The Arts Lead
Poughkeepsie's Transformation

Our vibrant arts scene was the focus of a recent Chronogram article "The Arts Lead Poughkeepsie's Transformation":

"The last 18 months have been very positive—a perfect storm of collaboration among politicians, nonprofits, and developers—but it's the artists who've really spurred this along," says Harvey Flad. "They've produced the kind of energy necessary to create a belief system that the city can revitalize itself." continue reading...

Poughkeepsie Innovation District
Zoning Approved

At a special meeting called by Mayor Rob Rolison on Monday, the Common Council approved an update to the city’s zoning code to establish the Poughkeepsie Innovation District. The Poughkeepsie Innovation District (PID) aims to transform the core commercial section of the city’s downtown into a vibrant economic center anchored by increased residential population and a creative economy.   Monday’s adoption marks the culmination of a multiyear endeavor by the City, which was ably assisted by the Pace Land Use Law Center and Kevin Dwarka Land Use and Economic Consulting, as well as Dutchess County and numerous other stakeholders.
 
Focused on “place making,” the elimination of vacant property, as well as inclusion and diversity, the PID policy framework and zoning code update represent a major step forward towards restoring Poughkeepsie’s downtown as the region’s preeminent commercial district. The proposed zoning adds flexibility in terms of uses that are allowed on a property and focuses on how building form can positively impact the pedestrian environment. This flexibility, along with a streamlined land use approval process, will make it easier for property owners to activate their buildings and fill vacant storefronts, ensuring a high concentration of commercial and cultural activity in a quality urban setting.
 
Mayor Rolison said, “We’re grateful to the Council members that supported the PID. We continue to see interest and investment in Poughkeepsie’s downtown, and this new policy and zoning is going to further encourage thoughtful development and vibrancy in the heart of our city.”  
 
Councilman Matt McNamara (D-8th Ward) said, “Carefully designed, smart updates to the City’s zoning code are a breath of fresh air in the musty library of city ordinances. This will prove to be an important legislative achievement that has a very positive impact, both in terms of the revitalization of our downtown core, and in terms of local job creation. I congratulate our Planning and Economic Development team for the fine work on this initiative, including all the public outreach and community interaction that went into making our new Innovation District a reality.” 
 
Planning Director Natalie Quinn said, “The adoption of the Poughkeepsie Innovation District zoning ordinance is only one step, albeit a critical one, towards the realization of a successful, vibrant and inclusive downtown. Now that the zoning foundation is in place we can begin to build upon it.”
 
All documents related to the project are available for download on the project website: http://cityofpoughkeepsie.com/rezonedowntown/

Holiday Schedule - Presidents' Day

Monday, February 18th 

In observance of Presidents’ Day (Monday, February 18, 2019), the following services are closed or suspended:

• City Hall: Closed
• Transfer Station: Closed
• Sanitation & Recycling: Suspended
  • Routes scheduled for Monday collection will be picked up on Tuesday, February 19th.
  • Routes scheduled for Tuesday collection will be picked up on Wednesday, February 20th.

Public Workshop #2
Local Waterfront Revitalization Program

Join us on Thursday March 7^th at the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum at 6:00pm to talk about the future of Poughkeepsie’s Hudson River and Fall Kill waterfront.  City staff and consultants will be on hand to hear from you about critical issues facing the waterfront, potential policies and projects that could activate and improve access to the waterfront, and opportunities to improve environmental conditions.  Help make Poughkeepsie’s waterfront healthy, accessible and safe by having your voice heard.
 
Facebook Event Page
 

City Releases
2019 Youth Grant Program Application 

The City has released its 2019 Youth Grant Program Application and Youth Grant Policy and Guidelines to all eligible applicants. The application is available on the City’s website and is also available in the Office of Social Development.

The “Youth Activities & Opportunities Program”, which was introduced as part of the City’s 2018 budget, has helped local organizations by providing funding to support clubs and leagues as well as summer and educational programs. These programs have allowed Poughkeepsie youth to participate in community-based programs that emphasize active lifestyles, provide creative outlets, and build long-lasting relationships.

All applicants are encouraged to contact the Office of Social Development with any questions and to discuss program eligibility. Applications must be submitted by February 28, 2019 either via email or to the following address:

jgreenwald@cityofpoughkeepsie.com

City of Poughkeepsie
Office of Social Development
62 Civic Center Plaza
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Upcoming Meetings

Week of February 18, 2019

Tuesday, February 19th

Wednesday, February 20th

Thursday, February 21st

9th Annual
Detective John Falcone Blood Drive 

February 25, 2019 - 1:00 pm to 7:00pm

The Italian Center - 227 Mill Street

Please join us on February 25th for the 9th Annual Detective John Falcone Blood Drive at The Italian Center (227 Mill Street). These drives have led to a record number of donations for Vassar Hospital and all of the surrounding hospitals for the Hudson Valley. Please make a donation for this great cause in memory of a fallen hero who touched countless lives and gave his life for the people of this community. Your donation will make a difference to countless people.

Walk-ins are always welcome. To reserve an appointment for this drive, please visit http://www.redcross.org/blood

That's So Pough!

A Celebration of Poughkeepsie Youth Culture