ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester’s newest all-electric affordable housing complex, Alta Vista, located at Franklin Street and Pleasant in downtown Rochester, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony today. The complex includes 76 one and two-bedroom units.
Residents are responsible for rent and the electricity they use for appliances. Heat, hot water, trash removal, and Wi-Fi are covered. The project received nearly $32 million in state funding, including $570,000 from the Clean Energy Initiative, part of Gov. Hochul’s goal to electrify the state.
The Ibero American Development Corporation (IADC) manages the property. Eugenio Marlin, executive vice president of IADC, emphasized their commitment to community building.
“So we have reached out to our neighbors, and we’re going to make sure that it’s not just a box with people living there,” Marlin said. “There are many things in the community and the people get to know each other so that we continue to develop the community—that’s a big commitment that IADC has.”
Some units are reserved for households experiencing or at risk of homelessness. There are also ADA-accessible units for tenants with disabilities. These units include both shower and countertop modifications in both the bathroom and kitchen.
IADC reviews tenant applications on a rolling basis. To qualify, households must earn at or below 70% of the area median income. Currently, there is a waiting list of about 500 applicants.
RuthAnne Visnauskas, commissioner of the state’s Homes and Community Renewal Agency, highlighted the environmental benefits of the project.
“It’s taking down the carbon footprint of buildings, but it also creates healthier living environments inside the building,” Visnauskas said. “It reduces utility costs. You know, this is a building where we have a solar array on the roof, and that reduces the cost of the electricity. So we’re really doing everything we can to make these buildings as efficient, as sustainable, healthy and affordable for people.”
As of now, 30 units are occupied. New applicants will be placed on the waiting list as IADC continues to review applications individually to ensure they meet the requirements for need-based housing.
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