A plan to build a controversial housing development in Rochester was approved in a 5-4 vote by Rochester City Council on Tuesday night.
Before a packed meeting room at City Hall, Council approved the plan put forward by Rochester Management which wants to demolish 60-units of housing at Cobbs Hill Village and replace it with 104 units that include studio, one and two bedroom apartments and townhouses.
The company wants to replace the '50s-era complex that consists of six, one-story buildings.
Rochester Management has said that the existing buildings are outdated and have deteriorated.
Objections have been made by both tenants and others in the community who have expressed concerns ranging from affordability of the new units to what the new buildings would mean for the landscape in that area of the city.
A group opposed to the project contends that the current buildings are in excellent shape, and with some minor improvements, can serve Rochester seniors for many years to come.
Rochester Management has said that rents would remain the same for current tenants, and that every unit in the new complex would meet guidelines for affordable senior housing.
In a statement released by Rochester Management on Tuesday night, the company said that, "The new Cobbs Hill Village will be an asset to the Rochester community," which increases the number of affordable units in the city and provides seniors with improved accessibility and modernized, high quality homes.
Opponents have filed a lawsuit in an effort to block the project. That matter is still pending.
