Legislature to Hear Presentation on Dutchess County Urban Trail Project

Legislature to Hear Presentation on
Dutchess County Urban Trail Project

Poughkeepsie… Tonight, members of the Legislature’s Public Works & Capital Projects Committee will hear an update on the Dutchess County Urban Trail project in the city and town of Poughkeepsie, including the extensive public outreach process that informed the final design and an anticipated construction timeline for the project. The Legislature will vote on an $11 million bond authorization to fund the first phase of construction at its December 2nd board meeting.

County Executive Molinaro said, “We have taken residents’ and stakeholders’ feedback to heart and have completed a design for this Urban Trail that will transform the city and town of Poughkeepsie. This trail will connect neighborhoods, businesses, and tourism attractions and will become a vital resource for students, residents, and visitors alike. I encourage our partners in the Legislature to support this resolution and help move this exciting project forward.”

The design of the 2.7-mile Urban Trail project, which will be built in four phases, follows extensive outreach to community stakeholders, youth groups, and residents through in-person and virtual meetings as well as an online survey and interactive website that includes information about the project’s timeline, proposed trail routing, and design concepts as well as the history of the trail and additional informative resources. Feedback incorporated into the design plans include amenities such as lighting and other security features, dual-lane pathways with a minimum width of 16 feet, secure bike parking, seating, informational kiosks, and areas for public art installations, among others.

“This is trail is a unique kind of linear park,” said County Executive Molinaro. “It will be used for so much more than just recreation and exercise because of its urban setting. This trail network will connect people with their jobs, neighborhood businesses, and community services without needing a car. It’s not only going to provide an environmentally friendly alternative to driving to a destination, for many, it will provide an economical and efficient way to traverse the area.”

Once passed by the Legislature, the funding will cover the costs for the first phase of the project, which will include building the 1.4-mile section of trail from the Hudson Heritage development site in the Town of Poughkeepsie to Parker Avenue (State Route 9G) in the City of Poughkeepsie, connecting Quiet Cove Riverfront Park, Marist College, and the William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail (DRT) as well as the Walkway Over the Hudson. Additionally, the first phase will include installing way-finding signs along local streets to help trail users navigate off the trail to local attractions until the remainder of the trail network is complete.

Dutchess County Legislator Will Truitt said, “This project will be a fantastic resource, connecting residents to their jobs, recreation, and local businesses as well as creating a way for visitors to more easily explore all our area has to offer. I encourage my fellow Legislators to join me in supporting this valuable trail network project and am grateful to Dutchess County Executive Molinaro for his continued commitment to improving the quality of life for all.”

Once complete, the Urban Trail network, which will follow former CSX rail line property in the city and town of Poughkeepsie, will connect with the DRT as well as the Poughkeepsie waterfront and local parks, businesses, restaurants, educational institutions, major development projects (including Hudson Heritage) and tourism destinations, such as the Walkway Over the Hudson.

Dutchess County is working in partnership with Scenic Hudson along with Hudson Valley Engineering Associates, PC. and Susan G. Blickstein, LLC to complete the Urban Trail project.

For more information on the project, visit www.dutchesscountyurbantrail.com.

Thank you,

Author: Harlem Valley News