News Flash

City to Start Home Rehabilitation Loan Program for Seniors

Mayor Marc Nelson and Common Council Chairwoman Natasha Brown announced today that funding will be made available to help eligible senior citizens make repairs to their homes. 

The funding is designed to help seniors live safely and independently ...

City Sets Meeting on Bartlett Park Plan

The city is planning to make improvements to Bartlett Park, including the replacement of recently removed children’s play equipment and the proposed implementation of a basketball court. The city will hold a public workshop from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tu...

City Honored With ECO-Action Champions Award

This week, the city was awarded the ECO-action Champion Award for its clean energy leadership. The city was recognized for accelerating the clean energy transition by among other climate actions, enabling 8,000 households to switch to clean, renewable ene...

Grievance Day set for May 23

The city has set grievance day for May 23 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Common Council Chambers, City Hall, Third Floor. This is for those property owners who wish to grieve their assessments

For additional information contact the assessor's office: 845-451-4039...

Lafayette Marker Unveiled at Waryas

Mayor Marc Nelson joined several historical organizations Monday for the unveiling of a Lafayette Trail marker at Waryas Park. The marker commemorates the upcoming 200th anniversary of Marquis de Lafayette’s return visit to the United States as the last l...

City Names Members of Salary Review Commission

The Mayor and Common Council have named members to the city’s Poughkeepsie Salary Review Commission. 

Under the new City Charter, adopted by voter referendum in November 2016, there will be a Salary Review Commission every four years to ...

City Seeks Input on Kaal Rock Park

The city has identified Kaal Rock Park as an underutilized park in need of rehabilitation and is working to make improvements with public input.The city has retained LaBella Associates to assist with the park’s revitalization, and the project team will de...

Common Council Seeks City Residents for IDA

The Common Council is seeking individuals interested in serving on the city’s Industrial Development Agency. Interested applicants must currently reside in the City of Poughkeepsie. 

The IDA assists economic development projects that create or oth...

Main Street Gets Spruce Up Project

The city Department of Public Works installed new benches, dual trash and recycle receptacles and tree guards this week on Main Street. 

Second Ward Common Council Member Evan Menist funded this $50,000 project through ward money allocated to each...

City Initiative Aids Those Facing Eviction

City officials, in conjunction with the Dutchess County Bar Association, began a program Wednesday aimed at helping residents facing eviction or other landlord-tenant litigation in City Court. 

 The Common Council last December added to t...

City Announces Youth Grant Awards

Mayor Marc Nelson announced today more than $470,000 in funding to community organizations through the Youth Activities & Opportunities grant program. 

In 2018, the City of Poughkeepsie launched the initiative and awarded nearly $140,000 in fu...

Fire Department Responds to House Fire

On March 30, 2023 at 6:42 p.m. the city Fire Department was dispatched to the report of a structure fire at 9 North White Street. The first companies arrived on scene at 6:45 p.m. and found fire coming from multiple windows on the second floor o...

City Sets Preliminary Paving Schedule

Mayor Marc Nelson and the Department of Public Works have announced a preliminary road paving list, with paving expected to begin later this spring.

The preliminary list includes:

Corlies Avenue from Main Street to the Arterial

Harrison Street from Smith Str...

City Officials Release Statements on Zoning Code Draft

Mayor Marc Nelson, Council Chairwoman Natasha Brown, and Council Vice Chair Nathan Shook issued statements today that they will not support amendments to the city’s zoning code which would have permitted the construction of detached accessory dw...

City releases 2023 CDBG Grant Application

The city has released its 2023 Community Development Block Grant application.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is a federally funded formula-based grant allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to eligible cities....

Public Input Sought on Zoning Code Changes

Mayor Marc Nelson has announced he has directed the Development Department to extend the public comment period through February 23, 2023 for comments to the first draft of amendments to the city’s Zoning Code. 

City officials are updatin...

City Approves Updates to LWRP

The City of Poughkeepsie has approved strategic updates  to its Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, reflecting changes that have occurred to the area since the City last adopted an LWRP more than 20 years ago. 

The program updates in...

City Receives Funds for Stitzel Park Area Lighting, Water Improvements

As part of its overall parks improvement initiative, the City of Poughkeepsie has received a $2.15 million federal grant to make improvements to Stitzel Field and improve water capacity in the area. 

Stitzel Field enhancements will include modern,...

Nelson to become Children's Cabinet Co-Chair

The Poughkeepsie Children’s Cabinet announced today that — upon becoming City of Poughkeepsie Mayor in January — Marc Nelson will also replace outgoing Mayor Rob Rolison as co-chair of the Cabinet with Poughkeepsie City Schoo...

Public Input Sought on LWRP Draft

The city is in the final stages of updating its Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP). The Updated LWRP reflects changes that have occurred in the Waterfront Revitalization Area since the City last adopted an LWRP in 1999, incorporate recommendat...

City Releases Draft of Zoning Code Changes

City officials have released the first draft of amendments to its zoning code that would streamline the number of districts and modernize the regulations to address development trends.

The city has not updated its zoning code on a citywide scale in 40 year...

Nelson Selects Transition Team

City Administrator Marc Nelson has named former City Corporation Counsel Paul Ackermann to lead his transition team as Nelson prepares to assume the office of Mayor in January. Ackermann, an attorney, joined the City as an Assistant Corporation Counsel in...

Parise Named Deputy Fire Chief

City officials have announced that Lt. Vinnie Parise of the City’s Fire Department has been named department’s next Deputy Fire Chief, effective immediately. Lt. Parise is a resident of the City of Poughkeepsie and a graduate of Poughkeepsie High School. ...

Transfer Station Closed Due to Fire

A fire damaged part of the city’s Department of Public Works complex on Howard Street last week. 

No one was injured but, as a result of the fire, the transfer station will be closed until further notice and needed repairs can be assesse...

Celebration of Lights Delights Crowd

The city's Celebration of Lights event took place last Friday, Dec. 2, and featured dance and musical performances, food trucks, floats, Santa Claus and fireworks.

This year, the various festivities centered around Dongan Square Park, and a &l...

City Names First Youth Services Director

Mayor Rob Rolison announced today that Karen Williams has been named director of youth services, a new position and division that will nurture and focus on child development in the city.

Williams will be tasked with the analysis, development, promotion and...

City Celebrates Pershing Park Improvements

The city Friday celebrated the substantial renovations made to Pershing Avenue Park, which include resurfacing the basketball courts and replacing hoops and backboards, in addition to new playground equipment, benches and tables, and a new walking path --...

Pershing Park Celebration set for Friday, Oct. 28

To celebrate the restoration of Pershing Avenue Park and the conclusion of another growing season at the Pershing Avenue Neighborhood Farm and Community Garden, the City of Poughkeepsie, New City Parks and Scenic Hudson are hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremo...

Chief Franco Offers Safety Caution Tips

City Fire Chief Joe Franco reminded residents that Sunday marked the beginning of Fire Prevention Week, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.Since 1922, the National Fire Protection Association has sponsored this public awareness campaign, and, in 1...

City Holds 9/11 Memorial Service

Under beautiful blue skies, the city held a 9/11 Memorial Service this morning outside City Hall that featured the Pledge of Allegiance led by members of the Morse Elementary School Fifth-Grade Class and remarks by Mayor Rolison and the Rev. Jesse Bottoms...

Fourth Open House Set for 'PK4Keeps'

City officials are continuing to work on updating the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code and will hold a fourth open house for the “PK4Keeps” initiative on Wednesday, August 24.This event, which will take place from 5 to 7 p.m., in the City Hall Lobby, wi...

Bilingual Outreach Person Hired

Mayor Rolison and Poughkeepsie City School District Superintendent Dr. Eric Jay Rosser announced today the hiring of L. Julee Molina as a bilingual Public Information Officer, a new shared position between the school district and the city

Molina brings wit...

City officials Among Attendees at Harvard Conference with Children's Cabinet

Last week, City Administrator Marc Nelson and Councilmember Yvonne Flowers were part of a local contingent representing the Poughkeepsie Children’s Cabinet at a national conference hosted by the EdRedesign Lab at the Harvard Gr...

Mayor Joins Local Contingent at Harlem Children's Zone Conference in D.C.

Late last week, Mayor Rob Rolison was part of a local contingent attending the national "A Gathering of Leaders: Power of Place” conference, hosted by the William Julius Wilson Institute (WJWI) at Harlem Children's Zone (H...

City Opens Pools on June 29; Entrance Fees Are Being Waived Again This Year

City officials have announced that city pools are open to residents as of today, June 29, and entrance fees are being waived again this year. 

Both the Pulaski Park Pool located at 162 Washington Street and Spratt Park Pool located at 121 Wilbur ...

City Increases Salaries for Lifeguards As It Moves to Open Pools

As it works to open both municipal pools, the City of Poughkeepsie announced today is increasing the pay and offering signing and completion bonuses for lifeguards and pool managers.

The city already had increased the pay for attendants as it looks to open...

City Distributes $339,000 in Funds for Youth-Related Activities

Mayor Rolison announced today that $339,000 in funds have been allocated for youth-related programs, more than doubling the annual investment the city has been able to make in these endeavors over the years.

The city awarded $140,000 from its youth grant p...

City Reports $1.25 Million Budget Surplus for 2021

Subject to finalization of the annual audit, city officials estimate a 2021 general fund surplus in the amount of $1.25 million. The surplus results from stronger-than-projected sales and mortgage tax receipts, and from continuing cost controls across mul...

State Grant Secured for Poughkeepsies' Water Plant Project

City and Town of Poughkeepsie officials are pleased to announce they have secured a $2.9 million state grant to help replace the water treatment facility’s UV disinfection equipment that aids in the purification process.

Working under a joint agr...

City Fire Department To Continue Fire Hydrant System Testing

The city Fire Department is servicing and testing the fire hydrant system (weather permitting).  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 u...

City Releases Draft Comprehensive Plan

City officials have released a draft of a new comprehensive plan and are seeking public feedback by April 18 before beginning the process of going before the Common Council for review and approval. The Common Council will also hold a public hearing to rec...

Mayor Rolison Delivers State of the City Address

Mayor Rolison delivered his State of the City address at the Changepoint Theatre Thursday, reflecting on what the city has accomplished during a global pandemic, thanking city employees and residents for their contributions to the community and pointing t...

Find Out The Latest About The YOU Project

Dutchess County has website, www.the-you.org, which provides County residents with updates about the forthcoming “Youth Opportunity Union,” formerly known to as the Youth Opportunity Center and referred to moving forward as “the YOU,” the state-of-the-art...

City Accepting Applications for Youth Activities & Opportunities Grants

Mayor Rob Rolison announced today that $140,000 is being made available to community organizations through the city’s Youth Activities & Opportunities Grant program.

The city created this program in 2018, and the funds enable local nonprofits...

Regents Hears Children's Cabinet Presentation

Poughkeepsie City School District Superintendent Dr. Eric Jay Rosser and Mayor Rob Rolison, co-chairs of the Poughkeepsie Children’s Cabinet, presented to the New York State Board of Regents about the cabinet at the Regents meeting on Feb. 15 in Albany.&a...

City Creates New Website Providing Insights and Easy Views of Budget

The city has launched a website providing the public with easy ways to look at the approximate $103 million budget and its various components, as well as offering new insights on vital demographic information in the city.

The website features graphics and ...

City Releases Housing Needs Assessment

City officials have released a comprehensive study that highlights the challenges and opportunities it is facing regarding recent housing trends.

The report was prepared by Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, a not-for-profit policy, planning, advocacy and...

Development Director Quinn Provides Chamber of Commerce With Update

City Development Director Natalie Quinn provided an update Wednesday to Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce on projects that have completed or begun construction in the city in the last few years.Quinn also discussed large projects recently appro...

City of Poughkeepsie Looking for Community-Minded Volunteers to Serve on Land Use Review Boards

Mayor Rolison announced today the City is looking for residents to serve on a number of land use review boards: Planning Board, Historic District and Landmark Preservation Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Waterfront Advisory Committee, and Shade Tree ...

Poughkeepsie Children’s Cabinet Set to Present to Board of Regents Tuesday

Poughkeepsie City School District Superintendent Dr. Eric Jay Rosser and City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison, co-chairs of the Poughkeepsie Children’s Cabinet, will present to the New York State Board of Regents about the cabinet at the Regents meeting...

City Planning Director Quinn Named Director of Development

Mayor Rolison has announced that City Planning Director Natalie Quinn has been named Development Director.

Quinn, a city resident, has been serving as Planning Director since 2019 and has led long-range strategic planning efforts for the city through the d...

City of Poughkeepsie Awarded $3.5 Million State Grant to Repair Sewer Line, Protect Environment

The city has been awarded an approximate $3.5 million state grant to reduce groundwater infiltration into the sanitary sewer system, combating the impacts of water runoff that can overwhelm the city’s sewer system and cause “combined sewer overflows” or C...

City Takes Steps to Make it Easier for People to Gain Access to Public Documents

The city announced today an online system that will make it much easier for people to gain access to public records.

This online, user-friendly portal will improve transparency and efficiency when the public files Freedom of Information requests with the c...

City of Poughkeepsie Puts More Funding Into Emergency Rent Relief Program

Mayor Rob Rolison announced today that more funding is being made available through a COVID-19 Emergency Rent program for low- and moderate-income households struggling through the pandemic. 

Tenants who are eligible can receive up to six consecut...

City of Poughkeepsie Corporation Counsel Ackermann to Leave Position Next Month

City Officials announced today that city attorney Paul Ackermann will be leaving his position of Corporation Counsel next month, after nearly 14 years of service. Mr. Ackermann joined the City as an Assistant Corporation Counsel in February of 2008 before...

City Sets Second Open House And Survey for ‘PK4Keeps’ Project

City officials are continuing the work to update the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Codes and have scheduled another open house, created a second survey and have made updates to the project website, PK4Keeps.org.

The city is seeking public input as it build...

Mayor to Deliver State of the City Address on Thursday, March 31

Mayor Rolison will deliver his State of the City address at 5:30 p.m. Thursday March 31 at the Changepoint Theatre, 260 Mill St., Poughkeepsie.   The public is invited to attend. RSVP to Stacey Bottoms at 845-451-4073, sbottoms@cityofpoughkeepsie...

Mayor Rolison Releases Proposed 2022 Budget

Mayor Rob Rolison announced today that, despite considerable fiscal challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, his 2022 preliminary budget stays under the state’s property tax cap, lowers the tax rate, bolsters youth services and maintains other essenti...

Statement by Mayor Rolison on the Passing of Sheriff Adrian ‘Butch’ Anderson

"Dutchess County Sheriff Adrian ‘Butch’ Anderson served this county with dignity and civility for decades, and he will be long remembered as one of the truly gifted leaders of the Hudson Valley. Butch took his vital role to heart and worked earnestly...

Mayor Rolison Calls for Creation of City Division of Youth Services

“In the last few years, we have formed the Poughkeepsie Children’s Cabinet with the City School District, created a Youth Grant program, and struck a deal with Dutchess County that will lead to the creation of a new Youth Opportunity Center. Having key ci...

City Bolsters Funding to Youth-Related Programs

Mayor Rob Rolison has announced that an addition monies ill be allocated to community organizations through the city’s Youth Activities & Opportunities Grant program.

The city created this program in 2018 and the funds enable local nonprofits...

Mayor Announces Major Funding Commitment to Parks

City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison today announced a $4 million commitment in investments to the city’s parks, a blueprint that includes rebuilding and replacing aging equipment and making major upgrades at these vital green and recreational spaces.

Th...

City Teams Up with Community Coalition to Bring Activities to Eastman Park

The City of Poughkeepsie is teaming up with members of The 35 Montgomery Community Coalition to offer “Summer Fun Saturdays at Eastman Park” on July 24 and July 31.

“Summer Fun Saturdays at Eastman Park” is a weekly pop-up series of games and acti...

City Names Poughkeepsie Attorney Valk to Lead Its Corporation Counsel

Mayor Rob Rolison announced today the appointment of city resident Rebecca A. Valk as Corporation Counsel, pending Common Council approval.

Attorney Valk served as Assistant Corporation Counsel for the city for two years, from 2013 to 2015, when she gained...

City Creates Website Devoted To American Rescue Plan Act

Mayor Rob Rolison has announced the creation of a website that enables the public to find out more about the federal American Rescue Plan Act, provide important feedback and track the city’s use of these funds.

The city has been awarded a total o...

Mayor Rolison Delivers State of the City Address Highlights on Video

 Mayor Rolison delivered his State of the City Address in writing Tuesday and presented a video highlighting the challenges the city has faced during the COVID-19 crisis — and the opportunities that lie ahead. 

“Throug...

Fire Chief Mark Johnson to Retire After More Than 30 Years of Service

Culminating 36 years of service to the City of Poughkeepsie, Fire Chief Mark Johnson will retire at the beginning of next year.

Johnson first served the city as a police officer before transferring to the Fire Department in 1991. As a police officer, Johns...

City of Poughkeepsie Attains Bronze Level in State’s Climate Smart Communities Program

The City of Poughkeepsie has achieved bronze level certification in the New York State Climate Smart Communities program, which recognizes the accomplishments of local governments that are reducing greenhouse gas emissions and responding to climate change...

City Completes COVID Test Kit Distribution

The City has completed its distribution of a limited supply of free COVID-19 test kits and will let the public know when it receives more. The city distributed 1,100 kits, each containing two tests, in just over two hours near City Hall Thursday morning.

The City's Newsletter The Buzz Produces a Special Year in Review Issue!

As 2021 winds down, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the year and offer some highlights amid challenging times that nevertheless have witnessed progress on many fronts, thanks to the work of city employees and so many in the community.This “Year i...

Check Out Latest Issue of The Buzz!

Firefighters participate in High School Career Fair, public workshops set for Kaal Rock and Barlett parks plans, check out the flyers for community events, all this and more in The Buzz: City of Poughkeepsie E-Newsletter — May 26, 2023 -&nbs...

City Sets Third Open House for ‘PK4Keeps’ Planning Project

City officials are continuing to update the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Codes and have scheduled a third open house — this one focusing on the mission to “convert goals into action.” The city has been gaining considerable pu...

City to Distribute Limited Supply of Free COVID-19 Test Kits

The city has received a limited supply of COVID-19 test kits and will begin distributing them on a first-come, first-serve basis from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday at the front desk at the City Police Station, 62 Civic Center Plaza. 

The city also wil...

City Set to Return to In-Person Meetings

With COVID-19 cases declining dramatically, City of Poughkeepsie officials announced today that in-person public meetings will return effective the week of March 21. 

 “We surely hope the worst of this pandemic is behind us, and ...