via Mid Hudson News
POUGHKEEPSIE – Rep. Nan Hayworth toured Poughkeepsie with Mayor John Tkazyik Monday afternoon, riding throughout the municipality on a hybrid city bus. They were joined by city council President Gwen Johnson, Councilwoman Anne Perry, and other officials.
Tkazyik said he wanted to show the congresswoman the progress being made in his city.
“With all of this growth, expansion, and positive things taking place, I wanted to be able to show congresswoman Hayworth everything that is going on – a city that is on the move, revitalizing itself, and open for business,” he said.
Sites visited included Poughkeepsie Commons, a residential facility on Hudson Avenue that is still under construction, designed for low income, senior, and veteran housing. LCS Facility Group on Cottage Street showcased their renovated and restored office buildings.
The old Dutton lumberyard was another stop on Hayworth’s day trip. This waterfront property, a former brownfield, will be transformed into nearly 400 units of waterfront condos. Work is expected to be completed in about five years.
Poughkeepsie residents will enjoy a new riverside park bundled with the Dutton project, connecting southwards to nearby Walkway Over the Hudson, Children’s Museum, and an extended Greenway network of trails wending to Fishkill, Beacon and Cold Spring.
“It has been such a delight and learning experience to discover the potential within Poughkeepsie that is being realized, and will continue to be, by the projects that are underway,” Hayworth said. She expressed a desire to assist civic business leaders by not imposing excessive burdens upon their endeavors.
Hayworth currently represents the old 19th Congressional District. She seeks re-election in the newly redistricted 18th, which includes the City of Poughkeepsie. “This is the latest of many journeys I’ll be making to Poughkeepsie, and I look forward to many more,” she promised.
“You look at it now, it’s a barren wasteland,” said Dutchess Regional Chamber of Commerce President Charlie North, gesturing towards the vacant Dutton lot. “With the assistance of the city and the private sector, coming in to make an investment, his will become a park and a livable piece of property, that will generate commerce throughout the Hudson River Valley.”