People Inc. Plans 93 Units in Williamsville Project

People Inc. broke ground recently on Blocher Apartments, an affordable living complex at 135 Evans St., Williamsville. The $42 million development will provide 93 rental apartments for adults who qualify based on income.  

The project includes renovations to the former Blocher Homes senior residence, as well as construction of three additional buildings. The complex will include one- and two-bedroom apartments and rents will range from $704 - $918 per month for one-bedroom units and $1082 - $1,157 per month for two-bedroom apartments. There will be 23 apartments designated for people with developmental disabilities. Up to five apartments will be accessible for people who are hearing and/or vision impaired.

The Evans Street location is just off Main Street, providing close access to the many village and town amenities.

“The Blocher project is an exciting and unique opportunity to add and sustain housing options in an area where the need for affordable housing has been well documented,” said Anne McCaffrey, president and CEO of People Inc. “Providing these choices, including opportunities for people with disabilities, can be life-changing for residents.”

People Inc. manages over 30 affordable housing complexes with over 1,300 residents. The development of Blocher Apartments will mark the 8th residential construction project that the organization has developed through the use of tax credits. 

“Our goals with the development of Blocher Apartments will be consistent with our other housing initiatives: to provide safe and affordable living environments where there is an unmet need, to create aesthetically pleasing and welcoming buildings, and to have a positive impact on the communities in which we are located,” McCaffrey said.

Funding for the Blocher Apartments comes from several sources, including federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, New York State’s Homes and Community Renewal, Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, Federal Home Loan Bank Affordable Housing Program, Supportive Housing Opportunity Program and the Town of Amherst HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan.

Features available to residents include a new playground, activity rooms, multiple community rooms and a patio. There will be a parking lot for residents and visitors, and a live-in superintendent. The project also includes new walkways and landscaping.

“At the core of People Inc.’s mission is responding to the needs of the people of Western New York,” McCaffrey said. “There continues to be high demand for healthy, affordable and safe living environments and we are grateful to all our government and other collaborators and funders who are working with us to answer that call.”

Construction of Blocher Apartments is expected to be completed by mid-2026.

ABOUT PEOPLE INC.: People Inc. provides a diverse array of support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, as well as health care services, senior services, services for the Deaf and hard of hearing, and affordable housing. Founded more than 50 years ago and built on a strong foundation of innovation, collaboration, community and inclusion, People Inc. helps people achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity, providing superior programs throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester regions.