POUGHKEEPSIE – Mayor Yvonne Flowers convened a group of stakeholders at the troublesome vacant lot known as “The Cut” on Main Street in Poughkeepsie Wednesday. The block between Clinton and Cherry Streets has been a source of numerous calls to 911 for police, fire, and EMS services for a variety of reasons ranging from vagrancy to homicide.
“We have been working hard to clear our Main Street corridor from illegal drug activity and help those who are dealing with drug addiction, mental illness, and homelessness. Our efforts have helped to improve Rose Street, North White Street and parts of Main Street,” Flowers told Mid-Hudson News. “Now we recognize there is a serious problem at 472 Main Street. Rampant drug use and other illegal activities are occurring in plain sight — and close to where youth programs and community events involving our children are taking place.”
In recent weeks there have been several overdoses, a shooting death, and the arrest of a violent drug dealer on felony charges.
“We met at the 472 Main Street vacant lot today with other government officials, community organizations, and the property owner so we could take a comprehensive assessment of what needs to be done,” the mayor said, following the meeting that included representatives from Hudson River Housing, MHA Dutchess, and several city personnel including members of the police and building departments along with DPW. Senator Rob Rolison, who served seven years as the city’s mayor also attended the meeting.
“We have worked too hard to see this progress impeded,” Flowers emphasized. “Many of the people hanging around or sleeping at this location (472-476 Main Street) need help, and I am committed to working with Dutchess County Government services, our housing and mental health care partners, and others to provide assistance and deploy services where and when necessary.”
Hudson River Housing and the city are working to create an outreach and resource center next to the vacant lot, Flowers indicated the police department is joining to resolve the current situation that includes an encampment of homeless people. “We do have a plan of action and will be implementing it shortly,” Flowers said, adding “We also will be working with our partners to develop plans to address these issues throughout the city.”
Photos of activity at the vacant lot where stakeholders met on Wednesday:
