The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board has selected Jonathan Rose Companies to develop a mixed-income residential project on a parking lot next to the Beacon Metro-North Station. The planned development will feature 265 housing units and is part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s ongoing efforts to convert underused state-owned land into housing.
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 initiative uses funding from the Redevelopment of Underutilized Sites for Housing (RUSH) program, which supports replacing existing commuter parking with structured garages and new homes. RUSH was established by Governor Hochul through Executive Order 30, directing agencies such as the MTA to identify suitable locations for housing.
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, commented, “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.”
Miriam Harris, Senior Vice President of Transit-Oriented Development at MTA C&D, added, “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.”
Hope Knight, President and CEO of Empire State Development, said, “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.”
RuthAnne Visnauskas from New York State Homes and Community Renewal stated that strategic investments like these support affordability and smart land use: “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 highlighted local benefits: “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 from Jonathan Rose Companies remarked on their mission: “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 said integrating parking while expanding affordable options was essential: “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 noted compliance with local zoning: “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.”
The Transit-Oriented Development team at MTA collaborates closely with municipalities statewide using existing assets near public transport hubs like Metro-North stations.
Recent budgets in New York have included significant allocations toward expanding affordable homes statewide—more than $1.5 billion in FY26 alone—with policies supporting renters’ protections alongside construction incentives aimed at easing barriers faced by developers across regions including Dutchess County.
Governor Hochul’s five-year plan seeks creation or preservation of up-to 100000 affordable residences throughout New York; over 60000 homes have already been completed or preserved under this strategy.
More than 300 communities now hold Pro-Housing certification—which gives access exclusive discretionary funds—to further promote similar projects elsewhere in New York State.
