Governor Kathy Hochul has taken a decisive step towards addressing New York’s housing shortage with a new project intended to add 265 mixed-income homes adjacent to the Beacon Metro-North Station. As reported by the Governor’s Office, this development signifies the latest effort following the Governor’s Executive Actions that focus on converting underutilized state-owned sites into housing. In this instance, a parking lot will be exchanged for a vibrant residential area, and the expected outcome is a more connected Beacon community, with a bonus express route to midtown Manhattan.
“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 stated in the announcement. Funded via the Governor’s Redevelopment of Underutilized Sites for Housing (RUSH), an initiative aims to catalyze housing development on state properties. Jonathan Rose Companies has been selected as the developer for this transformative project, underscoring the collaboration between the state and private sector to remedy housing deficits, as per the Governor’s Office.
The project’s transit-oriented design means the development hinges on providing access to reliable transportation, fostering a neighborhood that’s not only walkable but also significantly reduces commuter reliance on cars. Hoping to set a precedent for similar projects, MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber told the Governor’s Office press release, “Transit-oriented development is a double win for the region – creating lively, walkable communities while responding to Governor Hochul’s commitment to new housing.” This endeavor isn’t just about building homes; it’s about cultivating a way of life that aligns with modern, sustainable values…