POUGHKEEPSIE – Work is scheduled to begin the week of July 6 on a $1.4 million project to rebuild the Liberty Street Parking Lot.
The massive project will convert the aging surface parking area in city’s downtown core into a visually appealing and environmentally friendly space while vastly improving the city’s outdated storm runoff management. “Green
Infrastructure” to be deployed will include permeable pavers that permit water to soak into the ground and reduce runoff from flooding during strong weather events.
The project was set to begin in the spring of 2020, but was delayed for over a year by the pandemic.
The city held two public meetings on the project after being awarded funding through the State Environmental Facilities Corporation’s Green Innovation Grant Program.
“This project weaves together vitally important issues for the city’s downtown, from parking and pedestrian safety improvements, to climate-smart and environmentally friendly infrastructure priorities. Reducing the amount of storm-water runoff into our sanitary sewer system will reduce overflow events and lower costs. Enhanced lighting and visibility will support public safety efforts and make the entire area more welcoming,” said City Administrator Marc Nelson. “This is also the type of significant investment in the area that is welcome news for our local businesses because it will greatly improve the visitor and customer experience.”
The Liberty Street parking lot serves not only as a priority parking area for Cannon Street businesses but also for the Dutchess County Courthouse and office buildings on Market Street, as well as for those frequenting area restaurants and businesses.
Sidewalks and walkways adjacent to the parking lot also will be improved during the project.
The 153-space parking lot will be renovated in two phases, leaving half of the spots available for use throughout the project. During the project Liberty Lot parking permits will be honored at all city parking facilities.
