POUGHKEEPSIE – Two former manufacturing sites now owned by an affiliate of Scenic Hudson need remediation to clean up soil and water contamination, according to the State Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health. The contamination story can be read by clicking here.
Northside Junction, LLC, an affiliate of Scenic Hudson, purchased the Standard Gage property at 58 Parker Avenue in June of 2020. The Parker Avenue site is directly across from the Walkway Over the Hudson parking lot on Parker Avenue in Poughkeepsie. They also purchased a nearby parcel at 164 Garden Street at the same time. The two parcels are separated by a former CSX rail spur that is slated to become part of the Dutchess County Urban Trail.
Prior to the purchase, Scenic Hudson had conducted a lengthy evaluation of the existing contamination at the parcels. They were aware that both the buildings and land would require extensive remediation to remove asbestos and contamination. The organization plans to repurpose the buildings to house their offices and create a community park on the grounds.
According to Jason Camporese, Scenic Hudson’s chief financial and operating officer, Northside Junction entered the Parker Avenue property into the DEC’s Brownfield Cleanup Program and is committed to remediating the soils, groundwater, and soil vapor to make the site safe for use.
Camporese told Mid-Hudson News that the planned remediation requires approval from the two state agencies and they anticipate that before the end of the year. He said the plan will likely involve removing most of the contaminated soil areas, which should eliminate any ongoing source of groundwater contamination. The project itself will also be part of the remediation by restoring the concrete foundations, parking lots and landscaped areas. These new impermeable surface materials will serve as the cover system. Indoor air systems will prevent exposure to any vapors that may remain for some time even after remediation is accomplished.
Regarding the Parker Avenue location, Camporese stated that “Scenic Hudson is excited about breathing new life into this derelict former industrial site,” which includes creating space for their offices and programs along with public park space, while increasing safe pedestrian and bike access to adjacent parks and trails, including the Dutchess County Rail Trail.
The property at 164 Garden Street is also part of the Brownfield cleanup site but separated from the Standard Gage by a portion of the former CSX rail spur that was protected by Scenic Hudson in 2019.
