Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Rochester Mayor Malik Evans joined local, state, and federal leaders Monday to break ground on a $13 million housing development that will bring 22 new affordable single-family homes to the city’s Upper Falls neighborhood — a historically redlined area long affected by disinvestment

The First Genesis Single Family Homes project, spearheaded by the First Genesis Development Corporation in partnership with Rochester Management Inc., Atlas Construction, and Passero Associates, aims to create lasting stability and expand homeownership opportunities for working families.

Funding for the project includes $4.8 million from New York State’s Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) Affordable Homeownership Opportunity Program, $1.86 million from Monroe County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation, and $2 million from the City of Rochester — combining ARPA funds and City Council support. Additional funding comes from the ESL Foundation, Greater Rochester Housing Partnership, NYSERDA, and LISC

“Safe, affordable housing and equitable access to homeownership are the foundation of a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant community,” Bello said. “For too long, disinvestment and redlining have denied too many families the opportunity to build stability and generational wealth. Today’s groundbreaking represents a commitment to right those wrongs.”

Mayor Evans called the initiative a testament to the power of partnership: “Homeownership strengthens families, stabilizes neighborhoods, and builds generational wealth. The momentum we’re seeing here is proof that investments inspire confidence — and that confidence inspires hope that continues to move our city forward.”

Federal lawmakers praised the project as a model of targeted, community-based investment.

“This project represents what’s possible when government, faith institutions, and neighbors come together to strengthen our community,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “We’re not just building homes — we’re building hope and opportunity.”

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer highlighted the strategic use of federal ARPA dollars. “By turning those funds into real homes for working families, the county and city are proving that smart, targeted investments can spark renewal in every neighborhood,” he said.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand added that the development “will help tackle the housing crisis in Rochester and build a stronger, healthier community by fixing historic wrongs.”

At the state level, HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said the agency’s investment “will give 22 families the chance to afford homes they can call their own,” calling the project “transformative for homebuyers in the historically underserved Upper Falls neighborhood.”

When completed in 2027, the development will feature five two-bedroom ranch-style homes, six three-bedroom ranches, and 11 two-story, three-bedroom homes with full basements. Three will be fully ADA-compliant with roll-in showers and accessible kitchen designs.

Reverend Dr. Frederick Johnson Sr., president and CEO of First Genesis Development Corporation, described the project as the culmination of “many years of prayer, planning, and collaboration.”

“This project will transform families and neighborhoods while changing the landscape for generations,” Johnson said. “It fulfills the testimony that collaboration with the faith community, civic, and private entities can start to build generational wealth in underserved communities.”

Scott Procious, president and CEO of Rochester Management Inc., echoed that sentiment: “We’re proud to be part of such a transformative project. Together, we are building more than homes — we are building futures, stability, and stronger communities.”

The homes will be attainable for households earning between 50% and 60% of the Area Median Income. Buyers must complete a HUD-certified first-time homebuyer education program before purchase. Each home meeting energy efficiency standards will also qualify for a $20,000 sustainability subsidy through HCR

Officials said the groundbreaking marks more than the start of construction — it symbolizes a renewed investment in equity, community, and opportunity in one of Rochester’s most historically marginalized neighborhoods.