Poughkeepsie to vote on purchasing the Italian Center

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The Italian Center, with a statue of Christopher Columbus covered in drainage pipe, is for sale.

POUGHKEEPSIE – The Poughkeepsie Common Council is temporarily returning from summer recess on Thursday to consider spending a total of $2.2 million to purchase and renovate the Italian Center located directly behind the city hall.

The video meeting has two resolutions on the agenda; one for the city to purchase the 90-year-old social club building that has been on the market since February and the second resolution to consider a bond resolution to cover the cost of purchase and rehabilitation of the facility.  The bond resolution calls for a purchase price of $1.3 million with an additional $900,000 to rehabilitate and retrofit the building.  Individuals interested in the meeting can register here.

City Administrator Marc Nelson said the facility space is desperately needed by the city.

If approved, the city plans to move the DPW administration offices from their current Howard Street location to the new property.  Joining DPW at the new building will be the Section 8 Housing office which is currently renting space at 1 Civic Center Plaza.  A discussion to move the city court to the building is also taking place.

Councilmember Natasha Cherry, former Chair of the council said “As a long-serving member of the Finance Committee I am convinced that the opportunity to purchase the Italian Center makes good sense. Even after considering the cost of bonding for the purchase, we will see annual expenses fall at the same time as we put a valuable asset on the City’s balance sheet.”

The Italian Center, located on two parcels, one at 227 Mill Street and the adjoining property at 26 Mansion Street is listed for sale for $1.7 million.

Councilman Chris Petsas represents the area where the building is located and endorsed the purchase. “I think it poses a potential opportunity to consolidate city services under one roof, saving taxpayer money.”  Petsas also noted that the campus approach “will save residents’ time so they don’t have to travel to multiple locations throughout the city to conduct business.”

The longtime lawmaker also addressed the need for a gathering place in the heart of the city. “The land itself poses possibilities for expansion for a senior center or community center.”

A study commissioned by the city and performed by Camoin 310 of Saratoga Springs recommends the purchase and said, in part, “The City of Poughkeepsie will save money and provide services more safely and effectively by acquiring the Italian Center and creating a Municipal Campus at the current City Hall, when compared with continuing the current space configuration. An investment of $2,220,000, the costs of which are offset with savings beginning in the second year, achieves significant public benefits and improves workspaces for city employees.”

The study also encourages the purchase that improves safety.  “The campus approach solves multiple challenges for delivery of services, and the protection of worker and resident health and safety. These are always important goals, but the current COVID-19 pandemic is adding urgency to health protections, while the economic strains make city services even more essential for residents’ well-being.” 

 




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