The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board has selected Jonathan Rose Companies to develop a mixed-income residential project at the Beacon Metro-North Station, Governor Kathy Hochul announced. The plan will transform an existing parking lot into 265 housing units as part of ongoing efforts to repurpose underused state-owned land for housing development.
Governor Hochul said, “The key to making our state a more affordable place to live is simple: build more housing, especially right next door to frequent and reliable transit service. 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. This project is a model for how thoughtful development can strengthen communities and make our state more affordable and livable.”
The development will include a structured parking garage replacing the current commuter lot while maintaining parking availability for commuters. Funding comes from the Redevelopment of Underutilized Sites for Housing (RUSH) program, which aims to turn state-owned properties into new housing opportunities.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber stated, “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.”
Jamie Torres-Springer, President of MTA Construction & Development, added, “We’re proud to turn MTA assets into exciting, dynamic growth for the entire region, and I’m excited that this project will connect 265 new units of housing with all the great service the MTA has to offer.”
According to Miriam Harris, Senior Vice President of MTA C&D Transit-Oriented Development: “This project will create vital new housing options for the iconic riverside city of Beacon – all while increasing ridership and advancing our regional planning goals. It’s a win for New Yorkers everywhere, and we’re excited to see it move forward.”
Empire State Development President Hope Knight commented on economic impacts: “Expanding economic opportunity for New Yorkers starts with quality housing—and the Beacon Metro-North Station project shows how Governor Hochul is delivering. Under her leadership, New York is transforming underutilized state-owned sites and leveraging innovative NY-RUSH funding to create much-needed transit-oriented housing that strengthens local economies and fosters sustainable, connected growth in communities like Beacon and across the state.”
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas noted: “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York is turning bold ideas into real housing solutions. Thanks to the RUSH program, we’re creating 265 new homes right next to transit—a win for affordability, sustainability, and smart land use. This development turns pavement into progress, showing how strategic investment can reshape communities for the better and help more New Yorkers live where they thrive.”
Beacon Mayor Lee Kyriacou said that this initiative would increase affordable living options in line with city priorities: “MTA’s proposed Transit-Oriented Development project in the City of Beacon will provide increased and affordable housing opportunities to current and future residents. 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. We look forward to working with MTA to ensure that the project fits with the City’s planning priorities and aesthetic character.”
Jonathan F.P. Rose of Jonathan Rose Companies said his firm was pleased by their selection: “We are so pleased to have been selected by the MTA to redevelop the Beacon Train Station’s North Lot. This project represents a key goal of the firm-–to develop green, transit-oriented mixed-income and mixed-use projects that expand housing options and economic development for their host communities. And what an amazingly vital, creative community Beacon is.”
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino added: “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.”
Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson highlighted compliance with local zoning rules: “The MTA’s transit-oriented housing plan provides much-needed housing for Beacon. The project will comply with Beacon zoning and provide affordable housing in at least ten percent of the 265 units. The complex will also have its own parking garage for new residents and retail customers, with no reduction of available parking for commuters. I applaud Governor Hochul on following through and bringing her promise of transit-oriented housing to Beacon.”
State officials report that as part of broader initiatives outlined in recent budgets—including $500 million earmarked specifically toward developing up-to 15,000 homes on state property—over 60,000 affordable homes have already been created or preserved statewide since launching these programs.
More than 300 municipalities have received Pro-Housing certification from New York State under policies allowing exclusive access up-to $750 million in discretionary funding; this includes funding allocated directly toward projects such as this one at Beacon Metro-North Station.
Jonathan Rose Companies manages nearly 20,000 apartment homes nationwide across several states including offices in New York.
