Planning Board Approves Controversial Place of Worship

In a recent government meeting, the planning board addressed several key agenda items, including the approval of meeting minutes and the status of various applications and public hearings.

The meeting began with a review of the minutes from July 23, 2024. A board member noted that a straw vote regarding 9 Duchess Avenue lacked sufficient support for approval and highlighted a discrepancy in the architectural escrow details for the Albany Street site plan. After these amendments were discussed, the minutes were approved with one abstention.

The board then moved on to applications and public hearings, noting that several, including those for 654 and 698 Main Street, 9 Duchess Avenue, and 100 and 106 Albany Street, had been adjourned, limiting the agenda to six active items.

One significant application discussed was for a mixed-use building at 27 High Street, which includes residential units and office space. The applicant, KARC Planning Consultants, requested a one-year extension for site plan approval, citing challenges in securing financing. The board unanimously approved the extension, which now extends the approval until September 19, 2025.

Another notable item was the application for 1 Civic Center Plaza, where the proposed conversion of an office suite into a place of worship was under review. The planning board clarified that places of worship are not explicitly permitted in the Poughkeepsie Innovation District. However, after legal counsel reviewed the situation, it was determined that the proposed use could be classified as a community facility, which is permitted. The board subsequently approved the application, allowing the use of Suite 100 for worship services and related community activities.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to thorough review processes while navigating the complexities of zoning regulations and community needs.