Developers: Let reviews continue
Moratorium may affect plans for ex-psych center

By Michael Valkys Poughkeepsie Journal February 15, 2006

Historic buildings at the old Hudson River Psychiatric Center property could have been used as a horror movie set, with collapsed roofs, broken windows and other creepy features.
But developers of the Route 9 property in the Town of Poughkeepsie have spent $500,000 over the past year to try to stop the deterioration as they plan the site's future as a residential and commercial center.
To keep that planning process moving forward, they have urged officials to allow them to proceed with a request for a zoning change during the town's residential building moratorium.
The town board voted last month to extend a ban on residential construction of 11 lots or more until the middle of June. Tonight, board members could decide whether to allow developers to continue with environmental reviews and other preliminary work during that time.
The original moratorium approved last year allows that work to continue, but the board is revisiting the issue and could vote tonight to stop the reviews.
Update provided
Alex Reese of developer Hudson Heritage CPCR Ventures updated the board last week on plans for the massive site, home to the psychiatric center for more than a century.
Hudson Heritage wants the town to create a new historic revitalization zone for the 156-acre property, which it plans to convert into a mixed use of residential and commercial space while preserving historic buildings and the great lawn overlooking the Hudson River.
Reese said Hudson Heritage needs to continue preliminary work on the zoning application — work which could be halted during the moratorium if the board removes a clause that allows developers to continue environmental reviews at their own risk.
Reese said delays on the project could be harmful to old buildings on the site which are already in serious disrepair.
"Nothing can occur on this site without this board's positive vote for rezoning," Reese told the town board last week. "We ask that we be allowed to gather information necessary to ensure that such a vote, when it occurs, is a fully informed one. We urge the board to let us proceed."
Support for project
Supervisor Patricia Myers on Monday called Hudson Heritage's plan "a very positive project." She is leaning toward allowing environmental reviews to continue.
"I really don't think I have a problem with that," Myers said.
Hudson Heritage's preliminary plans call for about 700 housing units on the property, a small hotel, shops, office space and more. Officials predict the site would be developed in phases over a 10-year period once approvals are granted.
The psychiatric center remains open on state land off Route 9G that was not included in the 2005 sale to Hudson Heritage.
The moratorium comes as the town is also preparing to update its master plan for the first time in 15 years. Public hearings will be scheduled this year and the town board is expected to adopt zoning changes to go along with the updated master plan.
Zoning recommendations from a consultant could be ready for the town board to review by the end of March.
Another major proposal along Route 9 is also in the pipeline.
Hawthorne-based Ginsburg Development hopes to build 468 homes at the Casperkill Golf Club site on the south side of town. The developer wants to build town homes and single-family homes, but plans to preserve the site's 18-hole golf course.

Michael Valkys can be reached at mvalkys@poughkeepsiejournal.com

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