LAKE KATRINE – RUPCO wants to convert a former Quality Inn on Route 28 in Lake Katrine into 81 apartments – 11-three bedroom, 21 two-bedroom, 24 one-bedroom and 25 studios – to help those without permanent housing.
The project, which is aimed at homeless families or individuals who have lived long-term in motels or hotels, so they can attain permanent housing, was the subject of a public presentation Wednesday at Ulster Town Hall.
Emily Hamilton, a senior project manager for RUPCO’s real estate department, said the project at the former Quality Inn, just off the Thruway traffic circle, will help with the long-term temporary housing problems in county, but not eliminate them.
“As of December 2021, there were over 311 people living in motels in Ulster County because they could not find affordable housing,” she said. “This project will alleviate the issue, but it will not care of the issue.”
The estimated price tag of the project is expected to exceed $20 million, and occupancy is expected in the next 18-24 months.
Michael Berg, of the Family of Woodstock, said his organization will work with Catholic Charities to provide occupants needed social services, job opportunities, a child’s educational needs, and a wide array of individual needs.
“Catholic Charities and Family of Woodstock is committed to providing the support services,” said Berg. “We like to call it case management. It includes developing a service plan of what people want to achieve in the program and help them achieve it. We want them to decide what they’re going to do because it’s their life. They have to support the effort – or it won’t happen.”
