The Parliament-Fairfield project, a $54 million initiative aimed at preserving and expanding public housing in Rochester, has been completed. The development involved substantial renovations to 88 existing apartments and the construction of 15 new units, resulting in a total of 103 modern, energy-efficient homes across two Rochester Housing Authority properties: Parliament Arms and Fairfield Village.
Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the significance of the project as part of ongoing efforts to address New York’s housing challenges. “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,” Governor Hochul said. “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.”
Developed by the Rochester Housing Authority in partnership with Edgemere Development, Parliament-Fairfield features all-electric units built to meet 2020 Enterprise Green Communities Plus standards. Energy efficiency measures include heat pumps and updated appliances. Ninety-nine apartments are reserved for households earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income; four have no income restrictions. All units utilize Section 8 Project Based Vouchers under HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration Program.
Parliament Arms underwent exterior repairs, asbestos abatement, and bathroom upgrades across six buildings dating from 1969. A new building with 15 apartments was added while one existing structure was demolished. At Fairfield Village—originally constructed in 1970—improvements included updated exteriors as well as new kitchens and bathrooms.
Funding for the project came from several sources: over $20 million in equity through 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 with NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority), and $750,000 in HOME funding provided by the City of Rochester.
RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner/CEO of HCR, commented on the broader impact: “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 emphasized energy efficiency benefits: “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.”
State Senator Jeremy Cooney noted growing demand: “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, revitalizing Rochester Housing Authority developments and creating more than 100 modern, energy-efficient homes. 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 pointed out community impacts: “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.”
Assemblymember Sarah Clark said investments such as these support local residents’ ability to remain within their communities while benefiting from efficient living spaces.
Rochester Housing Authority Executive Director Shawn Burr called it another step toward creating connected communities where families can thrive.
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello stressed both affordability improvements for residents as well as environmental benefits tied to reduced carbon emissions.
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans cited significant upgrades needed at both sites while recognizing collaborative partners’ contributions.
J.P. Morgan Community Development Banking supported renovation financing with a $25 million credit facility.
Edgemere Development described Parliament-Fairfield as an example of transformative work underway at RHA properties.
Governor Hochul’s broader agenda includes recent budget agreements focused on increasing statewide housing supply through tax incentives [https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-landmark-housing-agreement-included-fy-2025-budget], capital funding [https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2024/new-york-state-senate/democratic-majority-passes-2024-25-state-budget-prioritizing-affordable-housing], renter protections [https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/22/nyregion/housing-deal-new-york.html], as well as expanded funding commitments targeting affordability [https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-highlights-enacted-fy-2025-budget-investments]. These initiatives support her five-year plan aiming for creation or preservation of 100,000 affordable homes across New York State—including electrification targets—and provide exclusive access to state funding programs like Pro-Housing Community certification already held by over 300 localities including Rochester [https://hcr.ny.gov/prohousing-community-program].
