The Dutchess County Housing Trust Fund, established in 2022 to address accessibility challenges by supporting the development and preservation of affordable housing efforts, is rolling out a second wave of $2.45 million in funding.
Four housing projects with 100 total units in the City of Poughkeepsie and Town of Amenia were funded through the Housing Creation and Preservation component of the county’s HTF.
This second round of funding follows the HTF’s first round of financial assistance, totaling $8,996,134 in county funds, awarded in March 2023.
In May 2025, an HTF Applicant Workshop was held by Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino with local professionals to encourage new projects of all sizes, in light of the second phase of funding awards. Smaller housing projects in rural communities were particularly encouraged.
“Everyone deserves safe, stable housing that they can afford,” Serino said in a statement. “Dutchess County is proud to partner with local builders and developers interested in creating not just buildings, but strong communities that support individuals and families.”
Households with incomes between 30%-80% of the Dutchess County Average Median Income will be eligible for these HTF-supported units.
Here’s Dutchess County’s current AMI, per household size, based on U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development data: $86,100 for a one-person household, $98,400 for a two-person household, $110,700 for a three-person household, $123,000 for a four-person household, $132,900 for a five-person household and $142,700 for a six-person household.
Thus, a single renter who makes 30%-80% of $86,100, the average median income, which equates to an income between $25,830 and $68,880, would be able to rent one of the HTF units. A home with three people would qualify for an HTF-supported unit if they made between $33,210 and $88,560, 30%-80% of the three-person household average of $110,700.
“These projects, supported by the County’s Housing Trust Fund, will bring more affordable housing to our community,” City of Poughkeepsie District 10 Legislator Randy Johnson said in a statement. “I look forward to these housing units making a real impact in Dutchess County, and I thank my fellow legislators and County Executive Serino for her continued support of our Housing Trust Fund.”
Four new housing projects in Poughkeepsie and Amenia
$1 million Morgan Avenue Apartments, Morgan Avenue, City of Poughkeepsie: This project is a new construction that will consist of two buildings and nine total units — eight two-bedroom units and a single one-bedroom unit. Seven of the nine total units will be supported by the funding, including the single one-bedroom unit and six of the two-bedroom units. Five units are to be reserved for households earning up to 60% of the average median income, and two units will be for households earning up to 80% of the average median income.
$700,000, Windows on Main, 488 Main St., City of Poughkeepsie: Another new construction, this is the largest project of the four, including an 81-unit building on the site of a former laundromat and recently occupied by Hudson River Housing. The laundromat has signed a lease to rent the first floor of the building after construction. There will be 20 studio units, 42 one-bedroom units and 19 two-bedroom units. Units reserved for households earning up to 50% of the average median income include 16 one-bedroom units and four two-bedroom units. Units reserved for households earning up to 60% of the average median income include 11 studio units, 21 one-bedroom units and 10 two-bedroom units. Units reserved for households earning up to 100% of the average median income include five studio units, five one-bedroom units and five two-bedroom units.
$550,000, The Clinton Crest, 15 N Clinton St., City of Poughkeepsie: A building rehabilitation will expand an existing four-unit, multi-family property, adding four new two-bedroom units. Three units are to be reserved for households earning up to 60% of the area median income. One unit will be reserved for households earning up to 80% of the average median income. So far, this project has received all its land use approvals.
“Expanding affordable housing throughout Dutchess County is a top priority, and I’m proud to support these new units coming to Amenia, where even small projects make a big impact,” said Deirdre Houston, Dutchess County Legislature majority leader and District 25 legislator, representing the people of Amenia, Washington, Pleasant Valley and the Village of Millbrook, in a statement.
$200,000, 8 Powder House Road, Amenia: This new construction will be a duplex with two two-bedroom units for households earning up to 60% of the average median income. The project aims to respond to a housing shortage in the northeastern portion of Dutchess County, and according to the county, has the potential to serve as a model for similar small-scale developments in this rural area.
Which Housing Trust Fund projects are complete, underway
Since its creation in 2022, one HTF project has been completed at Smith Street in the City of Poughkeepsie.
According to the county, several other HTF-supported projects from the first round of 2023 funding are in various stages of development.
Two of those include projects at 2 Cross St. in Beacon and 9-13 Noxon St. in Poughkeepsie.
The Beacon project is a new construction, along with rehabilitation of an existing building, with 18 units total, but nine will be Housing Creation and Preservation program units for households with 60%-80% area median income. The HTF funding award for this property was $1.575 million.
The second Poughkeepsie project is a rehabilitation of an existing boardinghouse and will include 16 single-room-occupancy HCP program units for people earning 30%-50% area median income. It had a funding award of $1.91 million.
“I’m excited to see these projects come to life, offering housing options that genuinely connect with people’s needs and offer real opportunities for safe, secure homes they can truly call their own,” Serino said.
Nickie Hayes is the Breaking & Trending News Reporter for the Poughkeepsie Journal and focuses on how to make the most of what the mid-Hudson Valley has to offer. Contact her at NHayes@poughkee.gannett.com, 845-863-3518, or via Instagram, @nickieehayess.
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Housing Trust Fund $2.45 million award: Which Dutchess projects are moving forward
Reporting by Nickie Hayes, Poughkeepsie Journal / Poughkeepsie Journal
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