Commission nominates 10 South Clinton Street for historic landmark designation

The Historic District Landmark Preservation Commission voted Thursday to nominate the house at 10 South Clinton Street for historic landmark designation, following public testimony from the homeowner and preservation advocates.

Judy Green, who presented the nomination materials and identified herself as the property’s nominee, described the house as “a wonderful house” she has lived in for 50 years and said the structure “is certainly 1 of the last examples of this kind of work in the city of Poughkeepsie.” Holly Wahlberg, a local historian, told the commission the house is architecturally significant as a carpenter-gothic cottage and said the nomination “greatly increases our understanding of this neighborhood.”

Why it matters: The commission’s nomination advances the property into the formal designation process; the commission and public speakers framed the house as illustrating working-class craftsmanship and neighborhood history centered on Reservoir Square and the former Red Mills industrial area.

Public comment included testimony from Marta Knapp, who said she had lived in the house for 41 years and described its architectural details and the personal significance of the property. Multiple commenters emphasized the role of preserved homes in neighborhood culture and tourism, noting similar properties host walking tours and events elsewhere.

Commissioners then moved to the nomination vote; the motion was seconded and the chair announced the motion carried. As with other nominations taken at the meeting, staff will notify the applicant about the next administrative steps in the designation process.