Dutchess Legislature Approves Oakley St. Purchase

By Miranda Reale

POUGHKEEPSIE – After months of strained debate, the Republican-majority Legislature approved the purchase of 26 Oakley Street by a 16-8 vote Monday, with one Legislator absent. Following the vote, Brennan Kearney, (D) Legislator from the 11th Ward, demanded a reason from her colleagues on the other side of the aisle. “I’d like to challenge all of my colleagues who have voted yes tonight to explain their decision to us on the floor publicly tonight. Those who have voted no are very happy to give you our reasons, while the rest of you have sat shamelessly silent,” she said.

Some Republican Legislatures defended their decision, saying that action needs to be taken immediately to help the homeless population in Dutchess County. Deirdre Houston, (R) District-25, said, “I can’t go to sleep knowing that we did nothing tonight, that’s why I’m voting yes.” But for the residents of the city who have shown up to speak since the first public meeting back in May, their efforts feel ignored. Yvonne Flowers, City Councilperson of the Fifth Ward, spoke to the burden the city is already carrying. “We have been working so hard to make improvements in this city. But every time we do, it feels like we take one step forward and two steps back. It’s not fair, we just need a break and we are asking for that. Work with us,” she said. “This room should be full of people, but they feel discouraged because they feel like no one cares. Please don’t send that message to them.”

Will Truitt (R) District-7 took a similar stance as Legislature Houston. “My vote is for those who are most in need. I think this is a proactive step to better the lives of the homeless, and it will also better the lives of those living in Poughkeepsie,” he said, to which much of the room responded in laughter.

The county is using $3.1 million in American Rescue Plan funding for the project; $2.1 million for the facility and $1 million for professional services, according to Monday’s resolution. For many of the residents of Poughkeepsie who oppose the shelter, most agree Dutchess’ homeless are in need of such a facility, but the process of this particular model has avoided all means of transparency. The city of Poughkeepsie government was only brought into the conversation a few months ago, after a decision to locate it at 26 Oakley St. was already made.

“The lack of transparency and honesty at play when real lives and vulnerable communities are at stake is shocking and abhorrent. This is bad government,” said Minority Leader Yvette Valdés Smith, who represents Fishkill and Beacon.

On top of the authorization of the site purchase, Legislators approved the environmental review that stated the project would not have a negative social or environmental impact on the neighborhood in which it would be located. The creation of a committee was also created, which would help reduce the impact by allowing for a process to address residents’ concerns.

Assistant Minority Leader, Barrington R. Atkins, whose district includes the 5th Ward, stated, “The blatant disregard to hear community voices as well as elected officials and representatives of the people is a disgrace. This process has been complicated by the authoritarian approach we often see from Republican County Executive Marcus Molinaro’s office.”

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