A site that was once occupied by a county jail has been redeveloped into a new 164-unit affordable housing community in Kingston, New York.
Developed by Pennrose and Family of Woodstock, Golden Hill Apartments is an all-electric multigenerational community that serves families, seniors, and households in need of support services. Nearly half of the apartments are reserved for senior households 62 and older. Forty-eight apartments are set aside for households eligible for on-site support services, including families struggling with homelessness.
The homes are affordable to households earning up to 80% of the area median income.
“Golden Hill Apartments is a bold reimagining of what was once a vacant jail into a vibrant, modern, multigenerational community that lifts up families, seniors, and those who've faced homelessness,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul. “We know the Hudson Valley needs more affordable and supportive homes, and we’re making sure no stone is left unturned when it comes to making more homes for residents a reality. … Golden Hill brings us one step closer to our goal of creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York, and building a more affordable, equitable future.”
Funding sources for the $87 million development include:
- Federal and state tax credit programs generated approximately $41 million in equity, $6.5 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, and $18.7 million in subsidy;
- New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s Clean Energy Initiative program, created in partnership with the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority, awarded a $902,000 grant;
- The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance provided a subsidy loan of $15 million from its Homeless Housing and Assistance Program and is administering operating funding for the supportive units provided by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative;
- Empire State Development awarded $10 million from the inaugural round of its Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund, an initiative designed to boost housing supply in the region through support for diverse projects including vibrant mixed-use developments, transit-oriented housing near major commuting hubs and critical infrastructure improvements that enable future housing growth;
- The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation provided a $1.68 million grant toward the solar power system from its Climate Smart Communities grant program;
- The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York provided an Affordable Housing Program General Fund subsidy to the Family of Woodstock of approximately $1.5 million;
- Ulster County allocated $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to demolish the former jail structures;
- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Patrick Ryan allocated $1 million to the Golden Hill Apartments project from the fiscal 2024 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations bill; and
- The city of Kingston provided a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT)agreement at $620 per unit and an $18,000 per year community impact fee with annual increases for the length of the community impact fee and PILOT agreements.
“Golden Hill demonstrates how public and private sectors can work collaboratively to implement meaningful housing solutions—transforming an underutilized site into energy-efficient, multigenerational housing with on-site supportive services, connected community resources, and tailored amenities,” said Dylan Salmons, president of acquisitions at Pennrose.