By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-793163.mp3
Buffalo, NY – A state of the art student housing project is offering new living space for nearby students. The $100 million redevelopment project is located off Eggert Road in Cheektowaga near the border of Buffalo.
More than 140 buildings at the former Kensington Village Apartments have been transformed into modern living space for college students. A ribbon cutting was held Tuesday to show case the completion of phase one of a three year renovation project. The gated community features fitness machines, a movie theater, lodge, pool and much more.
Benjamin Grant, a graduate student at Buffalo State, says even with the added features, the apartments are still affordable for students, ranging from $600 to $800 a month.
The property has been owned by Chason Affinity Companies for 60 years. But as the buildings began to age, the company decided it was time to reinvent the complex for the future. College students were always among the many tenants living there. But redevelopment plans turned controversial when residents were asked to vacate the premises for student housing.
Developers were subpoenaed for violating anti-discrimination laws. But the company also agreed to set aside 25 units for low income tenants and agreed to some compensation payments.
Ownership will be transferred to the Western New York Student Housing established by Villa Maria.
When completed,the Collegiate Village is expected to house more than 1,300 students from six nearby schools.
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