Poughkeepsie council highlights $10 million downtown grant, workforce training and community updates

Council members and Mayor Flowers used their March 18 floor reports to highlight several community programs, local grants and service updates affecting Poughkeepsie residents.

Mayor Flowers and multiple council members noted that the city received a $10,000,000 Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant from the state; city staff and the planning and development department were praised for preparing the application. Councilmember Hannes and the mayor said the award will support multiple downtown projects and follow earlier state momentum funds the city received.

Council members promoted workforce and arts training programs. Councilmember Henry and Councilmember Hannes described the Empire Training Center (a program that trains stagehands and audio/visual technicians), and both urged interested residents to enroll; Hannes added that the program guarantees placement with partner employers, including theaters in New York City, upon completion. The mayor and other members also praised the Chance Theatre for hosting local events.

Housing and service updates: Councilmember Terracina Brown, who also serves on the Poughkeepsie Housing Authority board, said the authority’s 2025–2026 budget has been adopted and reported tenant service improvements including a towing cooperation to help tenants obtain parking stickers and plans to contract for on-site laundry services. Brown said she plans to assist tenants in forming tenant councils at each development.

Public services and facilities: Several members reported on local maintenance and public-works schedules. Councilmember Hannes said street sweeping and paving season will begin soon and that requests for tree plantings have been forwarded to the Department of Public Works. Multiple members and the mayor noted vandalism to small “book hut” libraries in city parks and said the public library and city staff are coordinating repairs and sturdier replacements.

Poughkeepsie Social Security office: Mayor Flowers said the Social Security field office will not close permanently and will remain leased for the next 10 years while renovations proceed; he and Councilmember McClinton encouraged residents to attend a town hall hosted by Congressman Pat Ryan to learn more about local federal services.

Recreation fee change: Vice Chair Schuch summarized a council action earlier in the meeting that raised rates at McCann Golf Course by $1, noting the facility remains affordable and urging residents to use the course; the council also approved the schedule of fees for McCann Cavan Golf Course as part of the consent agenda.

Community events: Councilmember James listed upcoming community events including a free father-daughter dance hosted by the Poughkeepsie City School District, neighborhood ward meetings, and arts receptions and exhibits.

The council concluded its meeting after the evening’s business and announcements.