WORKFORCE HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Much of the new development in the County is targeted to higher income commuter households with average prices for new single-family homes in excess of $500,000, leaving the older existing homes for those of more modest means. These older homes are being sought after by both incoming workers as well as commuter households who cannot afford a new home, with the prices on these homes actually increasing much more rapidly than for other types of housing. Even the prices of townhomes are escalating to that asked for single-family homes. The increased pressure on the housing market has also |
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affected the rental housing market, resulting in very low vacancy rates (at less than 2%) so that the cost to rent has increased dramatically in Dutchess County. With only new single-family homes or some upscale apartment buildings being built, Dutchess County is also losing its diversity in termsof housing stock, which will have an impact on who can afford to come or stay in the County.
Local Governments in Dutchess County can do things that will help their situation locally - and some already have. New York law allows local government to employ a system of zoning techniques to encourage certain types of developments in exchange for community benefits provided by land developers. The purpose of zoning is to manage growth in such a way that it will advance the locality^s physical, cultural and social objectives.
WHC work with local govenment to develop strategies that will result in the creation of housing opportunities for thier community. Among the items available are model forms and information which will assist local governments in determining the type of housing needed by local workers and residents as well as ensuring that that housing can be included in the developments proposed in that community. WHC can provide assistance with to create housing opportunities; local ;1 assist with Community Support; information on Development Techniques; guidance to assure long term use of properties as Workforce Housing; and links to Dutchess County Local Governments who have implemented such Zoning.
For more information contact WHC .
1 Courtesy of the Town of East Fishkill. A model ordinance is being developed 