The Parliament-Fairfield project in Rochester, totaling $54 million, has been completed, resulting in the renovation and construction of 103 public housing apartments. The initiative involved work at two Rochester Housing Authority developments: Parliament Arms and Fairfield Village. Eighty-eight units were rehabilitated and 15 new apartments were built, providing modern, energy-efficient homes.
Governor Kathy Hochul stated, “With the completion of Parliament-Fairfield, we are delivering more than 100 modern, energy-efficient and affordable homes to Rochester, reinforcing our commitment to tackling New York’s housing crisis. This project preserves vital public housing and creates new opportunities for residents to thrive. Together, we are building a more affordable and sustainable future for all New Yorkers.”
The development was led by the Rochester Housing Authority in partnership with Edgemere Development. All apartments are all-electric and meet 2020 Enterprise Green Communities Plus standards. Features include heat pumps and upgraded appliances. Most units are designated for households earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income; four have no income restrictions. Each unit benefits from Section 8 Project Based Vouchers through HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration Program.
At Parliament Arms, six buildings containing 52 apartments underwent exterior repairs, asbestos abatement, and bathroom upgrades. A new building with 15 apartments was added while one older structure was demolished. Fairfield Village saw renovations across its seven buildings with updates to exteriors as well as kitchens and bathrooms.
State funding included over $20 million in equity from Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Programs administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), $14 million in HCR subsidy, more than $1.2 million from a Clean Energy Initiative supported by HCR and NYSERDA, and $750,000 in HOME funding from the City of Rochester.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “The transformation of Parliament Arms and Fairfield Village exemplifies our commitment to ensuring that the State’s supply of public housing is safe, modern, and affordable. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, HCR has invested in preserving and enhancing nearly 3,000 public housing units throughout the State. This latest investment in Rochester delivers 103 modern, all-electric homes for residents, ensuring they have access to safe, energy-efficient and affordable places to live. Under Governor Hochul’s visionary $25 billion housing plan, we are not only addressing New York’s housing crisis but also building stronger, more resilient communities for generations to come.”
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris commented on the project’s energy efficiency: “As the State continues to expand its housing supply, projects like Parliament Arms and Fairfield Village are utilizing modern, energy efficient features to help make energy bills more affordable for New Yorkers while increasing tenant comfort and well-being. This public housing redevelopment is a tremendous contribution to the Rochester community and will help ensure a cleaner, healthier New York for all.”
Local officials highlighted both the need for accessible public housing in Rochester as well as support from state leaders:
State Senator Jeremy Cooney said: “The completion of Parliament Arms and Fairfield Village comes at a crucial time when the demand for accessible public housing has never been higher. This initiative has transformed housing in our community… I’m proud to have supported this development along the way and thank Governor Hochul for her continued leadership to strengthen Rochester’s public housing infrastructure.”
Assemblymember Demond Meeks remarked: “The completion of the Parliament Fairfield development… represents real progress in addressing the housing needs of our Rochester community… These new and rehabilitated homes represent more than just bricks and mortar; they reflect a commitment to dignity, sustainability, and equity for working families… As we continue to confront the affordable housing crisis, projects like this are essential…”
Assemblymember Sarah Clark added: “Investing in the renovations and new construction at Parliament Fairfield is an investment in Rochester’s future… Supporting our residents is the responsibility of our government…”
Rochester Housing Authority Executive Director Shawn Burr stated: “This project represents more than new walls and rooftops – it’s another step toward creating connected, accessible communities where families can thrive… Thanks to all of our incredible partners…”
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello noted: “Creating more affordable and energy-efficient homes is not only a win for our residents but a commitment to securing a clean and equitable future… Thank you to the leadership of Governor Hochul…”
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans emphasized: “Upgrading …Parliament Arms and Fairfield Village illustrates …the City of Rochester has [a deep commitment] to increasing affordable …housing…”
J.P. Morgan Community Development Banking East Region Division Manager Sharmi Sobhan said: “J.P. Morgan is proud to support …with a $25MM credit facility …This development is a testament …to create a sustainable …future…”
Edgemere Development described RHA’s efforts as transformative: “The Rochester Housing Authority is truly transforming …Public Housing… We are incredibly grateful…”
Governor Hochul’s administration has made significant investments into expanding New York’s affordable housing stock statewide through various measures such as tax incentives for developers https://hcr.ny.gov/low-income-housing-tax-credit-lihtc-program-overview-and-resources , capital funding programs https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/About/Funding , renter protections https://hcr.ny.gov/renter-protections , direct subsidies https://hcr.ny.gov/affordable-home-ownership-opportunities , supportive services https://otda.ny.gov/programs/emergency-rental-assistance/ , electrification initiatives https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Energy-Efficient-New-Construction-Program , pilot voucher programs https://hcr.ny.gov/housing-choice-voucher-program-section-8 , pro-housing certification https://hcr.ny.gov/pro-housing-community-program , HOME funds https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/home/ , federal rental assistance demonstration programs https://www.hud.gov/RAD/info/about . Over 65,000 homes have been created or preserved so far under these plans.
More than 300 communities across New York—including Rochester—have received Pro-Housing certification that provides exclusive access to discretionary state funding.
