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Woodstock Commons Funding Approved
For Immediate Release Kingston, NY -- 8/26/2010 — The Woodstock Commons housing development proposed by Rural Ulster Preservation Company (RUPCO) was among those funded for the coming year according to announcements today by Governor Paterson and the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR). Funding for the project was awarded in two grants including $2,135,000 from the Housing Trust Fund and $265,000 from the Infrastructure Development Demonstration Program, along with annual allocations of Low Income Housing Credits ($1,090,286 per year) and State Low Income Housing Credits ($500,000 per year) that will fully fund the project. The announcement of funding for the project, on the heels of approval by the Woodstock Planning Board ensures that RUPCO will be able to begin construction next spring. “Elated, excited, energized ” were the words RUPCO Executive Director used to describe the feelings in his agency when the announcements were made. “This has been a long hard road and we are all thrilled that things have finally fallen in to place to bring this beautiful and badly needed housing to Woodstock.” O’Connor said this is actually the third time the state has approved funding for the project, though earlier funds had to be declined because of the length of the review process. “We are going to give Woodstock one of the most beautiful affordable housing complexes ever built in this state,” said O’Connor. “We were invited by the town to do this, on a site that has been called the best, last chance for affordable housing in the hamlet ,” said O’Connor. “It is a well designed, project, sustainable as well as affordable. And certainly, the need for this housing has only increased during the last five years.” RUPCO officials had been confident that with approvals in hand, they would be funded yet again, but with more and more needs and more applications from throughout the state, competition was stiff. New York State Senator John Bonacic, long a supporter of housing for working families in the Hudson Valley, called RUPCO to alert them to the award. “There is always a need for more housing for working families in the Hudson Valley,” said the Senator. “I will continue to fight to make housing more affordable for all New Yorkers. I am pleased that groups like RUPCO share in that mission.” Assemblymember Kevin Cahill shared Bonacic’s enthusiasm. “RUPCO has been on the forefront of providing top notch affordable housing and rental assistance for our communities. Woodstock Commons will go a long way toward meeting the needs of many of our residents as they search for a home that fits their budget.” Cahill added that “ I am proud to have been able to support RUPCO in their efforts.” Guy Kempe, Director of Community Development at RUPCO was equally excited. RUPCO’s point person on the project for three of its five years of review, Kempe said that “everyone will be proud when this is finished. Woodstock Commons will be one of the most innovative affordable housing developments in New York.” Kempe added that the proposal combines family and senior housing on the same campus and is designed to meet U.S. Green Building Council's LEED certification for New Construction.” The development was one of the first 9 projects of any kind in New York State to register under LEED for Neighborhood Development and when built, will provide 53 homes for seniors, working families and artists with two units will be set aside for seniors with developmental disabilities. The homes have been designed by Ashokan Architecture and will be built by Affordable Housing Concepts, Inc. of Gardiner, NY. Back to main New Media Releases page |
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