ARPA Affordable Housing Fund Program

Overview

The ARPA Affordable Housing Fund is an allocation of $1,000,000 from the City of Kingston's federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) award. The program is designed to incentivize the construction of affordable housing units in Kingston.

*This program stopped accepting applications on December 15, 2023. Please check back for information on future application rounds.*

As of January 2024, the fund has made the following awards:

• 350 Broadway ($225,000): substantial rehabilitation of a prominent mixed-use building, creation of three affordable units

• 79-83 Petit Avenue ($300,000): new residential construction project, creation of four affordable units

• 89 Boulevard ($150,000): new residential construction project, creation of two affordable units

• 53 Garden Street ($85,640): substantial rehabilitation of a 7-unit residential multiplex where most of the units are currently vacant due to poor interior conditions, creation of four affordable units

• 58 Clifton Avenue ($64,000): construction of an accessory dwelling unit, creation of one affordable unit

How To Apply

Applicants should first carefully review the Grant Guidelines. To apply, you must submit an application package with the following:

• Grant Application and Narrative Form (found under "Grant Application")
• Applicant Certification Form (found under "Grant Application")
• Completed budget template (found under "Grant Application")
• Proof of site control, such as deed evidencing ownership or contract of sale
• Copy of IRS W9 Tax Form
• Copies of tax returns for the three most recent completed fiscal years the business has been in operation or other documentation showing the Applicant’s financial condition. If applicable, Applicant should include bank and credit references.
• If applicable, copies of site plan or project specs and/or evidence of financing/letters of interest or commitment letters.
• If applicable, MWBE certification

We strongly suggest you contact us prior to completing the application for preliminary review of your project’s eligibility.

Application packets can be delivered via regular mail, in-person delivery, or email to:

Mailing/Delivery Address: Office of Housing Initiatives, 420 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401

Email: bstarodaj@kingston-ny.gov (Confirmation email will be sent upon receipt.)

Use of Funds

• The ARPA Affordable Housing Fund is a reimbursement program. No funds will be distributed until the completion of all construction work, and an issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy from the City's Building Department no later March 31st, 2025.

• The program is not intended to provide the sole source of funding for any developmental project. Its contribution should not exceed more than 50% of the total project cost, or 75% for MWBE developers (Minority or Women Business Enterprise)

• Funds may be used for essential construction or rehabilitation activities. Owners may use funding to construct new housing, to rehabilitate currently vacant properties, or adaptive reuse of non-residential structures.

• Owners may receive up to $75,000 per unit. The minimum grant award is $10,000 per unit. No more than $300,000 will be made available to any building no matter how many units are in the building. No more than $300,000 will be made available to any one owner.

Affordability Requirements

After completing rehabilitation or construction work, the fund recipient must commit to selling /renting the property to residents making no more than 60% of Area Median Income based on the latest HUD Guidelines for Ulster County. The affordability and income limit agreement shall be enforced for a 20-year period.

The City of Kingston supports a right to housing for all. Help us build a more affordable Kingston!