Developer asks for state cash
First phase waits for toxic cleanup

Rasheed Oluwa Poughkeepsie Journal February 21, 2006

The developer of a proposed senior housing facility in the village is seeking state funding for the second phase of the project next week.
Ken Kearney, the developer of the Red Hook Commons senior housing facility, is applying for about $7 million in resources from the state Division of Housing and Community Renewal to build an additional 48 units on the former Perx property, located off Route 9.
The move is unusual because a shovel has yet to hit the ground on the first phase of the project, which also consists of 48 units. Work on the first phase is expected to begin in the spring. Although the first stage of the project is for people age 62 and older, the second phase will be for people 55 and older.
The state has already allocated $1.4 million in funding and $5.75 million in tax credits for the first phase of the project.
"We've been contacted by more than 150 people who signed up for an information list and want applications when they become available," Kearney said. "What we're finding is that the demand is there."
If funding is approved for the second phase, Kearney said he hoped to begin construction next year.
Neighbors are watching
Joan Girardi, a senior citizen and Red Hook resident, and her husband, Peter Girardi, have been following the project's progress for a couple of years. She is hopeful Kearney's second application is a sign the project is proceeding on schedule.
"I can't say we're excited, but we are hopeful that it is completed in a timely fashion and that we're able to get admitted into it," she said.
The 20-acre Perx property was once home to an apple orchard and frozen food processing plant. But the site is hampered by chemical contamination. The county took possession of the property in the 1990s during a tax default proceeding.
The county is cleaning up the site. Cleanup was originally estimated to cost about $1.76 million, with the state contributing $1.26 million.
Cleanup costs have since increased by $1.2 million because more contamination has been found on the site. The county Legislature voted to spend the additional money last week.
Dutchess County Legislator Marc Molinaro, R-Red Hook, said the state is expected to pick up close to 80 percent of the additional costs and cleanup should be completed in time for construction.

Rasheed Oluwa can be reached at roluwa@poughkeepsiejournal.com

Red Hook Commons
Phase one of the Red Hook Commons senior housing complex will consist of 48 units, with rents ranging from $305-$645.
Phase two of the Red Hook Commons project is expected to have 48 units with rents ranging from $286-$663. Rents will be determined by income level.
Call 845-208-3408.

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