Poughkeepsie Sets 2nd Public Meeting On Former YMCA Property

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — A second public meeting regarding possible future uses for the former Dutchess YMCA property in the City of Poughkeepsie has been scheduled. The meeting will be held from 6 p.m..to 8 p.m. June 26 at the Christ Episcopal Church, 20 Carroll St. in the city.

Poughkeepsie took ownership of the property earlier this year and has released a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for the property. The more than 3-acre site, which is located at 35 Montgomery St., is just south of the downtown and near Route 44/55 and Route 9.

The building has been vacant since the YMCA closed its doors in 2009.

The RFEI is intended to solicit ideas that will yield significant community benefit, such as economic development, social and neighborhood cohesion and/or the creation of facilities serving youth and young adults.

The first public meeting on this issue was held in May at the Family Partnership Center and was attended by about 80 people who provided about 90 minutes of comments.

“It’s important to continue this discussion and also give those who perhaps could not make the first meeting a chance to be heard,” Mayor Rob Rolison.

The city also has extended the submission date for proposals to 3 p.m. Monday, August 5.

Questions from potential developers must be submitted in writing via mail, e-mail or fax by 4 p.m. Monday July 15.

The RFEI may lead to a Request for Proposals process that may result in an award of a preferred developer to move the project forward and to fruition. Public-private partnerships, including with the City of Poughkeepsie, are possible, according to city officials.

Details about the project can be found at here.

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