Hinchey Delivers $500,000 for Willow Landing, RUPCO’s Supportive Housing Development at Former Quality Inn Site in Town of Ulster
October 21, 2026
Senator Michelle Hinchey’s Funding Will Be Used for Outdoor Renovations Including a Pavilion, Sidewalks and Sports Courts to Ensure Residents Have Access to Outdoor Space and Opportunities to Support Physical and Mental Health
ULSTER, NY – Senator Michelle Hinchey announced today that she has provided $500,000 for RUPCO’s Willow Landing Project, which will help transform the former Quality Inn on Route 28 in the Town of Ulster into 83 trauma‑informed, permanent supportive apartments for individuals and families. Senator Hinchey's funding will support construction of the outdoor portion of the complex, including a playground, basketball court, community pavilion, sidewalks, and a bike shelter. The project prioritizes residents with mental health or substance‑use challenges, veterans, young adults, and neighbors experiencing homelessness and housing instability in Ulster County.
Senator Hinchey toured the site with RUPCO's leadership team to see firsthand the progress underway, which will include wraparound supportive services for residents. Willow Landing will also include Kingston's YWCA daycare center, a therapeutic saltwater pool, and a commissary kitchen, all open to the public. The redevelopment has been designed to reduce energy costs through geothermal heating and cooling, efficient all-electric appliances, and rooftop solar.
The $500,000 investment is part of Senator Hinchey’s efforts to support projects that expand access to safe, affordable housing across the Hudson Valley. In 2021, Hinchey established the largest comprehensive package of funding for rural and upstate housing programs. The package included funding to help local organizations, like RUPCO, convert hotels and motels into affordable homes through the Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act (HONDA) — a program previously available only to New York City until Hinchey successfully advocated for its expansion to upstate communities.
Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “For too many people and families, housing instability often looks like living in the motel system without a clear path to permanent housing. Willow Landing is an innovative response to the urgent need to end this. These new homes will be life-changing for so many here in Ulster County who will now have a place to put down their roots and move their lives forward with dignity and opportunity. I was incredibly proud to provide RUPCO with $500,000 to support outdoor renovations that will make this new development truly feel like home and provide safe spaces for people to enjoy the outdoors, get exercise, and foster relationships. I thank RUPCO for their partnership in delivering practical, community-centered housing solutions.”
Kevin O'Connor, CEO of RUPCO, said, “We are deeply grateful to Senator Hinchey for her continued leadership and steadfast support of Willow Landing, without which the outdoor renovations on this project would not have been possible. Her investment ensures that more Ulster County residents will have a safe, affordable place to call home. We look forward with great enthusiasm to the completion of this transformative project, which will provide vital services and a brighter future for our community.”
Senator Hinchey toured the site with RUPCO's leadership team to see firsthand the progress underway, which will include wraparound supportive services for residents. Willow Landing will also include Kingston's YWCA daycare center, a therapeutic saltwater pool, and a commissary kitchen, all open to the public. The redevelopment has been designed to reduce energy costs through geothermal heating and cooling, efficient all-electric appliances, and rooftop solar.
The $500,000 investment is part of Senator Hinchey’s efforts to support projects that expand access to safe, affordable housing across the Hudson Valley. In 2021, Hinchey established the largest comprehensive package of funding for rural and upstate housing programs. The package included funding to help local organizations, like RUPCO, convert hotels and motels into affordable homes through the Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act (HONDA) — a program previously available only to New York City until Hinchey successfully advocated for its expansion to upstate communities.
Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “For too many people and families, housing instability often looks like living in the motel system without a clear path to permanent housing. Willow Landing is an innovative response to the urgent need to end this. These new homes will be life-changing for so many here in Ulster County who will now have a place to put down their roots and move their lives forward with dignity and opportunity. I was incredibly proud to provide RUPCO with $500,000 to support outdoor renovations that will make this new development truly feel like home and provide safe spaces for people to enjoy the outdoors, get exercise, and foster relationships. I thank RUPCO for their partnership in delivering practical, community-centered housing solutions.”
Kevin O'Connor, CEO of RUPCO, said, “We are deeply grateful to Senator Hinchey for her continued leadership and steadfast support of Willow Landing, without which the outdoor renovations on this project would not have been possible. Her investment ensures that more Ulster County residents will have a safe, affordable place to call home. We look forward with great enthusiasm to the completion of this transformative project, which will provide vital services and a brighter future for our community.”
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