The City of Poughkeepsie Zoning Board of Appeals on June 10 granted area variances to allow adaptive reuse of 209 Cottage Street by the nonprofit Nubian Directions, subject to a condition that at least 12 parking spaces be provided on an adjoining parcel (206 Winnecke Avenue) and remain available to the project for its duration.

The board’s posted resolution notes the building occupies essentially the full lot, making on‑site parking infeasible; the board found that the organization’s programmatic need and the proposed improvements to the adjoining property justify the variance. Judith Canals read the resolution, which concluded the project is a Type II action under SEQR and that the Planning Board issued a negative declaration.

Why it matters: Nubian Directions operates workforce development and YouthBuild programming serving students who walk to the site; the board and the public emphasized that the reuse supports an underserved population and provides community benefits. The condition linking 12 off‑street spaces on the adjoining parcel to the life of the project is a central enforcement feature.

Public support and board remarks: A large turnout of program staff, board members, alumni and community leaders spoke in favor. Robert Wright, founder and principal associated with the project, and Justin Brown of Best Design Group presented the proposal and test‑fit parking plan showing a maximum of 26 spaces on available land and the nonprofit’s stated need for 12 spaces for staff and program administration. Several speakers — including Karen Hockhauser (board member), Shanir Figueroa (program director) and past participants — described the program’s role in re‑engaging students, and an engineer in the audience vouched for the project’s implementation plan.

Board findings and condition: The ZBA’s resolution found no feasible way to provide required parking on the building’s lot, concluded that the requested variance is not substantially adverse given the proposed 12‑space arrangement, and made the approval conditional: “no less than 12 parking spaces be provided on the adjoining parcel at 206 Winnecke Avenue [and] must remain available for the use of this property for the life of this project,” as read into the record.

Outcome and next steps: The board approved the resolution as read. Staff will finalize and sign the resolution and record the condition; the project will proceed through any remaining planning and permitting channels with the 12‑space condition attached.