Progress in Poughkeepsie: Outsized Waterfront Proposal to be Reconsidered

Concerns raised at an Aug. 30 public hearing are playing a role in leading the developer to consider reducing the size of this proposed 568-unit development adjacent to Walkway Over the Hudson.

On Monday, Aug. 30, more than 50 concerned citizens attended a City of Poughkeepsie public hearing about One Dutchess Avenue, a proposal for 586 residential housing units on the former Dutton Lumberyard along Poughkeepsie's riverfront just north of Walkway Over the Hudson. Scenic Hudson strongly supports the idea of cleaning up this former industrial site as part of Poughkeepsie's revitalization, but we've been working to raise awareness about some problems with the current proposal. City officials deserve credit for understanding how appropriate redevelopment of the site can add value to an ever-improving waterfront. To that end, opportunities have been provided for the public to voice concerns about plans for this site. On Aug. 29, the Poughkeepsie Journal highlighted key issues in a strongly worded editorial. At the Aug. 30 hearing, it was clear many citizens have concerns that the project is too big, would increase traffic and block views and doesn't allow for enough public access to the waterfront. After the hearing, the representative of the developer agreed to attempt to rework the project (see this Poughkeepsie Journal article for details about the hearing). City representatives have indicated that the project will have to be scaled back. We look forward to seeing a scaled-back proposal from the developer and hope the property can be revitalized with balanced development that fits the scale of our waterfront, provides a positive boost to the local economy and offers full public access to residents and visitors alike.