Keaton PetersNew York wants to build more dense housing near public transit. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced plans to address New York’s housing crisis by transforming a commuter parking lot into residential housing.
The agency has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to develop approximately 300 mixed-income housing units adjacent to the Beacon Metro-North Station, along with replacement parking for commuters.
The project is part of New York’s goal to repurpose state-owned sites for new housing, which looks to create up to 15,000 new homes. The Beacon Station development would leverage the site’s strategic location on the Metro-North’s Hudson line, which connects to midtown Manhattan in 78 minutes.
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This development represents a growing trend of transit-oriented development designed to create more walkable communities and lessen dependence on personal vehicles while addressing housing shortages. It follows the successful opening of Metro-North’s first transit-oriented development project at Harrison Station last summer.
“New Yorkers deserve more housing near great transit options,” says Jamie Torres-Springer, the president of construction and development at MTA “This opportunity gets us a step closer to hundreds of new units in one of our state’s iconic towns.”
The site is particularly attractive for development given its proximity to Beacon’s Main Street and waterfront areas. Funding for the eventual project is supported by the FY25 state budget, which includes a $500 million capital fund for housing development on state-owned property. The budget also established new tax incentives for upstate communities and strengthened the Pro-Housing Community Program, which has certified over 200 communities including Beacon.
Developers interested in working on the project have until December 18, 2024, to submit their proposals through the MTA website. In its announcement, the state said any successful proposal will need to balance multiple objectives, including creating affordable housing options, maintaining adequate commuter parking, and enhancing the connection between Beacon’s station area and its downtown.
Photo courtesy Daniel Case
