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AMHERST STATE PARK
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AMHERST VIEWS MOTHERHOUSE AS
'AFFORDABLE' SENIOR HOUSING
Buffalo News, May 11, 1999 by Jay Rey
Concerned that the growing amount of senior citizen housings in Amherst is out of the price range for many elderly, some town officials want a developer to convert the St. Mary of the Angels motherhouse on Mill Street into "affordable" housing for low- to moderate-income seniors.
Some town officials also indicated they would like the motherhouse project to include some space for community functions.
The Town Board at its work session Monday added those two preferences to the town's final list of project parameters, which will be given to developers interested in buying or leasing the motherhouse.
Amherst and the state are buying the four-story motherhouse and the surrounding 85-plus acres -- much of which will be used for a state park -- from the Sisters of St. Francis.
Amherst, in turn, has agreed to sell or lease the motherhouse to developers interested in converting the historic 1927 building into senior housing.
Much of the senior housing being built in town is too expensive for many of the residents, said Council Member Peggy G. Santillo. The motherhouse project, she said, is a chance to provide more-affordable senior housing.
Building Commissioner Thomas C. Ketchum, however, cautioned officials about setting too many restrictions or none of the developers will be interested.