For More Information Contact:
Colleen Pillus
845-486-2000
Email: cpillus@dutchessny.gov
Poughkeepsie, NY... The Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development has announced the next public comment meeting for the Waterfront Redevelopment Strategy and Rezoning project in the City of Poughkeepsie will be held Thursday, May 2nd at 7:00 pm at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel in the City of Poughkeepsie. A series of design concepts will be presented for public comment and feedback. The concepts are based on the design principles established using the public feedback received at the first public comment meeting held in January 2013. After the various options are presented, there will be smaller group discussions to allow all comments to be heard and participants can vote on favored features.
The Waterfront Redevelopment Strategy is intended to incorporate and expand on the many of the projects already scheduled to be completed this year, including construction of an elevator between the Walkway Over the Hudson and a new Upper Landing Park on the north side of the Fall Kill Creek, as well as connections east to the Dutchess Rail Trail.
Essential components of the Waterfront Redevelopment Strategy include creating enhanced walking routes from the Walkway elevator to the Railroad Station and Main Street, activating the waterfront parks all-day and in all seasons with new park elements and adjacent redevelopment around the Station, and improving connections to the nearby Mt. Carmel neighborhood and the center of the City. The final Strategy will also feature a financial analysis, marketing information, and phasing steps to make sure the plans are ready to be implemented.
The project involves unprecedented cooperation between the City of Poughkeepsie and Dutchess County, along with other government agencies, and public interest groups. The Steering Committee overseeing the Waterfront Redevelopment Strategy and Rezoning project includes City of Poughkeepsie Mayor John Tkazyik, Common Council Chair and representatives from the Common Council, Dutchess County Planning and Development, Dyson Foundation, Metro-North Railroad, Scenic Hudson, and Walkway Over the Hudson. A series of small group meetings have also been held with waterfront property owners, local businesses, and representatives from Mt. Carmel/Little Italy.
The Dyson Foundation provided private funding for the Waterfront Redevelopment Strategy and subsequent rezoning project. New York State added a matching grant of $150,000 for Phase 2 completion of the City’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and the preparation of a Generic Environmental Impact Statement, consistent with the project recommendations.
To learn more about the Waterfront Redevelopment Strategy and Rezoning Project, contact the Dutchess County Department of Planning & Development at 486-3600.
