POUGHKEEPSIE – City officials, Wednesday, released the Draft Poughkeepsie Innovation District Policy Framework and accompanying zoning code regulations. The plan is designed to transform the core commercial section of the downtown into a vibrant economic center anchored by increased residential population and a creative economy.
“Downtown Poughkeepsie is the type of compact and walkable downtown that is increasingly desired by residents and businesses alike,” said Mayor Robert Rolison. “With renewed and growing interest in Poughkeepsie’s downtown, this new policy and zoning will accelerate the new activity and interest we are already seeing.”
City Senior Planner Natalie Quinn said the proposed zoning “adds flexibility in terms of uses that are allowed on a property and focuses on how building form can positively impact the pedestrian environment.”
Interim Economic Development Director Paul Calogerakis said the proposed zoning changes are “integral to Poughkeepsie’s innovation economy, which will thrive in a mixed-use environment where people have the opportunity to spontaneously meet in collaborative workspaces, cafes, living rooms, and on the sidewalk.”
The documents related to the project are available at http://cityofpoughkeepsie.com/rezonedowntown/ .
