Poughkeepsie Common Council denies another developer

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Pelton Manor. MHNN file photo.

POUGHKEEPSIE – Local businessmen Wayne Nussbickel and Steve Tinkleman have had a signed agreement with the city since 2015 to re-develop Wheaton Park, including the Pelton Manor and the plan was denied by the common council last week.

Known as Pelton Partners, the plan called for the restoration of the vacant, boarded-up Pelton Manor at 35 N. Clover Street as well as the erection of more than 40 market-value apartments in a park-like setting.  An overview of the project can be found here.

Nussbickel and Tinkleman had received approvals from the planning and zoning boards for their plan.  The late Assemblyman Frank Skartados joined with State Senator Sue Serino in getting approvals from state agencies for the development.  Councilmember Chris Petsas, who represents the area said that even Governor Cuomo had endorsed the plan.

The city’s Historic District & Landmark Preservation Commission needed to approve a “Certificate of Appropriateness” for the project to move forward.  The application was denied.  Pursuant to law, the developers filed an appeal that was heard by the common council last Thursday.  The appeal was denied in a 6-3 vote, drawing sharp criticism from Petsas.

“This has been a seven-year ordeal to try to preserve and restore the historic mansion on the hill while also adding new housing to our aging housing stock here in the neighborhood,” said Petsas.

Asked if the project would continue, Nussbickel said, “This project is too good to walk away from. It’s too good of a project for the city and the neighborhood not to move forward with it.” 

Petsas, cited the need for housing in the city as well as the economic benefits of the project. “At a time when our city finances have been rocked by the coronavirus, at a time when our city is facing a housing shortage, at a time when taxpayers will be facing a substantial property tax increase in next year’s budget and at a time when this city cannot afford to go backward – the decision by the majority members of the city council is yet another black eye on our city.”

Petsas vowed to keep the project moving forward and Nussbickel agreed. “I hope that we can work with the city to develop a plan that works for all parties,” said Nussbickel, with Petsas adding, “Make no question about it – this is simply another delay and I know many in our community will not be deterred and who are determined to see this project come to fruition.”

Petsas noted that the individuals who voted to delay the project “Don’t even live in the neighborhood it sits in,” and further expressed his frustration by saying “This is vintage Poughkeepsie, a city that seems time and time again to shoot itself in the foot.”




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