A plan to turn three abandoned buildings on the West Side into affordable housing that will embrace environment-friendly “green” technology won praise from a city panel Tuesday.

The $1.8 million proposed rehabilitation of structures in the 300 and 400 blocks of Massachusetts Avenue was well received by Buffalo’s Planning Board.

PUSH Buffalo, short for People United for Sustainable Housing, is partnering with the state and the city on a project that will convert the vacant space into 11 apartments. Work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The Planning Board is still waiting for an environmental-impact study, but board members made it clear that they intend to approve the project as soon as all documents are filed.

“This is really great for the neighborhood,” said board member Cynthia A. Schwartz. “It’s wonderful to see these buildings brought back.”

PUSH Executive Director Aaron D. Bartley said the state is financing 80 percent of the project, while the city has committed to help with the remaining costs. Bartley is hopeful that groundbreaking ceremonies will be held in May or June.

Bartley said the new housing is not being launched in “isolation,” noting that there is a long-term development plan for the Massachusetts Avenue corridor. PUSH has been working for three years on a community planning process, he said.

“Literally hundreds of residents have participated in re-envisioning what this part of the West Side should look like,” Bartley said.

Architect Kevin V. Connors of eco_logic Studio said one important feature is that the rehabilitation projects will embrace green technology. They will have energy-efficient windows and water heaters, solar electric panels and recycled-content materials.

The housing complexes will be painted in “turn-of-the-century” Victorian colors, said Bartley.

Rents for one-bedroom apartments will be $375 a month, while three-bedroom units will go for $525 a month. PUSH already manages six units of housing.

Planning Board members gave favorable reviews to the new projects. Only one concern surfaced at Tuesday’s City Hall meeting. Board member Horace A. Gioia wondered how subsidized housing might affect others who own investment properties that do not receive public financing. But Gioia stressed that he’s ready to approve the project as soon as environmental documents are submitted, calling the housing developments a “major positive” for the neighborhood.”