St. John Baptist Church – St. John Baptist Church

Governor Hochul Announces Major Rehabilitation of Affordable Housing Development in East Buffalo Now Complete

Loren B. — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 17:04:20 +0000

Please click here for original article.

Substantial Renovations at 149-Unit McCarley Gardens Apartments Preserves Affordability, Improves Energy Efficiency and Safety for Low-Income Families

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a substantial rehabilitation at McCarley Gardens Apartments, an affordable housing development in East Buffalo. The renovation project included energy efficiency, weatherization, and other necessary safety upgrades to the 46-year-old development, while preserving affordable rents for 149 households.

“The preservation of affordable housing developments like this one is crucial for keeping our neighborhoods stable and inclusive and helping families thrive without the burden of excessive housing costs,” Governor Hochul said. “The rehabilitation of McCarley Gardens Apartments has resulted in comfortable and sustainable homes for hundreds of Buffalonians, breathing new life into this community, and building upon years of State investment in the revitalization of neighborhoods across the Queen City.”

In the last five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has created or preserved nearly 7,500 affordable homes in Buffalo. McCarley Gardens Apartments continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul’s $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan that will create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.

The McCarley Gardens project consisted of the substantial rehabilitation of 21 townhome-style buildings that were built in 1978 and the new construction of four additional two-story townhome buildings. The completed development now contains 27 two-bedroom apartments, 94 three-bedroom apartments, and 28 four-bedroom apartments. All apartments are affordable for households with incomes at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income.

The scope of interior renovations included the installation of new kitchens with upgraded appliances, fixtures, cabinets, and countertops; new low-flow bathroom fixtures; and cosmetic upgrades that include new flooring and new paint. Exterior upgrades included the replacement of storm and sewer lines, newly repaved parking areas, and new sidewalks.

The rehabilitation was designed to improve the development’s energy efficiency, utilizing solar panels, upgraded insulation, new windows, Energy Star-rated appliances, and high-efficiency boilers and hot water heaters. The renovations are expected to reduce overall energy usage by nearly 30 percent.

The development team consisted of St. Johns Baptist Church and BFC Partners.

State support for the $57 million rehabilitation included $10 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, $24 million in Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and $9 million in subsidy from HCR. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority provided nearly $210,000 in support, including $60,000 from the New Construction-Housing program for the new two-story and nearly $73,000 through the NY-Sun Solar incentive program.

Through the Weatherization Preservation Plus initiative (P+), HCR also awarded the project $700,000 for the installation of underground electrical wiring, new electrical meter banks, and new electrical feeds in each unit. The P+ Initiative combines state resources with funding from the federal Weatherization Assistance Program to allow for enhanced weatherization work in multifamily developments with Section 8 project-based rental assistance.

Division of Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “The State’s $43 million investment in the rehabilitation of McCarley Gardens Apartments continues our long-standing partnership with Buffalo’s faith-based community that has produced thousands of affordable homes and improved quality of life in neighborhoods across the city. For the 149 households who call McCarley Gardens Apartments home, this long-overdue project provides them with a healthier and more comfortable living environment that remains affordable. The substantial upgrades made during renovations reduced the development’s power consumption by nearly a third, resulting in lower energy costs for residents, and improved storm resiliency against extreme weather. Thank you to St. John’s Baptist Church and BFC Partners for their years of hard work bringing this project to fruition.”

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “The energy efficient features at McCarley Gardens, which include upgraded insulation and new windows, Energy Star-rated appliances, clean heating and cooling, and onsite solar, will help make the development a healthier, more affordable and comfortable place to live for residents. This project exemplifies how under Governor Hochul’s leadership, combining state resources with private-public partnerships can provide modernized housing with high-quality benefits that reduce carbon emissions for the betterment of all New Yorkers.”

State Senator Tim Kennedy said, “The extensive rehabilitation of McCarley Gardens is a testament to affordable housing projects driven by the community, for the community. New York continues to invest in these opportunities because we recognize the direct impact they have on improved quality of life and sustained growth within our greater community. I applaud BFC Partners and St. John Baptist Church for collaborating closely with NYS Homes and Community Renewal and bringing their shared vision to life.”

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, ““I am proud that this moment has finally come, the completion of Phase 1 of McCarley Gardens renovations. For years, residents have patiently stood by and watched the world develop around them, wondering to themselves, “When will it be our turn?” Thanks to the BFC Partners, HUD, St. John’s Baptist Church, HCR and others, today is finally that day. Everyone deserves the dignity of living in a clean, safe and affordable environment.”

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said, “Affordable housing continues to be a critical need in Erie County, and thanks to Governor Hochul the McCarley Gardens project will provide 149 such units, located near downtown and all with improved energy efficiency. This is a smart investment that reused and upgraded existing infrastructure to better serve people and I thank all involved for making it a reality.”

Mayor Byron W. Brown said, “This project compliments my administration’s continued dedication to equitable development and affordable housing. The city has contributed $1 Million in HOME funds towards the project and I’m proud to play a role in the completion of the McCarley Gardens renovation project. I commend Rev. Michael Chapman, St. John Baptist Church and its Community Development Corporation for spearheading this project. I would also like to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her continued support of my administration’s mission to offer quality affordable housing in the city of Buffalo.”

Buffalo Common Council Majority Leader Leah Halton-Pope said, “Governor Hochul’s announcement of the completion of McCarley Gardens Apartments’ rehabilitation marks a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to prioritize affordable housing. As Majority Leader, I applaud this initiative for not only preserving affordability but also for its focus on energy efficiency, ensuring a sustainable future for Buffalo’s residents.”

BFC Partners Managing Principal Donald Capoccia said, “Our team has gotten to know McCarley Gardens residents very well through the renovation process, making it all the more rewarding to know that 149 families are now enjoying significantly upgraded homes, complete with much improved energy efficiency. We gratefully thank all our partners in this project, including St. Johns Baptist Church and the critical funding and support from New York State.”

St. John Baptist Church Pastor Michael Chapman said, “The Buffalo Black Billion’s Leadership, two churches, two campuses and One Village, is thankful to God for the McCarley Garden renovations. It is the culmination of the dreams and efforts of the two former Pastoral Administrations of St. John Baptist Church. Pastor Bernie C. McCarley purchased the land, Pastor Reverend Dr. Bennett W. Smith Sr. built the development, and now we have completed the $57 million renovation of the complex. BFC Partners has done an excellent job coordinating day-to-day operations, securing financing and funding and navigating through the difficulties of renovating a 15.1-acre site while 149 families remained in their residents. We would like to thank the Honorable Mayor Byron W. Brown of the City Buffalo, Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning Brendan R. Mehaffy, and Director of Housing Yvonne McCray. In addition, we thank Governor Kathy Hochul and HCR.”

Buffalo’s Black Billion– a powerful economic and community development force within the City of East Buffalo, known as the “Fruit Belt.”

webmaster — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 20:09:49 +0000

This story first appeared in MEA magazine

By Sheila Durant

What do you say about a man who means so much to so many people in such an extraordinary place and time? Inextricably bound to his faith, no one can doubt that he has internalized his role as shepherd and, together with his soul mate of more than 44 years, has the God-given talent, intellect, energy, fortitude and vision to carry out his purpose on this earth.

Everyone has seen “it”, cheered “it” and sometimes roared over “it.” That “it” is what works in the “in-between” where, in a relay handoff, the baton is placed in the hand of the receiving runner who does not turn nor need to look back to receive it. In 2002, the “baton” was passed on to Overseer Michael Chapman who, like his two brilliant predecessors, Reverend Burnie C. McCarley, from 1927 until 1972, and Rev. Dr. Bennett W. Smith Sr. from 1972 until 2001, closed his eyes and let his faith and his soul mate, Rev. Ina R. Doss Chapman, become the wind beneath his wings….

Today, the pastoral seed of vision to create a vibrant church home has now, under his leadership, become a powerful economic and community development force within the City of East Buffalo, known as the “Fruit Belt.” That “it” that drives the St. John – Gethsemane village community is the faithfulness to a covenant to walk with the Almighty in all aspects of the lives of the church and its flock. To say that Rev. Chapman is a shepherd is no laughing matter. Under his leadership, extraordinary vision, and quiet charisma, Rev. Chapman has become a “driver for social economic justice” among its more than 500 African American Disciples. Because he “walks the walk”, no one doubts that he is able to “talk the talk”. He has an uncanny gift to seed a big vision in the face of incredible odds and the fortitude to make it happen.

In a short span of 17 years, under the God-driven and faith based leadership of Rev. Chapman, the now debt-free St. John – Gethsemane village community church, transparently working by and through its affiliate corporations with a mission driven organizational structure, can officially take its place as a “major player in the economic and community development initiatives and future of the City of Buffalo”. In the Western New York region, more than a billion dollars of redevelopment, construction, programs and ministries are planned over the next 10 years to be reinvested by St. John-Gethsemane in the City of Buffalo’s Urban Core. As a consequence, St. John-Gethsemane Church will be creating hundreds of jobs for minorities in construction, small businesses, health care, wellness, energy and entrepreneurial training.

In short, like Matthew recorded in the Gospel, Rev. Chapman teaches his “flock“ how to fish. Among the fruits of his teachings, which include the historic Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, are a few accomplishments:

• McCarley Gardens 150 (2, 3 & 4 bedrooms) for $70 million total redevelopment and 47 new builds;

• St. John Tower for $30,000,000 total redevelopment of 150, 1 bedroom 9 story senior facility;

• St. John Townhomes II Housing Development for $16.3 million completed in 2015;

• St. John Baptist Hospice Buffalo House for $2.8 Million completed in 2008;

• Rev. Dr. Bennett W. Smith, Sr. Family Life Center for $3.8 million completed in 2001; and,

• The oldest Landmark in the Fruit Belt community is the Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church which is under historical preservation at a cost of $1.8 million.

In August 2018, Overseer Pastor Chapman, who is also Pastor of St. John Baptist Church and Gethsemane Baptist Church, President and CEO of the Fruit Belt Community Development Corporation, Inc., President CEO of WE C God II and Developer and Author of the “Buffalo Black Billion Dollar Fruit Belt Eastside Buffalo New York Comprehensive Urban Development Model” (hereinafter “Comprehensive Model”), was recently appointed as the National Chair of Economic Development for the prestigious and powerful 2.5 million-member Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.. As National Chair, Rev. Chapman will oversee its’ economic development phase under the able direction of its’ President, Timothy Steward, of Nassau Bahama.

Just who is Rev. Chapman and why is he special? Well, he has been immersed in on-going education with Christ the King Seminary since 2001, where in 1991 – 1997 he earned his M.A.P.M. “Master of Arts Pastoral Ministry” and in 1997 – 2002 he earned his Master of Divinity. He also earned his Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Jesus the Liberator Seminary of Religious Justice in 2005 for the first Hospice by a church and palliative care facility. In 2002 – 2007 he earned his classroom Certification in Systematic Theology.

He is a Developer and Grant writer of more than $100 million dollars of grants. But is that all?

He is selfless enough to encourage the transparent reconstruction of all corporate boards of St John Baptist Church and Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church and to provide corporate enlightenment through board training and to encourage ongoing management, economic and community development training. Each step of enlightenment empowers its disciples. But is that all?

He is principled in how he does business having founded and successfully operated the Aloma D. Johnson Fruit Belt Community Charter School and the State certified Erma D. Robinson Day Care and the Century Life Style Health & Wellness Medical Facility. But is that all?

He is tech savvy and respectful of the benefit of having technology serve his flock by encouraging the use of cloud based IT systems to manage more efficient workflows. But is that all there is?

He is grounded spiritually in that he draws from his well of his strength his commitment to his 44 year old marriage and family of more than thirty grandchildren and six great grandchildren from five children. But is that all?

He allows himself to be flanked by trusted professionally strong Trustees who have been given permission to express their truths to power as well as carry out the oversight mission of St. John Baptist and Gethsemane Baptist Church. But is that all?

How does anyone bear such responsibility and weight? In the building of St. John – Gethsemane, Rev Chapman has had to wrestle with the painful strategy of having demons among the politically blind, many of whom are of like color and background. To understand what drives Rev. Chapman, it is important to know something about the neighborhood called “Fruit Belt.”

Wikipedia describes St. John – Gethsemane Baptist Church as being “located within the East Side of Buffalo. The neighborhood is centered along High Street running west-east and Jefferson Avenue running north – south. It is enclosed along its eastern boundary by the Kensington Expressway and Michigan Avenue as its Western Boundary, separating the Fruit Belt from the Medical Campus.” At present, the Fruit Belt is a residential neighborhood in Buffalo, New York located adjacent to the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

This article was provided as a courtesy of HeartandSoul.com. Click here to view the full article.

Buffalo’s Black Billion Plans to Invest in Jefferson Ave.

Loren B. — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 15:22:13 +0000

St. John Baptist Church has announced its intentions to redevelop Jefferson Ave, estimating that with proper support significant changes can be made in the area in less than one decade.

Following the 2022 Buffalo Shooting at the Tops located on Jefferson Ave., the church has set its sights on the Jefferson strip as its next redevelopment project. The church’s plan to reinvigorate the Fruit Belt, known as Buffalo’s Black Billion, is in the process of building a open-air farmer’s market on High St., between Mulberry and Locust.

In the past St. John has established a Community Benefit Agreement with the residents of the area it’s developing. As part of the agreement, resident input and ideas are sought and adopted into the redevelopment efforts.

The redevelopment of Jefferson Ave would do much to create job opportunities in the community. It would be a massive step towards decreasing crime rates and restoring Jefferson Ave as a thriving center of commerce.

WIVB’s Tara Lynch, spoke to Reverend Michael Chapman regarding Buffalo’s Black Billion’s current projects and its future endeavors in the Jefferson area. Please click here to read the full article.