POUGHKEEPSIE – Federal funding, originally secured by former Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, is heading to Poughkeepsie for the continuation of park improvements as well as a much-needed replacement of a water line. The city has received $2.15 million to replace the energy-hoarding lights at Stitzel Field that date back to the 1920s and the installation of a new water main in the area to improve water capacity, flow, volume, and pressure.
The replacement of the existing line will reduce the number of lead pipe components in the system while the volume and pressure will benefit the Poughkeepsie Fire Department when they need to battle fires in the area.
“We deeply appreciate our federal delegation coming through for us to deliver this important funding, especially since it will improve public safety,” said Mayor Marc Nelson. “The project also will uphold the city’s commitment to making improvements that will positively impact the quality of life for all our citizens, especially our youth.”
The replacement of the ineffective lights at Stitzel Field is estimated to cost $500,000 while $1.6 million of the grant is dedicated to the new water main as part of a multi-phase project to improve the water system, including the replacement of the existing antiquated, poisonous lead pipes in the current water main serving the area.
Nelson thanked Former Congressman Maloney who secured the appropriation during last year’s session while also acknowledging the commitment of US Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, joined by Congressman Pat Ryan, who now represents Poughkeepsie after the redistricting.
Aside from improving city services, this project will complement Dutchess County’s adjacent efforts to build a Youth Opportunity Union (YOU) at the former YMCA site on Montgomery Street. The YOU will be a multi-use facility focusing on recreational, educational, and healthy opportunities for youth. As a significant step in that process, the former YMCA building, which had been dormant since 2009, was demolished in 2022.
The federal funds also add to the considerable financial resources the city is investing in its parks, including new benches, trees, and basketball hoops at Pershing Avenue Park and Malcolm X Park along with the installation of two soccer pitches at Pulaski Park. The bathhouse at the Pulaski Pool is being replaced and the one at the Spratt Park Pool will be renovated with the assistance of funds the city has received via the American Rescue Plan Act.
