Tenants at Big Tree Glen on West Main Street Road are settling in and the Conifer Realty LLC/United Memorial Medical Center joint venture is taking on a "community" feel.
That's the word from Joan Mrzywka, community manager of the apartment complex that currently has occupancy in 54 of its 56 one-, two- and three-bedroom units. Six of the apartments are specially designed for handicap or HVI (hearing vision impaired) persons.
"Things are going really well thus far, just a few minor glitches," said Mrzywka, an Albion resident and former prerschool teacher who has been on the job for about a year.
Mrzwyka was joined by Town of Batavia Planning Board members, Conifer executives and the local media on a tour of the facilities on Tuesday night.
Big Tree Glen, which opened a couple months ago, features seven eight-plex buildings, with four first-floor apartments and four second-floor apartments. The building that houses Mrzwyka's office also includes a community room, fitness center, computer room (with four workstations) and a 24-hour accessible, security camera-equipped laundry room.
Mrzywka said the familes there are of all age groups. Eligibility is based on family and individual incomes in relation to Genesee County's median income.
Monthly rental rates are as follows:
Three-bedroom -- $812 (50 percent of the median income), $916 (60 percent).
Two-bedroom -- $704 (50 percent), $713 (60 percent).
One-bedroom -- $569 (50 percent), $570 (60 percent).
Rent does not include electricity but does include gas (which is used for heat and hot water), sewer and water, Mrzywka said.
Conifer plans to build 40 more apartments (all one- and two-bedroom units) as part of its Phase II project. It received site plan approval from town planners on Tuesday night and will be petitioning New York State in anticipation of breaking ground next spring.
"The residents here are expecting us to build more; there is such a need for housing in this area," Mrzywka said.
Company officials reported that they are working on two projects in Monroe County -- a supportive living facility in Webster in collaboration with Rochester Regional Health System and an 80-bed House of Mercy homeless shelter in the City of Rochester.
Photos: View from West Main Street Road, Community Room at Big Tree Glen, 3727 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.
