Sunday, March 30, 2014

Construction hindered by harsh weather

A high demand West Side housing project that will provide sustainable housing is being delayed due to this year’s harsh winter conditions. 
The People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH) is beginning its latest project called the Massachusetts Avenue Sustainable Housing.  The project involves the rehabilitation and new construction of five apartment units in three locations. The goal is to bring high quality rental space at an affordable rate to the community. 

Britney McClain, PUSH spokesperson on MASH:

            PUSH organizers are implementing a community benefits agreement  with a local general contractor, Savarino Construction Co. The agreement between PUSH and Savarino will require the use of target-hiring strategies to employ laborers from the West Side.  Three laborers already have been recruited for their services and in return will be paid a reasonable living wage.
            Due to the high demand of these properties, there is a rental waiting list.  Applications are available in three languages: English, Spanish, and Burmese.  Paper applications are available at 271 Grant St. and 456 Massachusetts Ave.  Online forms and more information can be found at pushbuffalo.org.   
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on March 3 at 99 Chenango St., one of the three locations that are going to be rehabilitated. By Jamie Hall, Kamesha Jones and Jazmina Rivera