BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — A building in Buffalo’s Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood that sat vacant for nearly two decades is now finding new life.
Governor Kathy Hochul helped cut the ribbon on the $13.5 million mixed-use project in the old Eckhardts building on Broadway, which includes 28 affordable housing units and a free Head Start children’s education program.
“We are beginning a new beginning for this long-vacant, landmark building in East Buffalo. Once an eyesore in the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood, the historic building will now be an anchor and catalyst for economic development. Housing will be built here and we look forward to welcoming new neighbors to this Buffalo community.”
– Governor Hochul
I asked the governor where the money will come from to cover the costs of the free child care program and whether it is sustainable.
“These are combined. Head Start is a combination of federal and state funds. It’s primarily a federal program. What happens in that building is federally funded,” Hochul responded.
The 28 units include studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, with prices ranging from approximately $900 to $1,450.
Kevin Dagher, CEO of Cedarland Development, said the project took years to complete and there were numerous challenges along the way.
“The challenge has been the construction and financing costs,” Dagher said. “Construction costs are rising. When we originally worked on this project, it was $8 million, then it went up to $12.5 million.”
The Community Action Organization of WNY will occupy the entire ground floor, a 12,000-square-foot space that was converted into Eckhardts Academy for the free Head Start education program for children.
“We have eligibility guidelines that we actually have to follow based on federal government regulations, but as far as paying for parents, it’s free,” explained Community Action Organization President and CEO Dr. Marie Cannon.
That’s free child care in a zip code with the fourth-highest poverty rate in the Buffalo Niagara Region at 37 percent, according to an analysis by Buffalo Business First.
Dr. Cannon said the program will accommodate 24 infants and toddlers and up to 50 preschoolers. They plan to hire four teachers and additional staff for the entire agency.
Further information can be found here.
