Mayor criticized for waterfront development proposals

May 18, 2023
5:27 am

POUGHKEEPSIE – For more than two decades, the development of the southernmost waterfront parcel, the DeLaval site, has been stalled by a number of factors, including former members of the common council. The two latest development proposals, sought by Mayor Marc Nelson, are now being questioned by a candidate for the council.

The city sought “Expression of Interest” submissions from potential developers for the DeLaval site. Only two were received; one from Joe Bonura Jr. and one from Bernard Kohn.

Democrat Vincent Pedi, seeking a seat on the common council, used Monday’s council meeting as an opportunity to criticize Nelson, a fellow Democrat, over the latest attempt to develop the waterfront. “Were there any considerations, conversations, or efforts made by the new head of development, to inquire with developers throughout New York and the United States who specialize in waterfront development,” Pedi questioned.

Failing to acknowledge that there have been more than 20 years of attempts to build something at the site, Pedi chastised Nelson, saying, “You botched this effort, and the only right thing to do now is give the city more time to actually promote this site the right way so we can get some really exciting proposals, and more options on the table for our residents to consider,” adding that the city doesn’t need to “rush into something” with regard to selecting a plan for the site.

Mayor Nelson addressed the accusations, telling Mid-Hudson News, “It goes without saying that, with respect to the Southern Waterfront parcel at least, many developers might be seeing less risky opportunities elsewhere. Just based on the long history of controversy, and the previous opposition of neighboring residential property owners in particular, I think the responses are good representations of the type of projects developers are willing to undertake.”

Nelson cited the economy as another factor in only receiving two proposals after seeking proposals for more than three months. “We also have to keep in mind that interest rates are quite a bit higher than just a few years ago and that development costs themselves have significantly increased as well – these factors combine to negatively impact the breadth and scope of responses we might otherwise have seen.”

Joe Bonura, Jr. has previously attempted to develop the site, to join the other projects he has completed in the area including Shadows on the Hudson and The Grandview. The last time he attempted to work with the city, it ended in litigation, with the city paying him $1 million to abandon the plan. His proposal divides the site into two parcels allowing for both a dedicated riverfront park space and an inland commercial development.

The hallmark feature of this project would be a riverfront promenade that would include a public walkway spanning the entire waterfront portion of the site. In addition to providing north-south pedestrian access to the buildings and site amenities, the promenade would have lighting, benches, and landscaped areas available for leisure and recreation. Additional public space also would include an amphitheater along the southern end of the site, public parking, and a kayak/canoe launch adjacent to a large public boat dock.

Bernard “Berry” Kohn of Chai Developers, LLC, submitted a proposal that calls for the creation of a city-owned park that would span the full length of the western edge and provide a paved pathway for pedestrian access along the riverfront portion of the site. The applicant outlined a number of “bump-out” locations along the promenade to accommodate a wide range of public uses along with the construction of a dock suitable for motorized and non-motorized watercraft accessible to the public. A 12-story hotel is included in the Kohn proposal.

Both proposals and additional information can be found here.