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Resident describes syringes, open drug use and package thefts on Academy Street
Summary
A Poughkeepsie resident told the Common Council she found syringes near her home and described open drug use and prostitution near a neighborhood playground on Academy Street; the mayor said Code Blue sheltering is ending and administration expects less activity.
A Poughkeepsie resident said during public comment on March 18 that she and her young children have encountered syringes and other unsafe conditions on Academy Street and asked the council to address sanitation and safety.
"I didn't expect to ever have to explain to my kids how jumping in puddles could be dangerous or life threatening," said Erin, a resident who said she moved to Dutchess County in February and that her two children, ages 5 and 6, attend the Poughkeepsie City School District. She told council members she found a bent, upward-pointing syringe after exiting her car and later found another syringe in a puddle near the laundromat next to the corner store on Academy Street. She also described seeing used condoms, a chemically melted bench, and people using drugs at a nearby public playground.
Erin also said she has experienced package thefts—"porch pirates"—at her address, leaving her unable to receive deliveries reliably. She said she appreciated nearby services and educational opportunities but urged the city to act to improve safety for children in the neighborhood.
Mayor Yvonne Flowers responded during her remarks that some of the visible activity on Academy Street was associated with Code Blue sheltering and that Code Blue operations at that location are ending. Flowers said the sheltering partner Christchurch stepped in when temperatures were below 32 degrees, and that a summer camp is scheduled in the area, which the administration expects will reduce loitering and activity near the playground. "So you'll see the change there," Flowers said.
The mayor and other speakers also noted the city recently mailed a recycling notice and said Code Enforcement and the sanitation department will increase outreach and education; they emphasized planned coordination among DPW, vendors and social-service partners to address visible public-space issues.
Ending The council did not vote on specific enforcement steps during the meeting. Multiple council members and the mayor said administration staff and partner agencies will continue to coordinate on outreach, sheltering transitions and sanitation enforcement in the neighborhood.
