“SC apartment proposal” in March 2004 photos Silver Creek Senior Housing was awarded a $6.9 million state grant Monday for a new 54-unit apartment complex where the former Silver Creek High School is located. Plans call for the high school to be demolished and the apartments to be constructed in its place.

A proposed senior apartment complex in Silver Creek is one step closer.

On Monday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $6.9 million for Silver Creek Senior Housing. The project includes the demolition of the dilapidated Silver Creek High School and the new construction of a 54-unit senior housing development.

Fifteen of the development’s apartments will be set aside for seniors experiencing homelessness.

The developers are Park Grove Development, LLC, and Southern Tier Environments for Living, Inc. The project will receive $297,000 in Clean Energy Initiative funds to pursue stretch certification goals.

In February, the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency approved a Payment In Lieu Of Taxes agreement for the project, after speaking with Allen Handelman, Vice President of Park Grove Development.

County IDA President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Geise was excited for the announcement. “I wouldn’t conclude that the project is a done deal. There are always other circumstances that come into play, however, it is looking good,” he said Monday.

The money for the Silver Creek Apartment project was part of more than $260 million awarded through tax credits and subsidies to create or preserve 1,852 affordable, supportive, and sustainable homes in 29 developments across New York state.

According to Hochul, the projects will expand or protect the housing supply in every region, upgrade and modernize public housing, further local economic development initiatives, and include sustainable features that advance the State’s climate goals. This funding also builds on the governor’s comprehensive agenda to address New York’s housing crisis and reduce housing costs for New Yorkers by increasing the housing supply.

For several years, the county has been trying to find someone to redevelop the former school.

The building has sat vacant for more than 40 years and while several attempts to renovate it have been made, those efforts were unsuccessful. Most recently, in 2021 Region 9 sought to remodel the building but was unable to get the housing credits and backed out in early 2023.

With the agreement that it could be demolished, it brought new interest in the project.

One of those who has been working on finding a developer for years is State Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay. He was involved back when he was a legislator with the Chautauqua County government.

“As the saying goes, ‘patience is a virtue,’ and nothing underscores that more than this effort to bring affordable senior housing to the Village of Silver Creek. We started pursuing this vision more than a decade ago and never gave up despite many setbacks,” Borrello said. “Today’s announcement that the state is dedicating $6.9 million to help with the demolition of the old high school and the construction of the new complex represents critical project support. For me, the effort to convert this dangerous eyesore into affordable housing goes back to my early days in the county legislature, so it is especially rewarding to see it finally come to fruition.

“My thanks go out to Governor Hochul and Commissioner (RuthAnne) Visnauskas for investing in the Silver Creek community and taking this step to improve the quality of life for our seniors.”