Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the completion of Golden Hill Apartments, a new 164-unit affordable housing development in Kingston. The $87 million project received $10 million from the first round of the Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund and is located on a 20-acre site that previously housed the Ulster County Jail. The development provides housing for families, seniors, and individuals needing support services.
Golden Hill Apartments is part of ongoing efforts by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), which has created or preserved over 1,100 affordable homes in Ulster County in the past five years. The project also supports Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York.
“Golden Hill Apartments is a bold reimagining of what was once a vacant jail into a vibrant, modern, multi-generational community that lifts up families, seniors, and those who’ve faced homelessness,” Governor Hochul said. “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. With today’s announcement, Golden Hills 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.”
The apartments are available to households earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income. Nearly half are reserved for senior residents aged 62 and older; forty-eight units are set aside for those eligible for onsite support services such as case management and financial counseling. The complex includes two mid-rise buildings, four townhomes, landscaped outdoor areas with playgrounds tailored to different age groups, an outdoor plaza, wooded trail access to the Empire State Trail, fitness center, child-care facility open to the public, and will soon have an Ulster County Area Transit bus stop.
The redevelopment aligns with recommendations from Ulster County’s 2021 Housing Action Plan under then-County Executive Pat Ryan. It complements state initiatives like the $500 million capital fund dedicated to building new homes on state-owned properties including former correctional facilities.
Golden Hill Apartments uses all-electric systems with rooftop solar arrays generating about 700 kWp combined. Energy-efficient appliances and green design features were incorporated throughout.
Pennrose and Family of Woodstock co-developed the project; Family of Woodstock provides onsite support services. Some units are accessible for people with mobility impairments as well as hearing or visual disabilities.
Financing came from multiple sources: HCR’s Federal and State Tax Credit programs generated approximately $41 million in equity; there were $6.5 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds; an $18.7 million subsidy; a $902,000 grant from HCR’s Clean Energy Initiative program (in partnership with NYSERDA); a $15 million loan from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing Program; operating funding through Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative; Empire State Development awarded $10 million via its Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund; Department of Environmental Conservation provided $1.68 million for solar power through its Climate Smart Communities grant program; Federal Home Loan Bank contributed about $1.5 million via Family of Woodstock; Ulster County allocated American Rescue Plan Act funds for demolition costs; U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Rep Patrick Ryan secured an additional $1 million from federal appropriations; City of Kingston offered Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreements plus annual Community Impact Fees.
New York State Housing Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas stated: “HCR is proud to have played a role in transforming this property from a gloomy former jail into a modern, sustainable, affordable apartment complex that will be home to more than 160 households. Our investment in Golden Hill Apartments continues our efforts to ensure residents of all ages have access to the housing and support services they need to thrive and builds on our work in Ulster County where we’ve created or preserved more than 1,100 affordable homes over the past five years.”
Barbara C. Guinn from New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance added: “Supportive housing is a critical and proven tool in helping stabilize the lives of people who have experienced homelessness…Our agency is proud to be a partner in this important community project…”
Empire State Development President Hope Knight commented: “Affordable housing supports workforce mobility…The Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund represents our commitment…The Golden Hill Apartments are the latest example…”
NYSERDA President Doreen M. Harris said: “Golden Hill Apartments is a highly efficient affordable housing complex that will improve the lives of residents while helping create a cleaner community…”
MHREDC Co-Chairs Dr. Marsha Gordon & Dr. Kristine Young remarked: “This project embodies the Mid-Hudson region’s innovative spirit…By transforming a vacant jail site into a vibrant intergenerational community…”
Representative Pat Ryan stated: “I hear it from folks every day — costs…are way too high…That’s why I spearheaded…the Golden Hill Apartments project as Ulster County Executive…This is a huge step forward for our Ulster community…”
Senator Chuck Schumer noted: “Every family in Kingston deserves a safe and affordable place to call home…I applaud Governor Hochul’s work increasing access to housing…”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said: “Access to affordable housing should be a guarantee for every New Yorker…”
State Senator Michelle Hinchey commented: “The completion…marks an important milestone…demonstrates the power of collaboration between every level of government…”
Kingston Mayor Steve Noble said: “We are thrilled…Thank you Governor Hochul…and Commissioner Visnauskas…partnership between Pennrose Family of Woodstock…and Ulster County allowed this former jail site become home…”
Pennrose President Dylan Salmons remarked: “…Golden Hill demonstrates how public/private sectors can work collaboratively…”
Family of Woodstock Executive Director Michael Berg added: “…Ulster County is struggling with critical affordable housing shortage…the first workforce housing built specifically address needs local population.”
Governor Hochul has focused on addressing New York’s housing crisis through measures included in recent budgets—such as new tax incentives for developers, increased capital funding for construction projects statewide including electrification goals—and expanded protections for renters/homeowners.
More than 68,000 homes have been created or preserved so far under her five-year plan.
The Pro-Housing Community Program now certifies over 370 communities—including Kingston—giving them exclusive access to discretionary state funding.
