BEACON, NY — As plans move forward for a new 265-unit mixed-income housing development at the Beacon Metro-North train station, State Senator Rob Rolison (R-Poughkeepsie) is urging state officials to consider the broader transportation implications — specifically, the restoration of the Newburgh-Beacon Ferry service.
The project, approved by the MTA Board and led by developer Jonathan Rose Companies, will repurpose an underutilized commuter parking lot adjacent to the train station. It’s part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s RUSH initiative (Redevelopment of Underutilized Sites for Housing), which aims to combat New York’s housing shortage by building on state-owned lands.
Ferry Service Should Be Part of the Plan, Says Rolison
While the MTA plans to construct a new parking deck to replace the existing lot and ensure commuter access remains unaffected, Senator Rolison says the announcement leaves out crucial information.
“I support plans that benefit Dutchess and Orange Counties,” Rolison said, “but the announcement lacked key details, including how the MTA will benefit financially from the sale or development of the property.”
He stressed that if the MTA gains revenue from this development, it should reinvest that money into restoring the recently canceled Newburgh-Beacon Ferry service, which previously served as a vital transportation link across the Hudson River for Orange County commuters.
Rolison also criticized the lack of transparency about the total state investment in the project and the timeline for construction, saying that “many questions remain unanswered.”
Assemblyman Jacobson Supports the Development
In contrast, Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson (D-Newburgh) praised the project for delivering what he sees as much-needed affordable housing while maintaining commuter infrastructure.
“The MTA’s transit-oriented housing plan provides much-needed housing for Beacon,” Jacobson stated. “At least ten percent of the 265 units will be affordable, and the development will include a parking garage for both residents and retail customers—all while preserving parking availability for train commuters.”
Jacobson also commended Governor Hochul for following through on her promise to bring transit-oriented development to communities like Beacon, saying the project aligns with the city’s zoning regulations and vision for growth.
Questions Remain on Project Scope and Benefits
As excitement and concern swirl around the announcement, local leaders and residents alike are eager to learn more. Key questions that remain include:
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How much state funding is allocated to the development?
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When will construction begin?
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Will the MTA profit, and if so, how will those funds be used?
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Can ferry service realistically return, given current ridership patterns and costs?
The Newburgh-Beacon Ferry, once a convenient transit option connecting Orange County residents to Metro-North trains, was suspended in 2023, leaving a gap in regional transportation services that some, like Rolison, believe should now be addressed.
What’s Next for Beacon?
While the housing project marks progress in addressing the region’s housing needs, it also spotlights the complex balancing act between growth, affordability, and transportation infrastructure. As more details emerge in the coming months, public attention will remain fixed not only on the new homes but also on whether long-lost transit connections — like the ferry — will make a comeback.
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