New York searching for firm to redevelop former long-term care center

New York’s primary economic development agency is searching for a firm that can give the state-owned site of a former long-term care center in the Hudson Valley Region new life as a housing development. Empire State Development (ESD) recently released a request for proposals (RFP) for the purchase and redevelopment of the former Taconic Developmental Center, an approximately 330-acre site in Amenia, New York, about two hours north of New York City and an hour south of Albany.

The site was chosen due to the attractiveness of the Harlem Valley and its proximity to the Tenmile River Metro-North Rail Station, the ESD said. The objective is to turn the underutilized site into a transit-oriented community with retail amenities and residential space. The site has been largely vacant since 2013.

“Housing and economic development go hand in hand, and ESD encourages developers to bring forward innovative proposals that will transform the Taconic Developmental Center into a thriving community hub,” ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said. “This project represents a significant opportunity to create much-needed housing, including affordable housing, and support economic development in the region.”

RFP submissions are due by June 20. Proposals should provide a vision for the entire site and a detailed plan for the first phase, which involves building 250 affordable and market-rate homes for renters and homeowners, the ESD said.

Funding for the project will come from a $500 million state capital fund created to build up to 15,000 new homes on state-owned property.

Proposal elements must show:

• A minimum of 20% of total units as rental housing.
• A minimum of 10% of affordable units for purchase for households earning an average of 80% of area median income.
• A scenario where 10% of the rental units are affordable for people earning 80% of the AMI.
• Affordable housing program opportunities.

Photo Courtesy
Picture of downtown Amenia, New York
English836 (talk) via Wikimedia Commons
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