Rochester Reporter

Mayor Malik D. Evans, along with Rochester City Councilmembers and project partners, has announced the opening of applications for the second round of homes under the "Buy the Block – Greenlining for a Better Rochester" program. This initiative by the City of Rochester aims to strengthen neighborhoods and foster generational wealth through increased homeownership.

“Today, we continue in our commitment to investing in neighborhoods suffering from the long-lasting effects of redlining,” stated Mayor Evans. “Buy the Block is about creating equity by providing greater access to quality and affordable homes. I am grateful for our government and community partners for their continued support enabling families to experience homeownership.”

The project plans to construct up to 32 new energy-efficient homes in Southwest Rochester over the next year. These high-quality residences offer various floor plans, including ranch styles suitable for aging individuals or those with special needs, as well as three- and four-bedroom two-story structures designed for larger families.

Applications are now open for this second phase, targeting first-time homebuyers with household incomes at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income. Home prices range from $99,000 to $155,000 on a sliding scale ensuring buyers spend no more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs. A minimum residency period of 15 years is required.

Construction will take place between Judson Terrace and Lenox Street, Churchlea Place and Edgewood Park, Epworth Street and Jefferson Avenue, as well as Van Auker and Reynolds Streets.

“We’ve only been in our home for a few months, but we absolutely love it here and couldn’t be more thankful,” expressed Efren Beltran Montes and Migdalia Bruno, previous participants in Buy the Block. “We were kept updated every step of the way during the application process and we never lost faith that our new home would come to us."

Buy the Block receives support from $13.3 million allocated through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The project's partners include organizations such as Greater Rochester Housing Partnership (GRHP), Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity, Atlas Contractors, USC Builds, and Ibero American Development Corporation.

Interested applicants can find more information or start their application process at www.cityofrochester/BuytheBlock.

Applications opened on December 10, 2024, and will remain open until all slots are filled; subsequent applications will be placed on a waiting list.