The first tenants moved into Woodstock Commons this week. (photo by Alan Carey)
“We did it,” read the ecstatic notice on the RUPCO Facebook page this past Tuesday, January 15. “Today was move-in day at Woodstock Commons! A 50 plus-year resident of Woodstock who lost her home in Hurricane Irene was among the first. So too was a 36 year resident of Woodstock who had recently been living in her van. Whenever we have a move in day like this, we are reminded of why we do what we do!”
According to Rural Ulster Preservation Company Director of Communications and Resource Development Joan Lawrence-Bauer, a total of five units were being occupied on the first day of move-in for four of the 11-building affordable housing development located behind Bradley Meadows, and off Playhouse Lane, in the hamlet of Woodstock. And no formal opening events were being planned before an in-the-works ribbon cutting ceremony in late April.
Two of the buildings granted certificates of occupancy and ready for move-ins are senior housing residences, made up of one-bedroom apartments, while two are for families, with one and two bedroom affordable income condos available. Lawrence-Bauer said those chosen to move in can do so whenever they wish.
I believe five people were moving in on the first day today,” she added. “They’ll be sleeping there tonight.”
After a lengthy, divisive planning process to get to this point, which pitted neighbor against neighbor around the idea of affordable housing in Woodstock, along with a lawsuit over procedures and proper placement of Woodstock Commons, the big moving day came quietly. But with its own excitement, still.
“We’re all very excited to say the least,” Lawrence-Bauer summarized.
She added that construction would be continuing over the coming months to finish the development’s other seven rental unit buildings, along with a community center, parking lots, and various accessory buildings.
2 comments
Jacque says:
Jan 20, 2013
I think this is a wonder and well over due idea, however I do have concerns it has come to my attention that a family who are not legal residence of the USA received an apt. I would think public housing requirement would also include that you have to be a citizen of the United States, which is pretty sad when I have been born here live all my life in Woodstock and am almost on the street myself. And I did not make the lottery. I left a msg for RUPCO w/ no returned call.
Phyllis Lane says:
Apr 1, 2013
NO neighbors had any problem with affordable housing in Woodstock. We were against the negative impact on us. Indeed, Woodstock Commons had a huge effect on my financial demise. I could not sell my house on Playhouse Lane when I needed to. I lost everything. I’m living in a HUD community in Rockland County and miss Woodstock and my neighbors very much. You ruined some peoples lives to help others. Now you are including families that are not citizens. You MUST BE KIDDING.