POUGHKEEPSIE – The Poughkeepsie City Planning Board on Tuesday approved the plans to construct an art gallery, commercial space, and apartments on the 2.5-acre parcel where the dilapidated Pelton Manor is located on North Clover Street. Pelton Partners LLC has been trying to move this project forward since acquiring the property in 2015. The proposal was bogged down by litigation from a small group of city residents and the former common council that embraced frequent litigation.
After hearing concerns from the public, the developers revised the plan to include a community arts center. Original plans called for the mansion to be rehabilitated and converted to apartments. The revised plans removed the apartments and increased the space for a variety of arts.
“This decision is a huge step forward for the people of the City of Poughkeepsie and a huge defeat for those who attempted to deny the people of the city from enjoying this jewel in their midst,” said Ken Stenger, attorney for the developers.
A recent lawsuit by the opposition was filed but their attorneys made critical errors in serving the lawsuit and a motion to dismiss the case was made by Stenger. The attorneys are waiting for a decision on the motion from Supreme Court Justice Maria Rosa.
The recent approval from the planning board features a revised site plan that incorporates the arts center into the mansion and the construction of six buildings that will contain both commercial spaces and apartments. In total, 39 multi-family units distributed among the six buildings.
