POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino has announced $2.45 million in funding from the Dutchess County’s Housing Trust Fund (HTF) which will help to develop and/or preserve more than 100 affordable housing rental units as part of four housing projects in Amenia and Poughkeepsie.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Everyone deserves safe, stable housing that they can afford. Dutchess County is proud to partner with local builders and developers interested in creating not just buildings, but strong communities that support individuals and families. I’m excited to see these projects come to life, offering housing options that genuinely connect with people’s needs and offer real opportunities for safe, secure homes they can truly call their own.”
County Executive Serino met with local housing professionals at a HTF Applicant Workshop earlier this year to encourage new projects, both large and small, in all areas of Dutchess County. Smaller housing projects were encouraged, particularly in more rural communities where small unit projects can have a meaningful impact on rental availability.
Four affordable rental housing projects were funded through the Housing Creation & Preservation (HCP) component of the HTF, totaling $2.45 million:
The Clinton Crest, 15 N Clinton Street, City of Poughkeepsie – $550,000
Rehabilitation that expands an existing 4-unit multifamily building by adding 4 new 2-bedroom units. Three units will be reserved for households earning up to 60% of area median income (AMI) and one unit for households earning up to 80% AMI. This project has received all land use approvals.
8 Powder House Road, Amenia – $200,000
New construction of a duplex with two 2-bedroom units for households earning up to 60% AMI. This project responds to a housing gap in northeastern Dutchess County and could serve as a model for similar small-scale development in rural northeast Dutchess County.
Dutchess County Legislature Majority Leader Deirdre Houston said, “Expanding affordable housing throughout Dutchess County is a top priority, and I’m proud to support these new units coming to Amenia, where even small projects make a big impact. I share County Executive Serino’s efforts to ensure residents have safe, secure housing they can afford, and I look forward to seeing the benefit these new units will have on those who need them.”
Morgan Avenue Apartments, Morgan Avenue, City of Poughkeepsie – $1,000,000
New construction of 2 buildings with a total of 9 units, 8 2-bedroom and 1 1-bedroom units. Seven units will be supported by this award, one 1-bedroom and six 2-bedroom units. Five units will be for households earning up to 60% AMI, and two units will be for households earning up to 80% AMI.
Windows on Main, 488 Main Street, Poughkeepsie - $700,000
New construction of an 81-unit building on the site of an existing laundromat. This project will have 20 studio units, 42 1-bedroom units and 19 2-bedroom units. Units for households earning up to 50% AMI include 4 studio units, 16 1-bedroom units and 4 2-bedroom units. Units for households earning up to 60% AMI include, 11 studio units, 21 1-bedroom units and 10 2-bedroom units. Units for households earning up to 100% AMI include 5 studio units, 5 1-bedroom units and 5 2-bedroom units. The laundromat has signed a lease to rent the first floor of the building, post-construction.
Legislator Randy Johnson said, “These projects, supported by the County’s Housing Trust Fund, will bring more affordable housing to our community. I look forward to these housing units making a real impact in Dutchess County, and I thank my fellow legislators and County Executive Serino for her continued support of our Housing Trust Fund.”
The HTF-supported units will be available to households with incomes between 30-80% of the Dutchess County Average Median Income (AMI). Based on U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development data, Dutchess County’s current AMI, per household size, is as follows:
For example, using current AMI, the new affordable rental units to be created could be available to single renters with annual income between $25,830 (30% of $86,100) and $68,880 (80% of $86,100). A household with 3 people could qualify for these affordable housing units if its household income ranged between $33,210 (30% of the $110,700 AMI) and $88,560 (80% of $110,700 AMI). *AMI is updated annually, so eligible income ranges would adjust accordingly.
The County’s HTF was established to provide a flexible and nimble funding source to aid the implementation of a variety of affordable housing efforts, as recommended in the 2022 Dutchess County Housing Needs Assessment, targeting affordability for low- and moderate-income residents throughout the County. The HCP program component of the HTF seeks to create and preserve affordable rental units, as the Housing Needs Assessment identified renters earning less than $50,000 as those facing the greatest housing challenges.
Earlier this year, the first project supported by the HTF, a three-unit affordable housing development in the City of Poughkeepsie, welcomed three families; several other projects supported by the first round of HTF funding are in various stages of development.
More detailed information on program priorities, requirements, regulations and guidance is available online: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/Planning/Docs/HCP-Policies-and-Procedures-for-2nd-Funding-Round.pdf.
