FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 3, 2023

Mayor Noble Launches ARPA Affordable Housing Fund

Grant Applications Open June 1, 2023

KINGSTON, NY – Mayor Steven T. Noble is pleased to announce the launch of the ARPA Affordable Housing Fund to incentivize the creation of new affordable housing units in the City of Kingston.

The City of Kingston has allocated $1,000,000 of its federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the Affordable Housing Fund, with the goal of prioritizing development or renovation projects that result in the creation of housing rented at no more than 60% Area Median Income for a period of 20 years. The fund will offer grant awards of up to $60,000 per affordable housing unit.

“I am thrilled to launch the ARPA Affordable Housing Fund and to offer this incentive for the creation of additional much-needed affordable housing in the community,” said Mayor Noble. “We set aside $5,000,000 from the City of Kingston’s American Rescue Plan Act to help us launch housing programs and get money directly into the community for housing initiatives, and it’s very exciting to see these projects beginning to launch. We are using every available tool to combat our housing crisis, and I look forward to seeing what new development this may bring to Kingston.”

The ARPA Affordable Housing Fund grant program is managed by the City of Kingston’s Office of Housing Initiatives. One application is needed for each property. Non-profit and for-profit developers are invited to apply. No more than $180,000 will be made available to any building no matter how many units are in the building. Owners may use funding to construct new housing, to rehabilitate currently vacant properties, or for adaptive reuse of nonresidential buildings.  

“This sizable investment represents the importance the City of Kingston places on helping our residents find affordable housing,” said Director of Housing Initiatives Bartek Starodaj.

Grant funds may be used for essential construction or rehabilitation activities including but not limited to roof repair/replacement, upgrade of electrical systems, environmental remediation, windows, accessibility ramps, plumbing, and heating systems. Depending on the total cost of the repair, a certain number of units will be subject to the affordability restrictions for the full 20-year period.

This is a reimbursement program; award payments will be made following execution of a City/Grantee contract and the City’s receipt, review, and acceptance of expense documentation. Following execution of a City/Grantee contract, a certificate of occupancy for the units must be received by March 31, 2025. 

Application opens June 1, 2023. Awards will be made on a rolling basis until the program funds are exhausted.

For further information, eligible fund uses, application and more, please visit: www.engagekingston.com/arpa-affordable-housing.  

For questions about the application, eligibility, or another concern, please contact Bartek Starodaj, Director of Housing Initiatives at [email protected] or 845-334-3928. The City of Kingston strongly suggests that each applicant contact the Office of Housing Initiatives for a preliminary review of a project’s eligibility.

In line with the goals of the City’s ARPA Economic Recovery Plan, this program responds to the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency, focusing on the need to grow the housing supply and support housing affordability and security.

Mayor Noble established the Department of Housing Initiatives in 2020 to support housing planning in the City of Kingston. The Department manages housing-related grants, supports the construction of new market-rate and affordable housing, develops policies to protect existing residents, and addresses the connection between housing and sustainability, health, and mobility. The Department also reviews the disposition of city-owned property suitable for housing development and collaborates with local and regional housing organizations. Current projects include city-wide rezoning efforts, the Tiny Homes Project, short-term rental guidelines and many more. Visit https://kingston-ny.gov/housing.