The New Pine Plains Herald

The New Pine Plains Herald’s reporting on ADUs brings millions in funding to rural service area

Patrick Grego, Darrah Cloud

The New Pine Plains Herald exposed how county and city officials’ inaction cost households in New York’s rural Dutchess County their potential share of $85 million in state funds for building or improving secondary housing units on their properties. Local leaders did not apply for New York State’s Plus One ADU Program, which is part of a five-year plan to expand affordable housing options. For communities across the state, the funds could help provide rental income, caregiving space, or affordable housing solutions. 

The Herald interviewed state and county housing officials, local planners, and residents. Journalists pushed for explanations for why leaders in Dutchess County, where affordable housing is “vanishing,” neglected to pursue the state funds while other counties applied. 

The Herald’s reporting prompted county officials to regroup and apply for the program. In February, the state awarded the county $6 million. 

The Herald’s reporting was “inspired journalism with real and true impact, the amplitude of which will be felt for (truly) generations,” one judge said.

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