Ulster County Legislature Approves Elizabeth Manor Property Transfer for New Affordable Housing Cooperative

KINGSTON, NY (July 16, 2025) — A long-vacant property in Kingston is one step closer to transformation, as the Ulster County Legislature voted Monday night to approve the transfer of the County-owned Elizabeth Manor property to the Ulster County Housing Development Corporation (UCHDC). The 19-to-4 vote clears the way for the development of a 15-unit affordable housing cooperative at 21 Elizabeth Street.

“This project represents a significant investment in our community,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger following the vote. “Replacing a deteriorating building with quality, affordable homes for local families and seniors, while restoring the property to the tax rolls, is exactly the kind of progress we need.”

The property transfer will not take place immediately. County officials said the conveyance will occur once legal and administrative steps are finalized.

The proposed development will feature a newly constructed 15-unit building designed to complement the surrounding residential neighborhood. The units—studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments—will be available to families and seniors earning 60% of the area median income. Four apartments will be fully ADA-accessible.

Among the project’s notable features:

Limited Equity Cooperative Model: Ensures long-term affordability while allowing residents to build equity.

Modular Construction: Aims for efficiency and quality control.

Energy Efficiency: All-electric design with passive house-level insulation and energy recovery ventilation.

Resident-Focused Design: Floor-through units with natural light and cross-ventilation.

Community Amenities: Includes gathering rooms, a children’s space, and substantial storage.

Accessibility: Fully accessible ground floor and ADA-compliant units.

Parking for residents will be arranged through an easement agreement with the Kingston City School District, providing shared use of a parking area behind the adjacent George Washington Elementary School. The County will redesign a portion of the lot at no cost to the school district, adding spaces for both school and residential use.

The development team, led by Maeda Construction and including GA/GA Architects, Community Preservation Corporation, RUPCO, and policy consultant Jesse McCormick, will continue working with the City of Kingston Planning Board and community members as design plans advance. Construction and development are projected to take approximately 30 months.

“This isn’t just about building housing — it’s about creating community,” Metzger added.

Updates on the Elizabeth Manor project are available at participate.ulstercountyny.gov/21-elizabeth.