HOPE VI project, soon to open, offers uplift and argument in Niagara Falls

In a few weeks, residents will begin moving into the first 115 rental units of a HOPE VI development in the North End of Niagara Falls, New York. The moment will be a milestone for a project that has endured several construction delays, environmental concerns about the condition of its land, and criticism from some who questioned whether it can revive a troubled neighborhood.

“People can see just by driving down the street that this is a beautiful housing project for the city,” said Linda Goodman, executive director of the developer, Norstar Development USA, which says the cost per unit in the first phase is $143,478 — much lower than the $200,000 per unit estimated by a critic, as reported here. 

The second phase will involve demolition of the city's World War II-era Center Court public housing, making way 100 more units of a development that ultimately is to contain 280 rental units. plus 31 for-sale dwellings for income-qualified buyers. One Falls resident said the housing authority's decision to advertise the units in other communities may attract additional people who need public services and won't help the distressed economy.