POUGHKEEPSIE – Elected Democrats and community members gathered at the former YMCA in Poughkeepsie Tuesday night to celebrate the county legislature’s votes on Monday night to transform the dilapidated Montgomery Street building into a modern “Youth Opportunity Center.”
The County Legislature’s Democratic Minority Leader Rebecca Edwards joined caucus members Barrington Atkins, Randall Johnson, Brendan Lawler, and Giancarlo Llaverias to meet with community members who have waited years for this project to take shape. The five legislators and 19 of their colleagues voted on Monday to provide an initial investment of $10 million to demolish the current structure and design the new center. Republican legislator Alan Surman was the lone opposing vote. An additional $15 million of county money is earmarked for the project that will benefit from the financial support of interested stakeholders.
Legislator Atkins represents the north side of the city on the legislature. His predecessor was the late Barbara Jeter-Jackson, who championed funding for this project across party lines. Jeter-Jackson secured money long before the concept was even ready. Atkins was smiling Tuesday night when he said “This project is tremendously important for the city of Poughkeepsie. Right now we are facing a huge issue with gun violence and criminal activity. Having something like the youth center provides a creative outlet for our youth to pursue more constructive avenues.” The freshman added “Imagine the types of programming and mentoring that could take place in the center. Our youth and youth from Dutchess County will benefit for generations, it will become a hub, a safe place, a creative factory, and a second home for many of our youth. I’m so excited to be a part of this.”
City council members also attended the impromptu gathering. Chairperson Sarah Salem attended along with 3rd Ward representative Lorraine Johnson, 5th Ward Councilwoman Yvonne Flowers, and the man who represents the area where the facility will rise up, 2nd Ward lawmaker Evan Menist. “I am completely elated,” he said while greeting community members. Menist noted that when he campaigned for his office in 2019, countless residents expressed a need for a facility and programming for the children. “This is going to be a comprehensive youth and community center that will offer services for the entire family,” said the alderman. “This massive step in the right direction,” Menist said, will offer job training for all ages, activities and educational opportunities for all children, and opportunities for senior citizens as well. “There will be something here for all generations,” he said.
