Mayor Malik D. Evans announces Rochester Roots project bringing new single-family homes and affordable homeownership opportunities to strengthen the JOSANA neighborhood community

Rochester, New York – A new chapter of neighborhood renewal is about to unfold in the JOSANA community as Mayor Malik D. Evans announced Rochester Roots, a forward-looking homeownership initiative aimed at creating stability and opportunity for city residents. The project, developed through a partnership between the Rochester Land Bank Corporation and Rochester’s Cornerstone Group, will deliver 15 new, high-quality single-family homes on long-vacant and underused parcels of land.

The initiative is designed to help more Rochester families achieve the goal of owning a home while revitalizing a neighborhood that has seen years of disinvestment. Construction is slated to begin in early 2026, with applications for potential homeowners expected to open next summer.

“Rochester families deserve access to high-quality housing and real pathways to homeownership,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “Rochester Roots builds on the work and success of our Buy The Block initiative and represents the kind of innovation and partnership that will help close the homeownership gap, create stability in our neighborhoods, and build generational wealth for city residents. This project strengthens the JOSANA community and shows what’s possible when we turn challenges into opportunities.”

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At the heart of the effort is the Rochester Land Bank Corporation’s mission to turn neglected spaces into productive, community-serving assets. The organization is finalizing a new strategic plan that prioritizes creative, locally driven strategies to address the city’s housing challenges. Rochester Roots embodies this approach by transforming empty lots into affordable homes that keep investment circulating within the community rather than allowing it to drift away.

Each of the planned homes will feature modern, energy-efficient designs intended to reduce long-term costs for residents. The mix of ranch and two-story townhome models will come equipped with all-electric heating and cooling systems, detached garages, and inviting porches that encourage neighborhood connection. Accessibility has been woven into every floor plan, with zero-step entrances, wider doorways, and a main-floor half bathroom in each home.

One of the 15 homes will be fully ADA-compliant, while another will include specialized features for individuals with hearing or visual impairments. These inclusive design elements reflect the city’s goal of ensuring that new housing opportunities meet the needs of all residents, regardless of mobility or physical challenges.

Rochester Roots will target buyers earning at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), with a particular focus on supporting households between 50 and 60 percent of AMI. Applicants must qualify for a traditional mortgage, but the city and its partners will provide support through credit counseling, financial education, and home maintenance guidance to help ensure long-term success.

To maintain affordability well into the future, the homes will include a 30-year resale requirement — a safeguard that prevents them from quickly entering the speculative housing market. This condition ensures that the benefits of the program will extend to future families and help preserve affordable housing stock for generations to come.

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The funding for Rochester Roots is being assembled through a network of public and private partners, including New York State Homes and Community Renewal, ESL Foundation, NYSERDA, Monroe County, the Rochester Land Bank Corporation, and the City of Rochester. Their combined investment underscores a shared commitment to expanding access to affordable housing and building stronger, more equitable neighborhoods.

For the JOSANA area, the initiative represents more than just new homes — it symbolizes a steady return of hope and opportunity. Once dotted with empty lots and aging structures, the neighborhood has been steadily transforming thanks to projects that combine housing, infrastructure, and community engagement.

With Rochester Roots, that progress continues. The project aims to not only provide new housing options but also anchor residents to their community through homeownership, economic stability, and pride of place.

As the city prepares to break ground in 2026, Mayor Evans said the project marks a major step toward creating a Rochester where every family has the chance to thrive. “This project strengthens the JOSANA community and shows what’s possible when we turn challenges into opportunities,” he said — a statement that captures both the urgency and optimism driving this new era of neighborhood reinvestment.