Planning & Development

Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed 
Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain
 

To: All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals

This is to give notice that Dutchess County under 24 CFR Part 58 has determined that the following proposed action under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, Grant No. B25UC360106, is located in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain, and Dutchess County will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action within the floodplain and the potential impacts on the floodplain from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The proposed project location is at the Lions Mini Park located at 29 North Park Road, Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, New York. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using 0.2 percent flood approach. This project will involve replacing and expanding the stormwater drainage infrastructure system at the intersection of North Park Road and Arnett Road to improve drainage conditions in the Lions Mini Park. This work will allow stormwater runoff from the nearby roads to collect and be distributed into the Landsman Kill rather than flooding into the park as is currently the case due to inadequate existing stormwater infrastructure. Work will involve replacing an existing undersized and failing outfall with a new outfall. The floodplain type is Zone AE as delineated by the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FRIM), which has a 1-percent-annual-chance of flooding. The existing site function is an open mowed park space. The total proposed project area is approximately 250 sq. ft. The total number of acres of floodplain potentially impacted is less than 0.1 acres.

There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in a floodplain and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate project impacts on the [floodplain/wetland]. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about the floodplain can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in a floodplain, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be received by Dutchess County at the following address on or before July 31st, 2026: Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development, 85 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 107, Poughkeepsie NY 12601, Attention: Eoin Wrafter, Commissioner. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday, at the Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development, located at 85 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 107, Poughkeepsie NY 12601 and https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/Planning/community-development-block-grant.htm. Comments may also be submitted via email at communitygrants@dutchessny.gov.

Date: July 16, 2026
 

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Dutchess County Housing Trust Fund Housing Creation and Preservation Program Round 3

The Dutchess County Grant Portal is open for the third round of Housing Trust Fund applications. Applications are due on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. The purpose of the Housing Trust Fund is to create affordable housing throughout Dutchess County.  Information on eligibility and how to apply is available in the application instructions. An in-person applicant workshop will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 10:30 am at the Dutchess County Farm and Home Center, 2715 US-44, Millbrook, NY 12545.  Those interested in attending the workshop should register with this online form.
 

Current Grant Opportunities:

First-time Homebuyer Program

Dutchess County is partnering with Community Housing Innovations (CHI) to assist first-time homebuyers to purchase anywhere in Dutchess County. Up to $50,000 is available for income qualified first-time homebuyers. More information and income guidelines can be found here First-time Homebuyer Program.                                                                                                

Dutchess County Eviction Prevention Line  
Dutchess County residents needing information about resources to help them avert eviction can call 211, or alternatively, 1-800-899-1479; choose to continue in English or Spanish; and press 7 to select the Dutchess Eviction Prevention Line. Specially trained 211 staff will ask tenants a series of questions and then provide them a customized list of programs which currently have funding and for which the tenant appears eligible based on the information provided; staff will also refer tenants to Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, as appropriate. There is an online tool, with which residents can submit answers to the questions and receive a contact back from 211 with their customized resources. 

DCPF eNewsletter – Current Issue:
Protecting Wetlands and Streams in Your Community – Grasping their Vital Role as New York Implements Regulatory and Mapping Changes, January-March 2024