BMHA board of commissioners approves contracts for more than $4 million in capital improvements at 5 housing developments

Earlier this week, the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA) board of commissioners approved $4.02 million worth of contracts for infrastructure improvements at five BMHA housing developments. BMHA Executive Director Gillian Brown said the 2021 capital improvement work includes repairs and replacement of parking lots, sidewalks, court yards, curbing and other site updates to the developments in the upcoming construction season.

"Capital investment in our developments is further proof of the commitment by the BMHA, and Mayor Byron Brown to keeping Buffalo's affordable housing stock in good repair,” she said. “Over the course of the next five years, more than half of the BMHA's developments will be positively impacted by site work, renovations and other improvements.”

The largest contract, $2.75 million, was awarded to Northeast Diversification Inc. for work at Kenfield Homes. The Lancaster-based firm will replace and repair parking lots and sidewalks throughout the 39-acre development, as well as work on entry porches and stoops. Northeast Diversification was one of six bidders for that contract.

Occhino Corp. of West Seneca was the winning bidder for capital improvements at two BMHA sites. Occhino will replace and repair parking lots, sidewalks, outdoor benches and tables at LBJ Apartments at a cost not to exceed $434,213. The firm will also do parking lots and sidewalk repairs at Msgr. Geary Apartments at a cost not to exceed $326,551. Occhino was selected from a field of six bidders on both projects.

A $429,766 contract was awarded to DMYLES Inc. of Niagara Falls for parking lot paving, sidewalk and curbing work and courtyard improvements at Schwab Terrace Apartments. The firm was among six bidders for the work.

The final contract was awarded to Rodriguez Construction Group Inc. of Buffalo. Rodriguez beat out six other bidders for the $81,000 contract to repave and repair two parking lots, curbing and sidewalks.

The targeted parking lots currently have potholes and heaving pavement, which pose a problem to the vehicles of residents and their guests. Damaged sidewalks, courtyards and curbing pose a tripping hazard to pedestrians.