Crosswinds at Hudson is a 70-unit workforce housing development that is the first of its kind in the city of Hudson and Columbia County. The ribbon-ceremony on Tuesday attracted more than 100 people, including Gov. David Paterson, state legislators and local officials.
Paterson said many people engaged in "sweat equity" to make the development a reality. He said that with house and apartment prices rising, there is a need for affordable housing for the area's workforce.
The governor noted that before Crosswinds was developed, the community surveyed about its housing needs because there is no "one size fits all" solution.
Paterson also said the state has increased the funding it provides for affordable housing initiatives from $100 million to $300 million.
Among the units in the Crosswinds at Hudson development, 11 have been set aside for people with physical disabilities.
"So you knew that I would like that," said the governor, who is legally blind.
Earlier in the event, with the sun beating down, Paterson joked that his doctors told him he could return to work after his recent cataract surgery as long as he stayed out of bright sunlight.
Paterson said Crosswinds was built using green technologies to make the units energy-efficient. He also said there are clubhouses and other amenities at the development so that people will enjoy living there.
"This is smart growth," state Sen. Stephen Saland, R-Poughkeepsie, said of Crosswinds at Hudson. He said the development is about keeping workers within proximity of their jobs.
Assemblyman Marc Molinaro, R-Red Hook, said people living in the development will be able to walk to work, schools and recreation. He also praised the Paterson, a Democrat, by saying the governor has to memorize and digest information to be able to discuss it later and by doing so understands the special needs of the area.
Crosswinds tenant Stacy Hingle said that before she moved into the development, she had seen one-bedroom apartments on Warren Street in Hudson advertised for $1,000 a month, which was more than she could afford.
The Web site of developer 3d Development Group says one-bedroom units at Crosswinds go for $575 a month. Two- and three-bedroom units are $660 and $765, respectively.
"We desperately need this kind of housing in Columbia County," Hingle said.
Deborah VanAnerongen, commissioner of the state Division of Housing and Community Renewal, called the development a great addition to the community. She said some communities have opposed such developments because they don't understand what the proposal. To rectify that, she said, her department has begun a public service campaign to show what affordable housing is all about.
