TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE – Town officials are seeking the public’s input on plans for the former Dutchess Plaza/Kmart property at the intersection of Dutchess Turnpike (Route 44), Burnett Boulevard, and Tucker Drive. The public is invited to share their vision for the 144-acre parcel, one of the most visibly blighted areas in Dutchess County’s most populous town at a public workshop on October 14 at 6 p.m. at Poughkeepsie Town Hall on Overocker Road. Supervisor Rebecca Edwards is seeking ideas for future uses of this highly trafficked area, now the Brickyard Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA).
The property, made up of several parcels, sits atop the former Van de Water landfill. The area also includes the historic headwaters of Casperkill Creek.
“This is an exciting opportunity to secure state designation for this area,” said Edwards. “The BOA process opens a path to remediation funds and community-guided revitalization of the area. We’re now launching the public engagement phase and look forward to hearing many points of view.”
The town previously received a $252,000 BOA grant from the New York State Department of State through the State Environmental Protection Fund. The funding supports a community-driven planning process, including public workshops, to create a vision for land potentially impacted by historic landfill and industrial uses.
According to Edwards, the study area represents one of the town’s most significant long-term revitalization opportunities. “Its central location, surrounding neighborhoods, institutional assets, and natural features create the potential for coordinated environmental restoration, economic investment, expanded recreational opportunities, and improved community connections.”
At the workshop, there will be a brief presentation about the process and findings so far, followed by opportunities for discussion and public engagement.
More information and a public survey are available at the website.
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