256-Unit Housing Project Adjacent to Beacon Station - Approved As Part of Gov's RUSH HOUSING INITIATIVE

Beacon - -The MTA Board has approved developer Jonathan Rose Companies to turn a parking lot adjacent to the Beacon Metro-North station into a development of 265 mixed-income housing, according to Governor Kathy Hochul.  The announced development is part of Hochul’s efforts to repurpose underutilized state-owned properties for housing under the RUSH (Redevelopment of Underutilized Sites for Housing) initiative.

State funding for the development will include the construction of a parking deck to replace an existing Metro-North commuter parking area with the new housing.

“By creating new housing next to the Beacon Metro-North station, we are breathing new life into an underutilized site and giving more New Yorkers the opportunity to live in a vibrant community with an express train to New York City just next door,” Hochul said.  “This project is a model for how thoughtful development can strengthen communities and make our state more affordable and livable.”

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “Transit-oriented development is a double win for the region – creating lively, walkable communities while responding to Governor Hochul’s commitment to new housing. We can’t wait to get started on the Beacon project,” despite no indication of when the project would begin.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “This transit-oriented development project will transform a state-owned parking lot into its highest and best use while maintaining parking for commuters with an integrated parking structure and increasing much-needed housing supply and affordable options for our residents,” with Beacon Mayor Lee Kyriacou adding “MTA’s proposed Transit-Oriented Development project in the City of Beacon will provide increased and affordable housing opportunities to current and future residents.”  The mayor also said, “It will replace ugly impermeable blacktop with environmentally sustainable living, which helps Beacon both to support our Main Street, and also to do our part to help address the housing shortage in our region.”

The announcement, made earlier this week, is limited in project details, including the estimated start date, the total estimated cost of the project, and the amount of state funding earmarked specifically for this project.  The announcement noted that the State’s 2025 and 2026 budgets included money for Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Community Program, which allows certified localities exclusive access to up to $750 million in discretionary State funding. Currently, more than 300 communities have received Pro-Housing certification, including the City of Beacon. This program also includes a $500 million capital fund to build up to 15,000 new homes on State-owned property, including the Beacon project.

Editor's Note: Might this Housing Project, specifically geared for the commuter train population, help bolster MTA support for the Newburgh-Beacon Ferry? At least it will provide a decent parking area, and possible other access area amenities.

Source: Mid-Huddson-News

Story by Todd Bender