrant mixed-use community, thanks to $31 million in infrastructure funding that will also reduce area sewer issues. Amherst has made tremendous strides in addressing the housing crisis through a variety of programs and initiatives, including affordable housing advocacy and creation of HUD funded incentive programs; hosting accessory dwelling unit and multifamily permissible zoning districts; regulatory reforms that incorporate residential options above first-floor commercial and office space; and the creation of workforce housing incentives.

However, it should be noted that Hochul’s budget provides even more essential resources to tackle the housing crisis by supporting local strategies.

Housing truly is a form of essential infrastructure, contributing to the well-being and stability of both residents and economy.

OPPORTUNITIES FROM SCHILLER-KOLBER TEAM:

1. https://www.pyramidbrokerage.com/listings/2710-north-forest-road-amherst-ny-b12973/
2. https://www.pyramidbrokerage.com/listings/251-john-james-audubon-pkwy-amherst-ny-b12736/
3. https://www.crexi.com/properties/597440/new-york-860-hopkins-road
4. https://www.pyramidbrokerage.com/listings/2700-north-forest-road-amherst-ny-b13002/