Two former school sites will see new life through redevelopment projects that will turn one into apartments, and the other into a new community center and clinic.
Members of the Buffalo Planning Board gave their approval Tuesday to both projects. One is to convert the former Public School 63 at Lisbon and Cordova Streets into a 47-unit apartment building with some commercial space as well. The apartments are expected to be ready by 2017.
"We believe we're on track to start construction in the spring of 2016," said Ben Upshaw of CB Emmanuel Realty, one of the developers involved in the project. "We're pleased that the community has come out to be part of the process and formally give its approval of how we're advancing this project."
Roxie Harbison lives not far from the former schoolhouse and was among several speakers welcoming the project. After paying off her mortgage, has no desire to move from a house she now owns. The rising crime in the neighborhood, though, has made it tough to stay, she said. The criminal activity over the years includes attacks on college students who rented along her street. There was also a fatal stabbing there in October 2009.
"Crime crossed Bailey Avenue about 15 years ago," she said. "They discovered that students were lax. They didn't lock their houses or cars. I had two tenants get mugged."
The apartments, according to developers, will be priced to attract professionals - perhaps earning $35,000 to $40,000 a year - in order to ensure good tenants are moving into the neighborhood.
Buffalo Planning Board members also green-lighted another project which will involve the redevelopment of the former Public School 26 on Harrison Street off Seneca Street. When finished, it will be the new Seneca Babcock Community Center and Clinic. The current community center is located just a few blocks away.
