Rural Ulster Preservation Company is accepting applications for residence at the newly constructed Woodstock Commons. As YNN’s Alexandra Weishaupt explains, officials are hoping the complex fills a void in the local housing market.

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WOODSTOCK, N.Y. -- “Affordable housing has been on the decline for a long time in our area,” said Family of Woodstock Program Director Tamara Cooper.

And it's making a comeback in Woodstock as RUPCO's Woodstock Common's readies to open.

“We have 20 units for seniors and that’s for folks age 55 and over and then we have 32 units sometimes referred to as family,” said RUPCO Executive Director Kevin O'Connor.

And the remaining 12 units are for artists.

“We could have visual artists, actors, musicians, singers,” said O’Connor.

It’s the first time RUPCO’s used the artist preference in housing, and they say there’s a real need for it as Woodstock is known as the colony of the arts.

“It really has a rich tradition in attracting artists here throughout its history,” said O’Connor.

“Affordable housing is really essential to people who make their living being artists, or some part of their living being artists,” said Cooper.

RUPCO says it doesn't have to be their primary source of income, as artists often work in other fields to support themselves and their art form.

“They just need to demonstrate that they are actively engaged in their art form,” said O’Connor.

And they'll do that by going before a review committee made up of local artists, helping to select 12 people involved in creative endeavors.

“It’s within keeping of where we are, who we’re trying to serve, and we’re just trying to do so in a better manor,” said O’Connor.

“People are excited about it, and excited about a place to not only live, but explore their art,” said Cooper.

Applications are being accepted through September 30th. The expected move-in date for accepted residents is January 1st.

Applications will be available in person at RUPCO’s offices at 289 Fair Street, Kingston and at RUPCO’s temporary office located in the Woodstock Branch of Ulster Savings Bank at 62 Mill Hill Road, Woodstock. Applications will also be available for download at www.rupco.org or an application can be mailed by calling (845) 331-2140. Applications will be accepted in person at either office, via mail to 289 Fair St., Kingston, NY 12401 or by fax to (845) 853-7550.