Rochester’s Planning Commission has given its go-ahead to the controversial expansion of Cobb’s Hill VIllage next to Cobb’s Hill Park.
The $27.5 million expansion of the affordable housing complex was modified at the commission’s request, with changes to landscaping and pedestrian connectivity. Owner Rochester Management says it’s pleased with the commission’s decision. The nonprofit agency says it’s committed to keep rents at 20 apartments in the expanded complex at the current levels for the senior-citizen tenants.
The original Cobb’s Hill Village opened in 1957 as an affordable middle-class housing project. The expansion next to the park raised controversy because it is adding multi-story buildings to the existing single-story units. It will continue to be a senior-citizen housing project.
City Council must now give final approval before construction can begin.