When it comes to turning a sow's ear into a silk purse, nobody does it better than the Rural Ulster Preservation Corp. (RUPCO), and Ellenville's housing stock has been the recipient of several of the tools in its home improvement box.

The latest project will provide 15 "entry-level" housing units on the now-vacant lot at the corner of Broadhead and Canal Streets. Chuck Snyder, RUPCO's Director of Real Estate and Construction, said the three-bedroom attached townhouses will cost between $130,000 and $179,000 to deliver and will be available to those with incomes below $63,500, the median income for a family of 4 in Ulster County.

RUPCO has selected 770 Development to build the homes.

Using funds from the HOME program of the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal and the NYS affordable housing corporation, RUPCO, in partnership with the Village of Ellenville, will assist potential first-time home buyers by offering 4 of the 15 units at 100 percent of market value, and 11 at 80%, according to RUPCO director Kevin O'Connor.

Town houses are a new concept for the village, and special legislation was passed to make it possible. One of the things the village did in the law was allow the buildings to be closer to the street, but its design will conform to existing houses on Broadhead Street.

Andy Helgesen, Chairman of the village Planning Board, said the zoning change limits this type of building to the area east of the Sandburg Creek. Plans allow 1.5 parking places per unit and there will be an outdoor common area for residents.

O'Connor said this kind of housing is also meant to serve an aging population looking to downsize. There isn't a lot of diversity in housing choices for those ready to give up the responsibilities of the big house on the acre lot, but aren't ready for the traditional senior housing complex.

Because of its proximity to the historic D&H Canal, and the restored telegraph office now used as the Ellenville/Wawarsing Chamber of Commerce office, the NYS Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation required an archeological dig to make sure nothing would be lost by disturbing a historical site.

O'Connor believes that offering a broad range of programs best serves the community, and RUPCO has programs that not only help people of moderate income to become homeowners, but to help them remain in homes they already own. They offer financial assistance for weatherization; new roofs, heating systems and windows; siding, insulation and other home renovations. The Kossar place area and the Park/Circle neighborhood have benefited from these grants. Ten commercial properties will get façade improvements through a NYS Main Street Grant that RUPCO will administer.

Village Manager Elliott Auerbach is enthused about RUPCO's contributions to the overall revitalization effort in Ellenville, and O'Connor is equally happy with the collaboration.

"It's been a good partnership we've been able to develop with the village. It has a government willing to get involved and identify needs. I think we're making some progress in Ellenville."

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