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Capacity Restrictions Ease; So Does Your Ability to Get A COVID-19 Vaccination!
The City of Poughkeepsie continues to provide the latest information pertaining to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The state and counties — including Dutchess — are receiving doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and are providing more information about those initiatives. Vaccination appointments have become much easier to obtain, including walk-in acceptance in some cases.
Dutchess County encourages residents to complete its Vaccination Information Request Form for residents to receive a notification when a vaccine appointment is available to them, based on eligibility, at a County Point of Dispensing (POD) site. Those who sign up will also receive updates about vaccine availability at other providers around Dutchess County, including hospitals, medical practices and pharmacies. The form is available on the County’s vaccine information page.
Those without internet access can call the Dutchess County Coronavirus Information Line at 845-486-3555 to hear weekly updates about vaccine availability in the county by selecting Option 1. Those over 65 can then choose to be connected with the Office for the Aging to be added to notification lists about appointment availability.
The County has two POD locations — one at the former JCPenney store at the Poughkeepsie Galleria at 2001 South Road Route 9, Poughkeepsie, and the former CVS at 3081 Route 22, Dover. The County also is creating pop-up sites throughout the county to bring the vaccines closer to residents in those communities, and those efforts are growing.
New York State also has established its own mass vaccination sites across the state, and residents can go to https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov to check their eligibility and see if appointments are available. They also can call the New York State COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline (833-697-4829), which is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., for scheduling appointments at New York State-run vaccination sites.
Vaccines are also available at some pharmacies and medical centers. The state advises people to contact their provider of choice to schedule a vaccine appointment that way if possible.
You also can download the state's app to get updates on COVID-19 exposure alerts here.
Other Contact Information Related to Virus
New York COVID-19 hotline and website:
888-364-3065
coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home
Dutchess County coronavirus updates:
dutchessny.gov/Departments/DBCH/2019-Novel-Coronavirus.htm
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Mayor Attends Immigration Resource Fair That Includes COVID-19 Vaccinations
Mayor Rob Rolison visited Catholic Charities Dutchess County's Immigrant Resource Fair & Pop-up Pantry Wednesday, an event which also featured the Dutchess County Government Health Department offering Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccinations.
Walk-ups for the vaccine were welcome, as the county Health Department continues its efforts to reach more of the population with the vaccine — and to bring the vaccine into community settings.
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City of Poughkeepsie Pays Tribute
to National Police Week with Ceremony
City officials held a ceremony outside Police Headquarters at noon today to honor of National Police Week. Mayor Rolison thanked the police officers for their service and sacrifice.
National Police Week is also a time to pay homage to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. In the City of Poughkeepsie, three officers have fallen in the line of duty: Otto G. Albertson, 1916; Raymond Cleveland, 1969; and John M. Falcone, 2011. To learn more about National Police Week, click here.
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Take the City of Poughkeepsie Survey
on American Rescue Plan Funding
The federal government’s recently approved $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan includes aid to cities and localities. The City expects to receive approximately $20 million over a two-year period. Mayor Rob Rolison wants to hear from residents regarding their views of city priorities that could be addressed through the American Rescue Plan. You can take the survey here.
You can learn more about the American Rescue Plan here.
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City of Poughkeepsie Designates
Several No Parking Areas for Monday
The City of Poughkeepsie has designated several streets and parts of two parking lots as no parking areas Monday to accommodate a film production. As shown on this map, the areas are both sides of Market Street between Church and Main streets and the north side of Cannon Street between the entrance and exit to the Liberty Street Parking Lot. In addition, the east side of the Liberty Street Parking Lot and the west side of the Academy Street Parking Lot will be closed.
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Common Council Looks to Fill Seat to be Vacated by Council Member McNamara
The Common Council is seeking resumes and cover letters from residents interested in filling a vacancy left by the resignation of 8th ward Council member Matthew McNamara.
Council member McNamara announced his resignation on May 4, to be effective on June 1.
Common Council Chair Sarah Salem said Council member McNamara demonstrated his care for and commitment to the city in his service, and the council wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavors.
If you are interested in serving on the Common Council and reside within the bounds of the 8th Ward, forward your resume and cover letter to ssalem@cityofpoughkeepsie.com by Thursday, May 27, 2021. You will be advised via email if an interview is required.
You can see the ward boundaries and get other information here.
Candidate selections will be made before the conclusion of the month of June.
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Poughkeepsie Public Schools Foundation
to Hold First-Ever Gala
Poughkeepsie Public Schools Foundation will hold a virtual gala honoring Pioneer alumnae at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 20.
The gala can be seen on Facebook and YouTube and will feature performances by Pioneer Superstars Jeremy Diggs, Lillia Keyes and Marc Molomot as well as current student musicians. There also will be celebrity appearances by graduates of nine decades from the 1940s through the 2020s and a silent auction.
Admission is free, but donations are welcome to meet a historic challenge grant from an anonymous alumni.
All donations are tax-deductible: funds are distributed in grants to underwrite programs which aim to close the opportunity gaps facing our students and their families — literacy, the arts, STEM and much more! Register at www.ppsfonline.org.
If you have questions, contact Gully Stanford, Treasurer, at gullystan@gmail.com or 303-349-5635.
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Southern Waterfront Task Force Holds Virtual Meeting, Creates Survey
Last month, the Poughkeepsie Common Council created a task force to explore the redevelopment of a 13-acre site on Poughkeepsie's southern waterfront.
The site is at the end of Rinaldi Boulevard. The land would nearly double the amount of riverfront space in the city. The task force is seeking public input in order to provide recommendations to the council and mayor about the use of this land.
The task force held another virtual public meeting on Thursday, and you can watch a replay of the meeting here.
In addition to soliciting feedback through public meetings, the task force has developed a survey. To access the survey, follow this link: https://forms.gle/E82Zo5yyTgug1h69A It is also available in Spanish at https://forms.gle/7dWUg3MZkCLHx6D87
Find out more about the task force here.
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City Ramps Up Restaurant and Retail Outdoor Program in Response to COVID-19
As the weather warms up, City of Poughkeepsie officials are reminding businesses and the public of the Restaurant and Retail Outdoor Program that allows an expansion of seating and displays in response to social distancing requirements caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The initiative, which involves no fees for applicants, is designed to assist business owners of restaurants and retail stores in compensating for social distancing restrictions that may limit the number of people in their establishment at one time.
Businesses participating last year received a temporary permit, which is still valid for the duration of the program unless they are proposing changes to how they use the outdoor space.
“We want to make this as easy as possible for businesses,” said Mayor Rob Rolison. “We know our businesses have struggled through this crisis. Our expansion program was highly successful last year, and we expect it will remain popular with both businesses and the public.”
The City’s Planning Department created a Restaurant & Retail Outdoor Expansion Guidebook to assist restaurant and retail establishments in navigating all necessary regulations and requirements. The guidebook is also available in Spanish.
Exterior seating may be accompanied by awnings, umbrellas, planters or other temporary furnishings or structures that help create and maintain an attractive appearance. Outdoor cooking is prohibited, and outdoor seating must be closed to the public after 10 p.m. Proposed seating arrangements, lighting and materials must comply with the city’s guidebook.
This year, the city has updated the guidebook to reflect changes in state regulations regarding live music and indoor capacity restrictions.
“We will continue to adapt to this fluid situation,” said Planning Director Natalie Quinn. “We appreciate the cooperation from businesses and hope to see even more outdoor dining this spring and summer in the city.”
More information about the city’s reopening efforts can be found at cityofpoughkeepsie.com/pkgoforward
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City, County Announce $1.1 Million Available for COVID-19 Emergency Rent, Utility Relief
Mayor Rob Rolison and Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro have announced more than $1.1 million in funding is available through a COVID-19 Emergency Rent and Utility Relief program for low- and moderate-income households adversely affected by the pandemic. Although there is a temporary moratorium on evictions, payment for past-due rents will be due when the moratorium is lifted, and many households will have difficulty paying past-due rent quickly enough to avoid eviction.
Tenants who are residing in their primary residence, including those residing in a legal rooming house or single-room occupancy units, are eligible for up to six consecutive months of rent and utility assistance; past-due lot rent tenants residing in manufactured homes are also eligible for assistance with past-due lot rent. Tenants can apply for funding directly or landlords may apply on behalf of tenants; however, tenants will be responsible for providing documentation to ensure eligibility. Rental assistance is paid to the landlord, and the landlord will be required to submit an IRS Form W-9; utility assistance is paid directly to the utility company.
The County and the City are partnering with Hudson River Housing (HRH) to implement this program. Learn more here.
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State Has Programs to Help Provide Legal Services, Keep People In Their Homes
A record number of homeowners in New York State have fallen behind on their payments during the COVID-19 crisis. Many homeowners are in temporary forbearance agreements with their servicers. Others who have missed payments may have direct agreements with their lenders or just be behind in payments.
New York State Office of Attorney General Leticia James has been funding nonprofit housing counseling and legal services programs to provide services to homeowners in every county of the state since 2012 under its Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP). These services are provided to homeowners at no cost and generally regardless of a homeowner’s income.
The goal is to keep New York State homeowners in their homes. Services are also available for transition and non-retention options if homeownership is no longer affordable.
Call the NYS HOPP Toll-Free Hotline at 1-855-HOME-456 (1-855-466-3456) or go to HomeownerHelpNY.org to get connected with a nonprofit housing counseling or legal services program in your area.
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City Has Openings for Summer Positions
in Anticipation of Opening Its Pools
The city has posted summer seasonal positions in anticipation of opening its pools. A final determination will be made based on whether the city can adhere to the state safety and staff requirements in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The city has openings for pool attendants who are responsible for cleaning and maintaining order at the pools, for lifeguards who are responsible for the protection of persons swimming and the recreational facilities and for pool managers who monitor the day-to-day activities of the pools and can also perform lifeguarding duties. To learn more about qualification requirements and how to apply, view current openings here.
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Fire Department Continues Servicing
And Testing Fire Hydrant System
The city Fire Department has been servicing and testing the City fire hydrant system. This system is directly linked to the drinking water supply.
Be further advised that during the testing period, the water is safe, but should be run until it is clear. Also use caution when doing white laundry; it is recommended that you should wait a 24-hour to 48-hour period after the testing has been completed in the vicinity of your neighborhood.
Here are the dates and locations of places where testing still needs to occur.
May 17
• Barclay St.
• Dwight St.
• Holmes St.
• Carroll St.
• Franklin St. between S. Hamilton St. and Academy St.
• Crescent Road between Dwight St. and Barnard Ave.
• Academy St. between Montgomery St. and Franklin St.
• Garfield Pl. between Barclay St. and Franklin St.
May 18
• Barnard Ave.
• Platt St.
• Osborne Road
• West Winding Road
• Loockerman Ave.
• Adriance Ave.
• Crescent Road between Barnard Ave. and S. Hamilton St.
• Whitehouse Ave. between Platt St. and Osborne Road
• Yates Blvd between Loockerman Ave. and Gaskin Road
May 19
• Gus Siko Road
• Seaman Road
• Bobrick Road
• Cedarcliff Ln.
• Gaskin Road
• Bancroft Road
• Willow Bend between Gaskin Road and Loockerman Ave.
• Yates Blvd. between Loockerman Ave. and the dead end
May 20
• Rosalind Road
• Kimball Road
• Saint Anne’s Road
• Marian Ave.
• Whitehouse Ave. between Osborne Road and Rosalind Road
• Willow Bend between Rosalind Road and Gaskin Road
• Beechwood Ave. between Ferris Ln. and Second Mile Drive
• Ferris Ln. between Hooker Ave. and Beechwood Ave.
May 21
• Justamere Ln.
• Lilling Road
• Morehouse Road
• Tamidan Road
• Santa Anna Drive
• Beechwood Ave. between Second Mile Drive and the City line
• Yates Blvd. between Kimball Road and Ferris Ln.
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Yard Debris Collection Is Underway
Spring is here, and yard debris pickup will continue every Wednesday. Please place your debris at the curb no sooner than 5 p.m. the night before in paper bags or loose in garbage pails. The city does not accept plastic bags.
Branches may be bundled in approximately three-foot long bundles, and each branch may be no more than two inches in diameter. Please do not bring yard debris to the transfer station. The station does not accept yard debris.
Thank you, and enjoy spring!
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City Announces Grants for Microenterprise
Businesses Negatively Affected by COVID
City officials have announced a partnership with Community Capital New York in the administration of a $200,000 grant program to assist microenterprise businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 virus.
The City of Poughkeepsie Microenterprise Stabilization Grant Program will provide grants of up to $10,000 to stabilize microenterprises and preserve low- and moderate-income jobs. A microenterprise is defined as a business with five or fewer employees, including the owner.
“The City is dedicated to the growth and welfare of our community and its economic success, and the survival of these small businesses is of paramount concern to us,” said Mayor Rob Rolison.
The funding for the program comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant COVID/CARES Act (CDBG-CV). Applicants must show they are not duplicating other assistance provided via the federal CARES Act. Applicants also must provide records and information to demonstrate the preservation or creation of a low- or moderate-income job as defined by HUD. Additional details, including the income requirements and the application form can be found here.
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Upcoming Meetings
Week of May 17, 2021
Monday, 6:30 p.m.: Common Council
Tuesday, 7 p.m.: Planning Board
Thursday, 6:30 p.m.: Public Arts Commission
Replay of Meetings
Zoning Board of Appeals, May 11
Southern Waterfront Redevelopment Task Force, May 12
(Editor's note: Due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) issue, please follow us the City of Poughkeepsie on Facebook and other social media platforms and check the city's website for any updates about meetings.)
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Delivered to your inbox weekly, each issue of The Buzz includes updates on City of Poughkeepsie projects, community initiatives, upcoming committee and board meeting notices, local events and other important information.
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Contact Info
City Hall: (845) 451-4200
DPW: (845) 451-4111
Police: (845) 451-4000*
Fire: (845) 451-4079*
City Court: (845) 483-8200
*During an emergency, dial 9-1-1
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