Poughkeepsie… – March 25, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro has announced more than $900,000 will be awarded to 11 municipalities through the Dutchess County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, funding eight key projects throughout the county.
County Executive Molinaro said, “Our CDBG awards support a wide range of needs in our local municipalities and have a positive impact for our residents. This year, we were very pleased to see several creative and cooperative applications submitted – joint projects where municipalities are coming together for common good. These types of proposals are consistent with our efforts meet the shared needs of our communities – allowing limited funding dollars to stretch further through coordinated and consolidated efforts.”
Funding for the CDBG Program is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to address locally identified community development needs. The purpose of the CDBG funding is to support community development projects and public services which benefit low and moderate income communities, neighborhoods, and people.
Projects receiving 2015 Dutchess County CDBG funding include:
Village of Wappingers Falls, Town of Wappinger and Town of Poughkeepsie –
Lower Wappinger Creek Community Boathouse
Funding Award: $242,700
Project description: Adaptive reuse of a vacant historic factory building on the Lower Wappinger Creek into a boathouse which will provide non-motorized recreation opportunities for local residents and disadvantaged youth such as kayaking, canoeing, fishing and nature activities. The Village of Wappingers Falls, which is located in both the Towns of Poughkeepsie and Wappinger, will enter into an inter-municipal agreement with the Towns where their respective recreation departments will work together to support and operate the facility.
Matt Alexander, Mayor of the Village of Wappingers Falls, said, “Funding from the CDBG Program through Dutchess County will turn a currently vacant structure into The Lower Wappinger Creek Community Boathouse for the enjoyment of the community, and particularly its disadvantaged youth. As a community our most precious natural resource is the Wappinger Creek. Capitalizing on this shared asset and existing shared service agreements, the Village along with the Towns of Poughkeepsie and Wappinger will be able to more fully utilize the recreational potential of this majestic waterway.”
Village of Millerton and Town of North East – North East-Millerton Library Handicapped Access Improvements
Funding Award: $64,600
Project description: Handicapped accessible improvements including replacement of main front doors at the main library and the annex building with handicapped accessible power-assist doors, and replacement of the ramp at the annex building.
Town of North East Supervisor John Merwin said, “The Town is pleased that the joint Village of Millerton-Town of North East application for the handicapped access improvements to the North East-Millerton Library was approved. This will allow the library to become more accessible to members of the community. It is also a great sign that two municipalities can work together to support such a valuable community asset.”
City of Beacon – Rombout Ave. Road Reconstruction
Funding Award: $158,655
Project description: Reconstruction 853 feet of Rombout Avenue between Teller Avenue and South Chestnut Street. Project includes surveying and engineering, new sanitary sewer lines and new storm drainage.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Dutchess County Planning and Development over the years through the Community Development Block Grant program. The City has received funding in several capacities and has been used effectively to improve the services we offer to our residents, which they have come to appreciate and expect as tax payers,” said City of Beacon Mayor Casale.
Town of Amenia – Downtown Sidewalk Improvement to Beekman Park
Funding Award: $150,000
Project description: Reconstruct and extend 1,100 linear foot sidewalk connecting south side of Route 44 to Beekman Park, the location of the Town’s recreation programs.
“We are very grateful to Dutchess County for awarding Amenia this $150,000 Community Development Block Grant,” said Supervisor Victoria Perotti. “The new sidewalk from our historic downtown hamlet to Beekman Park will help make Amenia a more walkable community while providing a safe avenue for residents and visitors alike.”
Town of East Fishkill – Handicapped Accessible Playground-Phase II (Julie’s Jungle)
Funding Award: $100,000
Project description: Phase II of new 15,000 ± sq. ft. handicapped accessible playground. Phase II will include specialized fully accessible equipment, fencing, landscaping, brick walk, benches, signage, and a sensory garden to meet the needs of children with physical, visual, hearing, and cognitive disabilities as well as equipment for able-bodied children.
“I would just like to thank Dutchess County for supporting our Julie’s Jungle Playground for children of all abilities. It wasn’t until I got involved with the Julie’s Jungle group that I realized the importance of this type of facility in the community. The number of families that have children of special needs that I have met is so much larger than I would have imagined, and I feel that we have only scratched the surface. Julie’s Jungle will provide children of all abilities a place to play and these activities will build self-confidence and self-esteem, and provide social interaction to children who otherwise may not have this opportunity. I find this to be one of the most worthy projects in our town, and I thank the County from the bottom of my heart,” said John Hickman, Town of East Fishkill Supervisor.
Town of Red Hook – Town Hall Handicapped Access Improvements
Funding Award: $99,400
Project description: Install ADA compliant parking, sidewalks, benches, automatic doors for entrance and bathrooms, and ADA upgrades to bathrooms in the Town Hall.
Town of Red Hook Supervisor Sue Crane said, “The Town is indebted to the County Executive and the County Legislature for their continued commitment to the Community Development Block Grant Program. Thank you for helping communities help themselves.”
Village of Pawling – Haight Street Handicapped Access Sidewalk Improvements
Funding award: $66,000
Project description: Replace deteriorated and narrow 350 foot sidewalk along Haight Street leading from the central residential/business area to the elementary school.
“The curb and sidewalk improvements funded by the CDBG Program will improve neighborhood connectivity, keep pedestrians safe and create an environment for children to walk to school,” said Village of Pawling Mayor Robert Liffland.
Village of Red Hook – Route 9 and Firehouse Handicapped Access Improvements
Funding award: $52,300
Project description: Provide 200 feet of ADA compliant sidewalks on the west side of Route 9 between Amherst and the Village line. This will complete the connection between the Village and Town sidewalk systems. Reconstruct 200 feet of non-ADA compliant sidewalk at the firehouse to improve ADA access to main and emergency exit entries.
“The reconstruction of the portion of sidewalk, located in front of the laundry on South Broadway, will complete the length of sidewalk stretching from the northern end of the Village south to Rokeby Road in the Town. This sidewalk, enjoyed by young families and senior citizens, will provide a safe and accessible pedestrian pathway that reinforces the walkable connection between the neighboring communities of Red Hook. We want to thank County Executive Molinaro and his staff for supporting this important project,” said Brent Kovalchi, Deputy Mayor, Village of Red Hook.
These preliminary awards will be listed in the Dutchess County 2015 Action Plan which will be available on the County’s website www.dutchessny.gov for a 30-day public comment period beginning March 25, 2015. Awards will be final upon completion of the public comment period and approval by HUD.
Community Development Block Grant applications are accepted annually by the Department of Planning and Development. More information about the CDBG program and its priorities can be found athttp://www.co.dutchess.ny.us/CountyGov/Departments/Planning/16690.htm.
Contact:
Colleen Pillus
(845) 486-2000
E-mail: cpillus (at) dutchessny (dot) gov
