The Office of the Dutchess County Executive, Marcus Molinaro, today announced that over $2.2 Million in CDBG and Home Funding for Community Infrastructure, Programs and Affordable Housing Projects is slated to be awarded to different communities throughout the county.

The money has been awarded to 21 projects to improve accessibility, address critical community needs, and expand affordable housing options throughout Dutchess County, according to the press release. County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “Dutchess County continues to invest in projects and programs that help to lift up our most vulnerable residents. Whether it is improving infrastructure to promote accessibility for residents and visitors of all abilities; expanding affordable housing options; or supporting programs that address critical community issues like homelessness and substance abuse to the county’s most vulnerable populations, our investment of CDBG and HOME funding will have positive impacts for generations to come.”

Beacon was awarded one infrastructure upgrade project, and a traffic safety project. It is unknown if Beacon applied for other types of uses and were denied, or if these were the two projects they applied for, and were awarded.

Other municipalities put in for upgrades or new additions to park playgrounds for children, public bathrooms, and upgrades to senior centers. While the City of Beacon employs a grant writer, it is unknown at this time how they brainstorm to get ideas on what kind of funding to apply for. Beacon has steadily made investments in infrastructure upgrades, which is reassuring during these dramatic weather swings and history of broken water mains that require emergency budgeting to fix.

Where Is Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Funding From?

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME program funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to address locally identified community development and housing needs. CDBG funding supports community development projects and activities that benefit low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, populations and communities; while the HOME Program supports the development of affordable housing. These designations are dependent upon census data, which is why hyper-local politicians are so eager for everyone to fill it out when it comes around like it did last year during the pandemic.

CDBG Municipal and HOME applications are accepted annually by the Department of Planning and Development. CDBG Public Service applications are solicited bi-annually. Applications are reviewed by the Community Development Advisory Committee with recommendations forwarded to the County Executive for final approval. More information about these application cycles can be found on the Planning and Development website.

Grant Money Proposed To Be Awarded - Needs Public Comment Period First

According to the press release, an in-person public hearing on the plans will be held on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Poughkeepsie City Hall, Common Council Chambers, 3rd floor, 62 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie. A second virtual public hearing will be held on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. via this link.

Comments may also be submitted in writing to Anne Saylor at asaylor@dutchessny.gov, mailed to:
Anne Saylor
85 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 107
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Or by calling (845) 486-3638.

The awards are preliminary pending a public comment period of the draft 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and the 2020 and 2021 Action Plan. The comment period for these documents will run until Thursday, August 5, 2021.

Following the public comment period, a resolution will be sent to the County Legislature’s for consideration at its September 2021 meeting to formally accept the federal CDBG and HOME funding.

How The Grant Money Has Been Awarded

The following is a breakdown from the County Executive’s office. Of these breakdowns, $233,988 will be set aside for new, competitive application cycle later this year for the creation of qualified, new affordable rental units.

CDBG Infrastructure Projects ($1,213,700 Total)

City of Beacon - Verplanck Avenue Crosswalk Upgrade – $51,870
Improve pedestrian safety and accessibility with new crosswalks on Verplanck Avenue.

City of Beacon - Fishkill Avenue/Hanna Lane Sewer Main Replacement - $108,130
Sewer line replacement to meet pitch requirements, add sewer flow capacity and eliminate the risk of overflow, and to promote economic and housing development.

Town of Clinton - Friends Park Improvement Project - $98,700
Installation of handicapped accessible parking spaces, pathways and bathroom upgrades to eliminate barriers and improve accessibility for senior citizens.

Town of Dover - J. H. Ketcham Memorial Park Walking Track - $99,000
New quarter-mile porous asphalt accessible walking path to enhance recreation options and promote favorable health outcomes for residents.

Town of East Fishkill - Senior Center Sidewalk Renovation - $61,000
Construction of approximately 1,130 square feet of ADA sidewalk, removing barriers and promoting accessibility for seniors.

East Fishkill Supervisor Nicholas D'Alessandro was quoted in the press release saying: “Making our community more accessible to all residents of all abilities is a priority in East Fishkill. We thank Dutchess County for this collaboration through the Community Development Block Grant program, a partnership which will provide greater access to all residents, including the many seniors who utilize our community center.”

Town of Hyde Park - Dinsmore Park Playground Improvement Project– $100,000
Construction of an ADA compliant playground including ADA compliant swing, slides and climbing equipment.

Hyde Park Supervisor Aileen Rohr was quoted in the press release saying: “Hyde Park is once again thankful to our County partners for their CDBG award for playground improvements at Dinsmore Park that will enhance quality of life for all residents. Working together while ‘Thinking Differently,’ we work collaboratively to create improvements to our parks, playgrounds and sidewalks without local tax impact.”

Town of Pawling - Pawling Library Bathroom Installation – $200,000
Construct two new ADA compliant bathroom facilities, including new plumbing and electric, to promote accessibility for disabled residents.

Town of Poughkeepsie - Inclusive Playground at Sheafe Road Park - $95,000
Removal of deteriorated, non-ADA compliant play equipment and installation of a new inclusive play structure.

Town of Wappinger - Carnwath Farms Senior Center– $150,000
Construction of a new ADA compliant senior center, including electrical, HVAC replacement, accessible parking, walkways and entrances for senior citizens.

Village of Wappingers Falls - Bain Park Development - $100,000
Site preparation, assembly and installation of new ADA compliant playground recently purchased by the Village.

Village of Millerton -Sidewalk Infrastructure Repair & Replacement - $150,000
Replacement of 600 linear feet of deteriorated sidewalks along NYS Route 44 (Main Street) with a new accessible sidewalk and crosswalk in front of Millerton Library to promote accessibility.

CDBG Public Service Projects – Totaling $150,000

Catholic Charities - Homeless Prevention Case Management Program – $25,000
Emergency rent assistance and limited utilities assistance to approximately 50 low-income Dutchess County residents to help stabilize housing. Case management assists clients to independently sustain their household needs.

Friends of Seniors - Senior Transportation and Support Services – $25,000
Provide county residents age 60+ with basic support services, including transportation to non-emergency medical appointments, grocery shopping, visiting services, telephone reassurance and respite to primary caregivers.

Hudson River Housing - Housing First Support Services – $25,000
Case management services under the Housing First Program, which helps high-risk, vulnerable homeless adults secure and maintain stable housing.

Hudson River Housing - River Haven Homeless Youth Program – $25,000
Crisis services, emergency housing, counseling, case management, and youth development programming for runaway, homeless and at-risk youth ages 10-17. River Haven Independent Living Program provides services for older homeless and at-risk youth transitioning towards self-sufficiency. River Haven Transitional Living Community provides 17- to 25-year-old homeless youth safe housing as they work towards independence within two years.

Mid-Hudson Addiction Recovery Center (MARC) - Substance Abuse Residential Recovery Services – $25,000
A comprehensive continuum of services offering the promise of recovery to chemically dependent individuals. MARC offers emergency housing, non-hospital-based detox and treatment referral, community residences, supportive housing, counseling, life skill training, vocational development, sober supported apartments, tenant counseling and rent subsidies.

Northeast Community Council - Youth Development: Teen Team and CPSB – $25,000
Teen Team is a peer support group that provides educational, recreational and community service opportunities for socioeconomically disadvantaged youth ages 14-18. The Community Partnership with Schools and Business (CPSB) offers workforce development and intern opportunities in local business for youth 14-21.

HOME affordable housing projects - Totaling $863,794

The Woods at Rhinebeck, Astor Drive, Rhinebeck – $350,000
New construction of 80 one, two and three- bedroom affordable workforce apartments within walking distance of Northern Dutchess Hospital and the village.

Annex at Snow Terrace, 28 Snow Terrace, Poughkeepsie – $227,806
Rehabilitation of former Webster House emergency shelter into 6 permanent one-bedroom units for the homeless/formerly homeless.

Rebuilding Together – $52,000
Rehabilitation of 10 single-family homes throughout Dutchess County occupied by low- and moderate-income households, often senior citizens, by volunteers.