BMHA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TAKES STEPS TO BOOST RESIDENT SAFETY AT MARINE DRIVE APARTMENTS
The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA) Board of Commissioners approved installing magnetic locking devices on all exterior doors at Marine Drive Apartments. The maglocks will beef up door security and prevent non-residents from entering the seven towers. “These devices will greatly benefit our Marine Drive residents by giving them peace of mind, as hey will know the doors are safely locked. The maglocks will add an extra layer of security to the development's aging electric door lock system to deter trespassing and vandalism,” said BMHA Executive Director Gillian D. Brown.
Amherst Alarm, the sole bidder at $73,995, was awarded the safety enhancement project. Built in 1950, Marine Drive last saw exterior door lock updates in 2004. Starting in 2025, the BMHA will completely redevelop the community through a $400 million multi-phase project, constructing new modern residential structures and demolishing the existing buildings.
The board also voted to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Buffalo Sewer Authority (BSA) to install eco-friendly, green infrastructure at the Kenfield, Langfield, and Ferry-Grider developments. The work is part of the BSA’s $54 million Rain Check 2.0 initiative, which reduces the frequency of the City of Buffalo’s combined sewer system overflows while increasing community aesthetics and environmental resiliency.
“This work, which will take place at no cost to the BMHA, is a win-win for the Authority and our residents,” Brown said. “The installation of green infrastructure will reduce BMHA maintenance and repair costs, reduce the amount of salt used on the driving and parking areas, beautify the properties, reduce urban heat islands, and enhance the sustainability of the properties.” The project will incl porous asphalt streets, and parking lots. Under the agreement, the BS A will pay for the design, engineering, and construction and provide ongoing maintenance and repairs for at least 20 years.
The project is expected to be completed by mid-2028. Funding for the city-wide Rain Check 2.0 initiative was obtained in June 2021 through an Environmental Impact Bond in June 2021. Commissioners approved rent and utility allowances to help Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher holders cover monthly expense increases. The rent allowance schedule includes higher payments so that voucher holders can afford to live in low-poverty zip codes in Buffalo and its suburbs. The increases follow an annual review of local average rent and utility rates. The higher rent allowances correspond with the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rents and Fair Small Market Rents schedules. The revised rates go into effect on January 1, 2025.