RFP calls for Master Plan of a 330-acre site for Residential Units, Including Affordable Housing, Open Space, Community Amenities, and Jobs for Local Residents
Phase 1 Plan Envisions Up To 250 Affordable and Market-Rate Residential Units with a Mix of Rental and Homeownership Opportunities
Project Provides Further Progress on Governor Hochul’s Housing Agenda by Developing State-Owned Sites for Residential Use with Infrastructure Funding
View Request for Proposals Here
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the purchase and redevelopment of the Taconic Developmental Center, an approximately 330-acre state-owned site located at 26 Center Circle, Wassaic, in Dutchess County, New York. This initiative seeks to transform the underutilized site into a vibrant, transit-oriented community that includes residential housing, community-serving retail, community uses, arts and cultural programming, and agricultural uses while promoting economic growth in the Hudson Valley region.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Housing and economic development go hand in hand, and ESD encourages developers to bring forward innovative proposals that will transform the Taconic Developmental Center into a thriving community hub. This project represents a significant opportunity to create much-needed housing, including affordable housing, and support economic development in the region.”
The Taconic Developmental Center, formerly home to a State-operated long-term care center for disabled individuals, presents a unique opportunity for redevelopment given its bucolic location within the Harlem Valley and adjacency to the Tenmile River Metro-North Rail Station. The State is seeking innovative proposals that provide a vision for the entire site and a more detailed plan for the first phase. Proposals should incorporate affordable and market-rate housing opportunities for renters and homeowners along with amenities that serve the new residents and surrounding communities. Proposals should also promote job opportunities for residents, aligning with the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council’s strategic goals.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “The transformation of the Taconic Developmental Center will replace an underutilized site with a vibrant community that includes critically needed housing opportunities which will help tackle the affordability crisis facing Hudson Valley residents. Thanks to today's RFP, up to 250 new homes will be created in Dutchess County, nearby the Tenmile River Metro-North Rail Station which provides residents convenient and cost-effective access to communities throughout the lower Hudson Valley and New York City. This is only the latest example of Governor Hochul's commitment to innovative solutions that create housing and improve affordability for New Yorkers.”
Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “Transforming long-abandoned properties to meet the current needs of our community is one of the smartest ways to tackle our housing shortage while strengthening the local economy. It’s exciting to have this site up for redevelopment in a way that could add homes and business space to the community. I look forward to seeing a project come together that helps revitalize the area and brings new resources and opportunity into Dutchess County."
Assemblymember Anil Beephan, Jr. said, “The redevelopment of the Taconic Developmental Center presents an incredible opportunity to expand housing options in Dutchess County, particularly for seniors and young adults who are seeking quality, affordable homes. This project will not only create much-needed residential units but also foster economic growth and enhance community amenities in Amenia. A unique aspect of this project is that there will be both rental and homeownership opportunities. I appreciate the collaboration between the state, county, and local governments in working toward a shared vision for this site. By investing in smart, sustainable development, we are ensuring that more New Yorkers have access to safe and affordable housing while preserving the character of our communities.”
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, "I applaud the Governor’s push to redevelop this long-abandoned site and the opportunity it presents to expand housing, create jobs, and enhance our local economy. With 330 acres of potential, this redevelopment could be transformational — not just for Amenia, but for our entire region. As we move forward, it is critical that the voices of our residents are heard, as the success of this project will depend on a thoughtful approach that balances growth with the unique character of our community. I look forward to working with Empire State Development and Governor Hochul’s administration to ensure that this development reflects the priorities of our residents and enhances the quality of life for all."
ESD encourages all interested and qualified parties to review the full RFP, available on the Empire State Development website.
Governor Hochul’s Housing Agenda
As part of her 2025 State of the State, Governor Hochul proposed a bold plan to make owning and renting a home more affordable. The Governor proposed bolstering the Pro-Housing Community Program by investing $100 million to support critical housing infrastructure projects and providing $10.5 million technical assistance grants to help communities adopt pro-housing policies. The Governor also proposed creating the State’s first revolving loan fund to spur mixed-income rental development outside of New York City, as well as legislation to address rent-price fixing collusion by landlords, increase the effectiveness of State tax credits that support affordable housing development, and extending security deposit protections that market rate tenants currently have to rent-regulated tenants.
Additionally, Governor Hochul proposed new steps to make homeownership more accessible and affordable to all New Yorkers, including funding for starter home development and first-time homebuyer downpayment assistance, and disincentivizing private equity firms from buying single-family and two-family homes across the State. The State of the State also proposes increased support for supportive housing that serves some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers.
As part of the FY25 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York’s housing supply through new tax incentives for Upstate communities, new incentives and relief from certain State-imposed restrictions to create more housing in New York City, a $500 million capital fund to build up to 15,000 new homes on State-owned property, an additional $600 million in funding to support a variety of housing developments statewide and new protections for renters and homeowners.
In addition, as part of the FY23 Enacted Budget, the Governor announced a five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. More than 55,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
Contact:
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313