POUGHKEEPSIE – The Dutchess County Legislature’s Public Works & Capital Projects Committee has authorized the sale of the 38-year-old building that housed the county’s Board of Elections (BOE) until they moved to a new location earlier this year. The proposed sale will be considered by the full legislature next week.
The former home to the BOE is a two-story brick building at 47 Cannon Street in Poughkeepsie. There is a parking lot with 28 spaces behind the building. County records say that it has approximately 10,400 square feet of space and the parcel is .39 acres. The committee authorized selling the total package for $350,000 to 32 Cannon Street LLC, partners that have redeveloped several other properties on Cannon Street in recent years.
Earlier this year the county hired Michael DeWan Appraisers from Red Hook to estimate the property’s value. The firm put a value of $480,000 on the property in late March of 2021. According to DPW Commissioner Robert Balkind, the appraisal did not include the costs associated with bringing the building up to code. The building has asbestos tile flooring that needs to be abated, needs new windows, and a new HVAC system.
Additionally, in order to bring the building up to ADA compliance, the bathrooms on the first and second floors would have to be remodeled and an elevator needs to be installed. The commissioner indicated that the rehabilitation of the building would cost the county approximately $1.8 million for a building that is not needed.
The county issued a “Request for Bids” (RFB) earlier this year seeking purchase offers from interested bidders. 32 Cannon Street LLC, owner of Revel 32, 40 Cannon, and the buildings housing Kings Court Brewing and 1915 Wine Cellar were the only bidders, originally offering $315,000. After an inspection, they offered $350,000 for the property.
Jim and Gina Sullivan, partners in 32 Cannon Street LLC have been developing properties exclusively in the City of Poughkeepsie since 2010. They have invested more than $7 million on projects on Cannon Street dating back to 2013.
Balkind touted the accomplishments of the Sullivans, noting that they are major investors, do not buy properties to “flip,” and have created at least 22 jobs, all held by county residents. “The proposed purchasers have done an amazing amount of work in the city of Poughkeepsie,” Balkind said, challenging the lawmakers by following up with “If we don’t think this is the appropriate buyer, then by all means, find a better one.”
Legislature Chairman Gregg Pulver said after the vote “The former Board of Elections building requires expensive asbestos remediation and design alterations in order to install additional windows. The Sullivans have an amazing track record of hiring local workers and quickly bringing projects to fruition. The purchase price is fair and I’m happy with this proposal.”
Jim Sullivan did not respond to a request seeking comment.
