Rochester, N.Y. -- Stephen Hockey has lived near Holy Rosary for 15 years, he says he remembers a once vibrant neighborhood.“It was thriving, a lot of Kodak employees, a lot of money running around, now it's getting worse and worse and worse,” said Hockey.
The church closed in 2008, part of a consolidation of three parishes.
Hockey believes using that space to add more affordable homes can't be a bad thing.
“I think it's a great idea, there's so many homeless people around that we need more, Hockey says.
Based on a Providence Housing study, housing is needed.
They'll build 33 rental units and houses, along with community space for tenants and Mary's Place; a group that serves refugees.
The plan is to make renovations to the inside of the church and keep the original façade of the structure.
“The idea is to readapt and redevelop areas like this,” said City Councilwoman Carla Palumbo.
But one nearby resident opposes the idea.
She started a petition, and sent letters to city council.
In her letters she states, “It seems like the 10th ward is becoming a welfare haven for refugees, drug dealers and thugs.
She goes on to reference the safety of walking down Dewey Avenue.
“People are screened before they come in, there's a waiting list to get into the apartments,” said Palumbo.
The city says it's a project that will provide housing for the handicapped and working middle class; an investment that will help this community bounce back.
“This is going to uplift the community,” said Palumbo.
The city council already approved the rezoning of the area.
The project's expected to cost $14 million dollars.
Some of that will be funded by the city, how much, is still to be determined.
Construction is expected to start this spring.
The projection could be complete at the end of the year or early next year.
