POUGHKEEPSIE – The Dutchess County Legislature unanimously approved an agreement between the county and City of Poughkeepsie to create a consortium eligible for direct funding to support housing for its residents. The resolution was adopted without discussion during Monday night’s monthly legislature meeting.
The HOME Investment Partnerships Program, administered by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, is the largest federal block grant exclusively designed to support affordable housing.
“Adequate capacity of affordable housing enhances the lives of our residents, increases local economic activity, and improves overall quality of life in the city,” said Legislature Chairman Robert Rolison. “I applaud my colleagues for unanimously approving this vital county-city agreement to support affordable housing for Poughkeepsie’s residents.”
During the period covered by the last consortium agreement, 2013 to 2015, HOME funds were used to assist with the creation of 173 high-quality affordable housing units in the City of Poughkeepsie.
The resolution also calls for the city and Dutchess County to equitably share any HOME funding which becomes available pursuant to the program. The agreement will cover the period of October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2018.
“We are pleased to continue this partnership with the City of Poughkeepsie,” Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro said,
In other business during the brief monthly meeting, the legislature:
Approved a local law to establish a sustainable energy loan program
Authorized the county executive to enter into a municipal agreement relating to the Energize NY program, intended to help reduce energy waste in homes and commercial buildings
