POUGHKEEPSIE – The Dutchess County Legislature Monday night voted to approve an inter-municipal agreement with the City of Poughkeepsie to form the Dutchess County-Poughkeepsie Land Bank.
City Councilwoman Sarah Brannen said the joint agreement will now be sent to the state’s Empire State Development Corporation.
“Our hope would be that they would approve our land bank proposal and then we can begin the process of implementation,” she said. “Given we are in the midst of a severe economic downturn, this land bank couldn’t come at a better time. It will help provide access to affordable housing for residents and assist in rehabilitating vacant and abandoned properties, which tend to increase during a recession.”
County Executive Marcus Molinaro was glad to see the county lawmakers approve the agreement. “As we work to create new housing opportunities, invest in our communities and reignite our economy this partnership will add an important tool to our efforts,” he said. The shared land bank “will help redevelop abandoned properties, create affordable housing and revitalize community centers.”
