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In a Dunkirk-Fredonia region, where the poverty rate is nearly 25%, we cannot understand the criticism that comes with the affordable housing projects. One of the most recent to be announced is tied to the Downtown Revitalization Initiative that offered the city of Dunkirk $10 million to build up its business district.
Earlier this month, Gov. Kathy Hochul was in town to boost the Homesteads at Dunkirk Landing $38 million projects -- one that will be built near the Save A-Lot plaza on Fourth Street and another on Washington Avenue. Regan Development Corp., which is handling the project, has been part of more than $750 million worth of residential, commercial, and affordable housing real estate developments in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. They get these efforts done.
"Regan Development and Soldier On are proud to serve as tools to create new housing and redevelop these two sites in the core of the city of Dunkirk," President Larry Regan said.
Besides offering housing for those who work in the region, the project sets 16 supportive apartments reserved for eligible veterans with disabilities who have experienced homelessness, with on-site services provided by Soldier On, a nonprofit organization that offers housing and support services to veterans. Units will be supported by an Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative award administered by the New York Office of Temporary Disability Assistance.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with that benefit for those who have served our nation in the military and overseason.
In addition, the construction will improve the look of downtown -- while adding additional traffic for merchants in the area.
Even before the 84% tax hike in 2025, Dunkirk was on the decline. Adding this housing -- for those who are contributing to the community and the area's workforce -- is an important step in starting to build up the community.