Developers say it could cost $250,000 to fully restore
the Pelton Mansion
POUGHKEEPSIE – “Alienation” is the term used to describe what the City of Poughkeepsie is seeking to do to put a little-used park to productive use. The Common Council this week approved a home rule request asking the state legislature to approve the discontinuance of the current use of 36 North Clover Street, a site better known as Wheaton Park, and one structure on the site, the Pelton Mansion.
If the legislature approves, and the city gives further approvals, at least part of the property will be developed, most likely for residential use.
Developers Wayne Nussbickel and Steve Tinkelman say that want to “keep open space we want to do a project that makes sense.” They also said, in response to council questions, that a full restoration of the Pelton Mansion, former home of the Poughkeepsie Day Nursery, could top $250,000.
The future of Wheaton has been discussed at length over the past few months, including during much of a two-hour public comment session prior to the council meeting.
Council Chairman Christopher Petsas, whose First Ward includes the property, made note of what he has been hearing, and not hearing, on the street, and over the phone. He said he received only two calls from people opposed to developing the site.
Petsas said preferences have changed.
“As I have said before, there was definitely utilized in the 20s and 30s when we didn’t have a Waryas Park and we didn’t have a Pulaski Park, but unfortunately, my neighborhood, our residents have shifted to those parks,” Petsas noted. “We have shifted to enjoying Waryas and the views down there. We have shifted to Pulaski that offers use basketball nets and tennis court nets and swimming pools.”
Councilman Joseph Rich said this is an opportunity to put the needs of the citizens first.
Opposition came from Ann Perry, and Randall Johnson.
“Parkland is a necessity for city residents and vital to the quality of life,” Johnson said. “I respect Mr. Tinkelman and his work but I cannot go forward and support building condominiums on parkland until we have reached a compromise that will be approved by committee members and my constituents.”
The final vote to proceed was six to two.
