The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board has approved Jonathan Rose Companies to develop a mixed-income residential project at the Beacon Metro-North Station, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced. The initiative will convert an existing parking lot next to the station into 265 housing units, supporting efforts to increase housing supply on underused state-owned sites.
Governor Hochul stated, “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 project is part of the Redevelopment of Underutilized Sites for Housing (RUSH) program, which provides funding for initiatives that repurpose state property for residential use. As part of this effort, a structured parking garage will replace current commuter parking while adding new homes. The RUSH program stems from Executive Order 30, which directed agencies such as the MTA to identify suitable sites for housing development.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “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, added, “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 commented, “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.”
Empire State Development President Hope Knight noted that expanding economic opportunity starts with quality housing: “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.”
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said that strategic investment is reshaping communities: “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 supported the plan: “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 of Jonathan Rose Companies expressed enthusiasm about being selected: “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 remarked on maximizing land use: “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.”
The MTA’s Transit-Oriented Development team works alongside state agencies and municipalities on projects aimed at using public assets efficiently while supporting ridership growth.
As part of broader efforts outlined in recent budgets—including $500 million in capital funding secured through the FY25 Enacted Budget—the State aims both at boosting affordable home construction on public lands like this one in Beacon as well as providing protections for renters.
In addition, New York State Homes And Community Renewal continues work towards meeting targets set out in its five-year plan—creating or preserving over 60,000 affordable homes so far statewide.
More than 300 municipalities have earned Pro-Housing certification since program launch; these certified areas gain exclusive access up to $750 million in discretionary State funding.
Jonathan Rose Companies manages nearly 20,000 apartment homes across several states as part of its focus on environmentally friendly mixed-income developments.
