The Dutchess County Legislature has failed their constituents. They voted 13/12 in favor of the land lease with Dutchess Community College. The votes are as follows:
12 Nays:Fettes, Doxsey, Kuffner, Nash, Keller-Coffey, Flesland, Horn, Horton, Weiss, Sears, Tyner, MacAvery
13 Ayes: Higgins, Goldberg, Cooper, Rolison, Jeter Jackson, White, Wassel, Mansfield, Hutchings, Foreman, Kelly, Miccio, McCabe.
If you want to view the meeting, please go to http://www.totalwebcasting.com/live/dutchess/
and select March 25th Special Meeting. Be sure to pop some popcorn. It was over 2 hours.
Not happy about how you legislator voted? Give them an earful. Maybe they'll listen to you. They certainly didn't listen to us.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Perhaps DCC Should Learn From Their Own Program....
Greening Your Business' forum to be held at DCC (Pok. Journal 3/12/08)
| Dutchess Community College will host the program, “Greening Your Business: The Case for Sustainability” on Friday. |
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Panel: Turn Nelson House into dorms (Pok. Journal 3/22/08)
Panel: Turn Nelson House into dorms
City landmark could aid DCC
City landmark could aid DCC
| An advisory committee to the Dutchess County Legislature suggested the county-owned former Nelson House Hotel in the City of Poughkeepsie could be turned into classrooms and dorms for Dutchess Community College. |
| The Nelson House Citizen Advisory Committee, which was created last year, presented a report to the Legislature this month, suggesting dorms as one of the options. That proposal could address concerns raised about building new dorms. |
| On Tuesday, the Legislature will vote whether to support a ground lease with DCC to build dorms off Cottage Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie. That plan has drawn criticism from various groups concerned with the tax effect on public services. |
| Residents of the Fairview Fire District are worried fire district taxes would go up and town officials feel the project should go to the town planning board. |
| The Nelson House, 28 Market St., opened in 1876 and served as a place for celebrations and rallies, the report said. It has asbestos and mold that would need to be removed. |
| DCC President David Conklin said conducting a feasibility study would help to determine if Nelson House could be turned into a dorm. |
| "If a developer bought it, if the developer builds attractive, affordable, well-maintained and safe-living accommodations for students, students will gravitate toward it," Conklin said. |
| The City of Poughkeepsie Common Council wants the college to consider providing student housing in the city rather than the town. |
| Feasibility study proposed "While I don't know the building, that may very well be a good direction to go in," Council Chairman Brian Doyle said. "We should take a good hard look at reuse. The recommendation of the committee to engage in a feasibility study is a very wise idea." |
| A "reuse feasibility assessment" would need to be done before any rehabilitation began, the report said. The study would analyze the building and its potential, the cost of rehabilitation and potential profit, the report said. |
| The committee was denied access to the building because the Public Works, Health and Risk Management departments determined the building to be unsafe. |
| Committee member Holly Wahlberg suggested hiring a professional to explore reuses of the building. |
| "You have a legislative branch charging the committee to evaluate the reuse, and then you have the executive branch refusing to allow anyone in the building, and there is the problem," Wahlberg said. |
| "We're very optimistic and positive about potential uses for the building," she added. |
| Chairman Roger Higgins, D-New Hamburg, said the Legislature is working on a resolution to request County Executive William Steinhaus to enter into a contract to do the study. |
| Colleen Pillus, the county executive's research/communications analyst, said she could not comment on "something we haven't seen." |
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Still Undecided? Here's Some Numbers To Consider
For the most part, 97% of the neighbors that I spoke to were against the DCC land lease as well as the dorm proposal. For those neighbors I was unable to speak to, I left a flyer behind with some information. Believe it or not, I have had some positive responses from the flyers. I also met some people who were for the dorms and I totally respect their decision. There were a few people that I met who were undecided so I wanted to throw some figures out there for consideration.
At the meeting at the Fairview Fire House on March 17th, Mr. Doxsey had some interesting figures to share with us. Dutchess Community College had a student enrollment of approximately 8,000 students last year. Marist College had a student enrollment of approximately 4,000 + students last year. It was estimated that Dutchess Community College had about $85,000 in fire calls to the Fairview Fire Dept. (They figured that each fire call cost about $1,705 per call). Marist College had about $405,000 in fire calls to the Fairview Fire Dept. Dutchess Community College paid a whopping $5,000 to the Fairview Fire Dept. to offset the $85,000 in calls. Marist has an agreement with the Fairview Fire Dept. and paid in the neighborhood of $110,000.
The proposal that Dutchess Community College presented to the Fairview Fire Dept. doesn't even cover the amount of fire calls made to the main campus alone let alone the fire calls the dorms may have. I have posted a copy of DCC's proposal to the Fairview Fire Dept. on the site but here are the figures again:
"Mitigation payments would be $75,000 for the period 8/1/09-7/31/10; $72,500 for the period 8/1/10-7/31/11; and $79,568 for the period from 8/1/11-7/31-12". DCC is only willing to give an annual increase of 3% over the prior year. Also keep in mind that DCC may decide to build additional dorms in the future which could possibly mean even more fire calls. And then, to try and sweeten the deal, DCC has offered Fairview firefighters classes as the college now has a fire sciences program.
Basically, we the non-tax exempt residents of the Fairview Fire District, will have to bear the burden of paying the costs not covered by not only DCC, but Marist College as well.
If you would like to be added to the petition against the land lease and the DCC dorms, please e-mail me at:
NODCCDORMS@YAHOO.COM
At the meeting at the Fairview Fire House on March 17th, Mr. Doxsey had some interesting figures to share with us. Dutchess Community College had a student enrollment of approximately 8,000 students last year. Marist College had a student enrollment of approximately 4,000 + students last year. It was estimated that Dutchess Community College had about $85,000 in fire calls to the Fairview Fire Dept. (They figured that each fire call cost about $1,705 per call). Marist College had about $405,000 in fire calls to the Fairview Fire Dept. Dutchess Community College paid a whopping $5,000 to the Fairview Fire Dept. to offset the $85,000 in calls. Marist has an agreement with the Fairview Fire Dept. and paid in the neighborhood of $110,000.
The proposal that Dutchess Community College presented to the Fairview Fire Dept. doesn't even cover the amount of fire calls made to the main campus alone let alone the fire calls the dorms may have. I have posted a copy of DCC's proposal to the Fairview Fire Dept. on the site but here are the figures again:
"Mitigation payments would be $75,000 for the period 8/1/09-7/31/10; $72,500 for the period 8/1/10-7/31/11; and $79,568 for the period from 8/1/11-7/31-12". DCC is only willing to give an annual increase of 3% over the prior year. Also keep in mind that DCC may decide to build additional dorms in the future which could possibly mean even more fire calls. And then, to try and sweeten the deal, DCC has offered Fairview firefighters classes as the college now has a fire sciences program.
Basically, we the non-tax exempt residents of the Fairview Fire District, will have to bear the burden of paying the costs not covered by not only DCC, but Marist College as well.
If you would like to be added to the petition against the land lease and the DCC dorms, please e-mail me at:
NODCCDORMS@YAHOO.COM
Friday, March 21, 2008
Contact Info For Dutchess County Legislators
If you would like to contact your Dutchess County legislator to let them know how you feel about the land lease and the DCC dorm proposal, please visit: http://www.co.dutchess.ny.us/CountyGov/Departments/Legislature/CLlegislators.htm
and let your voice be heard!
Remember, the legislature will be voting on the land lease on Tuesday, March 25th 2008 at 7:00 PM at 22 Market Street (DMV Building) in Poughkeepsie. The meeting is open to the public and you will have the opportunity to address your concerns (for 3 whole minutes) to the legislature.
and let your voice be heard!
Remember, the legislature will be voting on the land lease on Tuesday, March 25th 2008 at 7:00 PM at 22 Market Street (DMV Building) in Poughkeepsie. The meeting is open to the public and you will have the opportunity to address your concerns (for 3 whole minutes) to the legislature.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Small Update On Fairview Fire District Meeting
Please forgive me for not posting the past few days. Homework has to come first! I will be updating the site tonight & hope to have a copy of the DCC proposal to the Fairview Fire District.
Just to let you know, the Fairview Fire Commissioners accepted the DCC proposal on a vote of 4 to 1. It was a very long meeting that was also attended by Patricia Myers from the Town of Poughkeepsie and James Doxsey our districts legislator. Dr. Conklin, President of Dutchess Community College, more or less tied their (Fairviews) hands and said either accept this proposal by Wednesday, March 19th, or get nothing.
The fire commissioners stated that they still aren't happy about the dorms. They insisted that by accepting DCC's offer that it in no way meant that they support the dorms. They also stated that the residents have their word that they will not hire any additional fire fighters at this time either. We'll see how that goes. If Fairview hired the fire fighters they had wanted, we the taxpayers were looking at an increase of $500 for the year.
Just to let you know, the Fairview Fire Commissioners accepted the DCC proposal on a vote of 4 to 1. It was a very long meeting that was also attended by Patricia Myers from the Town of Poughkeepsie and James Doxsey our districts legislator. Dr. Conklin, President of Dutchess Community College, more or less tied their (Fairviews) hands and said either accept this proposal by Wednesday, March 19th, or get nothing.
The fire commissioners stated that they still aren't happy about the dorms. They insisted that by accepting DCC's offer that it in no way meant that they support the dorms. They also stated that the residents have their word that they will not hire any additional fire fighters at this time either. We'll see how that goes. If Fairview hired the fire fighters they had wanted, we the taxpayers were looking at an increase of $500 for the year.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Repost: Meeting Confirmed at Fairview Firehouse!
Yes, there will be a meeting Monday, March 17th, @ 7:00 p.m at the Fairview Firehouse to discuss the DCC dorms in regard to an offer they have made to us The meeting is open to the public and hope you can attend. Please contact me if you have any additional questions.
Sincerely,
Tory G. Gallante, Chief
Fairview Fire District
258 Violet Avenue
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 452-7453 - Office
(845) 452-8770 - Station
(845) 452-0552 - Fax
(Dutchess Pats Itself On The Back) Dutchess ' plan has been solid from the start (Pok. Journal 3/9/08)
Dutchess ' plan has been solid from the start
Poughkeepsie Journal (NY) - March 9, 2008
Author: STAFF ; D. David Conklin
As DutchessCommunityCollege celebrates its 50th anniversary, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the residents of Dutchess County, and beyond, for the support you have shown to the college over the years.
Without our community 's support, we would not be able to offer our students the lowest tuition of any college or university in the state, we would not be able to offer the excellent academic programs we now provide for students, and we would not be able to say that our reputation as a communitycollege is one of the best in the state.
I like to think the college repays the community for its support by good fiscal management of its resources, the creation of jobs and income, the provision of easy access to higher educational opportunities for county residents, and the preparation of students for highly skilled technical employment.
The College is now an institution encompassing 130 acres, with 13 buildings and 323,799 square feet of space for academic programs and support services. DCC has developed extensively since the evening in February 1958 when James Hall arrived to begin his tenure as the first president.
The 40-acre former Bowne Hospital site was isolated and overgrown. Formal gardens where tubercular patients had gathered to enjoy the clean air were abandoned. Lawns were untended and bushes and undergrowth had taken possession of the grounds.
Bowne Hospital itself was a challenge of renovation, with wards and labs all in need of reconfiguring to turn the building from a place of sickness into a place of hope and brightness. Today, those old gardens are an award-winning campus, replete with more than 40 sculptures created by national, regional and local artists.
Growth has mirrored the community
During the ensuing 50 years, enrollment has grown from 714 to 8,250 full- and part-time students. Over the decades, 13 academic building were built, renovated, or expanded. And, while DCC was becoming the college of choice for the residents of Dutchess - 12 percent of the county's 17- to 29-year-olds attend DCC - its financial impact was being felt in the community in numerous ways. Through its local purchases, including wages paid to faculty and staff; through attracting out-of-county students and their spending to Dutchess County; through a human capital effect stemming from an increase in the skill base of the local workforce; and through $57 million in capital expenditures in the past 15 years that utilized local contractors and workers.
As the College facilities grew to better serve students, faculty, and staff, so too did the DutchessCommunityCollege Foundation that raises funds in support of student scholarships, faculty/staff mini-grants, endowed faculty chairs and other enhancements to the academic atmosphere of the College . The foundation was incorporated on April 11, 1975, and, in 1992, it became a 501.c.3 corporation.
During that period there was no paid staff and only a few directors. Today the Foundation is guided by a 30-member board of directors. The focus on the role of the foundation has enabled the college to provide scholarships and grants in excess of $300,000 each year. From 2001-2006, more than $1.9 million has been distributed in scholarships and grants.
In addition to scholarships, the foundation annually provides grants of approximately $50,000 to faculty to support special programs.The Faculty Mini-Grant program provides grants in support of projects related to academic programs and community outreach. Many of these projects have become much-anticipated annual community events.
For example, the Math and Science Matter for Young Women Fair hosts more than 300 young female students for a day of mathematics and science learning and experimentation; the Punkin' Chunkin' Festival pits local high school and college teams against each other in competition to see which team can hurl a pumpkin the farthest using hand-made trebuchets and physics; and the Architectural Competition invites budding architects to submit their designs for awards and recognition.
The Distinguished Faculty Chair Program recognizes extraordinary academic work by a faculty member. The recipient traditionally invites a distinguished speaker to campus for a public lecture and student discussions.
Future looks bright
Today, DutchessCommunityCollege is well situated to successfully embrace the next 50 years. Strong community support of the institution has enabled the College to become a valuable resource for the entire Hudson Valley.
Each year, $807.4 million of the current Dutchess County economy is attributable to the cumulative impact of DCC's 50-year presence. This represents 7.5 percent of Dutchess County's total yearly income each year. DCC's economic contribution includes spending by the college , spending by out-of-region students, and - most significantly - the current contribution of DCC's alumni in the work force of Dutchess County and New York state. Our graduates tend to stay in the area, and many have become political, civic, and academic leaders.
Altogether, the contribution of DCC instruction explains some $768.1 million of total income to the current economy of Dutchess . For every dollar of state and local tax money invested in DCC today, the public sees a cumulative real return of $26.60 over the course of the student's working career, in terms of added income and avoided social costs.
For 50 years, we have offered an outstanding and affordable college education to anyone who desires it.The accomplishments of our students, both ordinary and extraordinary, are how we mark our past, present and future.
The college came into existence because of the determined support of Dutchess County citizens in the md-1950s. Thank you for that support then, and now.
Section: NEWSWithout our community 's support, we would not be able to offer our students the lowest tuition of any college or university in the state, we would not be able to offer the excellent academic programs we now provide for students, and we would not be able to say that our reputation as a communitycollege is one of the best in the state.
I like to think the college repays the community for its support by good fiscal management of its resources, the creation of jobs and income, the provision of easy access to higher educational opportunities for county residents, and the preparation of students for highly skilled technical employment.
The College is now an institution encompassing 130 acres, with 13 buildings and 323,799 square feet of space for academic programs and support services. DCC has developed extensively since the evening in February 1958 when James Hall arrived to begin his tenure as the first president.
The 40-acre former Bowne Hospital site was isolated and overgrown. Formal gardens where tubercular patients had gathered to enjoy the clean air were abandoned. Lawns were untended and bushes and undergrowth had taken possession of the grounds.
Bowne Hospital itself was a challenge of renovation, with wards and labs all in need of reconfiguring to turn the building from a place of sickness into a place of hope and brightness. Today, those old gardens are an award-winning campus, replete with more than 40 sculptures created by national, regional and local artists.
Growth has mirrored the community
During the ensuing 50 years, enrollment has grown from 714 to 8,250 full- and part-time students. Over the decades, 13 academic building were built, renovated, or expanded. And, while DCC was becoming the college of choice for the residents of Dutchess - 12 percent of the county's 17- to 29-year-olds attend DCC - its financial impact was being felt in the community in numerous ways. Through its local purchases, including wages paid to faculty and staff; through attracting out-of-county students and their spending to Dutchess County; through a human capital effect stemming from an increase in the skill base of the local workforce; and through $57 million in capital expenditures in the past 15 years that utilized local contractors and workers.
As the College facilities grew to better serve students, faculty, and staff, so too did the DutchessCommunityCollege Foundation that raises funds in support of student scholarships, faculty/staff mini-grants, endowed faculty chairs and other enhancements to the academic atmosphere of the College . The foundation was incorporated on April 11, 1975, and, in 1992, it became a 501.c.3 corporation.
During that period there was no paid staff and only a few directors. Today the Foundation is guided by a 30-member board of directors. The focus on the role of the foundation has enabled the college to provide scholarships and grants in excess of $300,000 each year. From 2001-2006, more than $1.9 million has been distributed in scholarships and grants.
In addition to scholarships, the foundation annually provides grants of approximately $50,000 to faculty to support special programs.The Faculty Mini-Grant program provides grants in support of projects related to academic programs and community outreach. Many of these projects have become much-anticipated annual community events.
For example, the Math and Science Matter for Young Women Fair hosts more than 300 young female students for a day of mathematics and science learning and experimentation; the Punkin' Chunkin' Festival pits local high school and college teams against each other in competition to see which team can hurl a pumpkin the farthest using hand-made trebuchets and physics; and the Architectural Competition invites budding architects to submit their designs for awards and recognition.
The Distinguished Faculty Chair Program recognizes extraordinary academic work by a faculty member. The recipient traditionally invites a distinguished speaker to campus for a public lecture and student discussions.
Future looks bright
Today, DutchessCommunityCollege is well situated to successfully embrace the next 50 years. Strong community support of the institution has enabled the College to become a valuable resource for the entire Hudson Valley.
Each year, $807.4 million of the current Dutchess County economy is attributable to the cumulative impact of DCC's 50-year presence. This represents 7.5 percent of Dutchess County's total yearly income each year. DCC's economic contribution includes spending by the college , spending by out-of-region students, and - most significantly - the current contribution of DCC's alumni in the work force of Dutchess County and New York state. Our graduates tend to stay in the area, and many have become political, civic, and academic leaders.
Altogether, the contribution of DCC instruction explains some $768.1 million of total income to the current economy of Dutchess . For every dollar of state and local tax money invested in DCC today, the public sees a cumulative real return of $26.60 over the course of the student's working career, in terms of added income and avoided social costs.
For 50 years, we have offered an outstanding and affordable college education to anyone who desires it.The accomplishments of our students, both ordinary and extraordinary, are how we mark our past, present and future.
The college came into existence because of the determined support of Dutchess County citizens in the md-1950s. Thank you for that support then, and now.
Page: 3K
Record Number: pgh44596206
Copyright (c) Poughkeepsie Journal. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
DCC ground lease heads to vote (Pok. Journal 3/11/08)
DCC ground lease heads to vote
Poughkeepsie Journal (NY) - March 11, 2008
Author: STAFF ; Jenny Lee
The Dutchess County Legislature will vote on a resolution in two weeks that asks legislators to support a ground lease between the county and the Dutchess Community College Association to build dorms on county-owned property.
The resolution initially called for the Legislature to approve the ground lease but it was changed Monday to say legislators would be asked to support the development of a 40-year lease. At a suitable time, the ground lease would be brought back to the Legislature for review, the resolution said.
More than 30 people came to the Legislature's Committee of the Whole meeting Monday to discuss the project.
The college wants to build dorms for 500 to 800 students on 25 acres off Cottage Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie and open the dorms in fall 2009. Construction would cost $30 million.
Fairview Fire District officials, Town of Poughkeepsie officials, town residents and others told legislators their concerns: the fire district does not have enough resources to handle more calls, residents' fire district taxes would go up, the project should go to the town planning board and students would not be safe crossing a road to get to the campus.
Several DCC students spoke in favor of having dorms .
DCC President David Conklin said, "Residence halls will be a better living arrangement for our current students."
"The decision has to be made now," Conklin said. If the decision were postponed, it would increase the project's cost 10 percent to 15 percent or by $3 million to $4.5 million, he said.
Legislature Chairman Roger Higgins, D-New Hamburg, said, "I just think it's a great project for the college."
The Legislature was going to vote on the resolution of support Wednesday. The vote was reset to March 25 because one legislator, who is out of town, was not notified in time for Wednesday's meeting, Higgins said.
Notification mandatory
All legislators must be personally served with the notification 72 hours before the meeting, or the meeting is considered illegal, Assistant to the Chairman Fred Knapp said.
County Executive William Steinhaus would need to negotiate the lease with the college before the lease is presented to the Legislature, Higgins said.
Fairview Fire District Chief Tory Gallante said the district is operating below minimum staffing levels to handle demands for services. The proposed dormitories alone are not the sole need for the additional staffing. The district, which has 18 employees, needs eight more firefighters, he said.
Conklin said the college is negotiating a contribution to the district to lessen the burden. Because college and district officials are still negotiating the offer, the amount could not be revealed to the public, he said. Gallante agreed.
About 80 percent of the fire district's tax base is tax exempt. Therefore, residents pay for all services, Bob Rogers of the Town of Poughkeepsie said.
"Mine had gone up 15 percent alone from last year," he said of his taxes. "I'm paying a lot of money. It's going to put the burden right on our back."
Reach Jenny Lee at leeja@poughkeepsiejournal.com or 485-437-4835.
Section: MID-HUDSONThe resolution initially called for the Legislature to approve the ground lease but it was changed Monday to say legislators would be asked to support the development of a 40-year lease. At a suitable time, the ground lease would be brought back to the Legislature for review, the resolution said.
More than 30 people came to the Legislature's Committee of the Whole meeting Monday to discuss the project.
The college wants to build dorms for 500 to 800 students on 25 acres off Cottage Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie and open the dorms in fall 2009. Construction would cost $30 million.
Fairview Fire District officials, Town of Poughkeepsie officials, town residents and others told legislators their concerns: the fire district does not have enough resources to handle more calls, residents' fire district taxes would go up, the project should go to the town planning board and students would not be safe crossing a road to get to the campus.
Several DCC students spoke in favor of having dorms .
DCC President David Conklin said, "Residence halls will be a better living arrangement for our current students."
"The decision has to be made now," Conklin said. If the decision were postponed, it would increase the project's cost 10 percent to 15 percent or by $3 million to $4.5 million, he said.
Legislature Chairman Roger Higgins, D-New Hamburg, said, "I just think it's a great project for the college."
The Legislature was going to vote on the resolution of support Wednesday. The vote was reset to March 25 because one legislator, who is out of town, was not notified in time for Wednesday's meeting, Higgins said.
Notification mandatory
All legislators must be personally served with the notification 72 hours before the meeting, or the meeting is considered illegal, Assistant to the Chairman Fred Knapp said.
County Executive William Steinhaus would need to negotiate the lease with the college before the lease is presented to the Legislature, Higgins said.
Fairview Fire District Chief Tory Gallante said the district is operating below minimum staffing levels to handle demands for services. The proposed dormitories alone are not the sole need for the additional staffing. The district, which has 18 employees, needs eight more firefighters, he said.
Conklin said the college is negotiating a contribution to the district to lessen the burden. Because college and district officials are still negotiating the offer, the amount could not be revealed to the public, he said. Gallante agreed.
About 80 percent of the fire district's tax base is tax exempt. Therefore, residents pay for all services, Bob Rogers of the Town of Poughkeepsie said.
"Mine had gone up 15 percent alone from last year," he said of his taxes. "I'm paying a lot of money. It's going to put the burden right on our back."
Reach Jenny Lee at leeja@poughkeepsiejournal.com or 485-437-4835.
Page: 1B
Record Number: pgh44598859
Copyright (c) Poughkeepsie Journal. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
Response by Fairview Fire Chief RE: 3/9/08 Article in Pok. Journal
The portion of the article that reads, "The fire district is understaffed already with 18 employees, and would need eight more firefighters to handle calls at the new dorms and the college, Gallante said" is INCORRECT AND NOT THE INFORMATION THAT WAS PROVIDED TO THE POUGHKEEPSIE JOURNAL.
The Journal was specifically told that the Fairview Fire District is currently operating below minimum staffing levels, both career and volunteer personnel, to handle current demands for services and that the proposed dormitories alone are not the sole need for the additional staffing.
The Journal was also given information, both verbally and in writing, for justification on how the staffing needs and increased costs were determined. Current staffing needs were calculated using data from annual response statistics, a comprehensive analysis of the Fairview Fire District that was completed by C.T Male Associates in 2006, a Graphic Information System Fire Suppression and Emergency Medical Services Response Capabilities Analysis of the Fairview Fire District that was completed by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) in 2004, and information from the National Fire Protection Association and Insurance Services Organization.
In addition to the proposed DCC dormitories, the Journal was also given a list of proposed and current development/construction that will have an impact on demands for services. All this information appears in a letter dated February 27th 2008, to Dutchess County Legislator James Doxsey – and the Journal was provided an electronic copy of this letter.
The Fairview Fire District does not expect Dutchess Community College to be the “financial savior” for our issues and recognize the fact that DCC is an excellent educational institution and plays a large role in the economy of Dutchess County. We are simply asking DCC and the Dutchess County Legislature to help provide financial relief to the taxpayers of the Fairview Fire District.
In 2006 it was determined by C.T. Male Associates, P.C. that approximately 73% of the within the Fairview Fire District is tax exempt based upon information from the Dutchess County Department of Planning & Development. Since 2006, more properties have come off the tax rolls and the percentage of tax exempt properties is probably between 75 and 80 %. In 2007 and already in 2008, tax exempt properties accounted for approximately 50% of the incident responses that occurred within our response area. Please keep in mind that taxpayers are also feeling the burden of tax exempt properties on their property and school tax bills.
There are always questions and/or comments presented such as: Why can’t we force tax exempt properties to pay? Why doesn’t the Fairview Fire District merge with another department? What about dissolving the Fairview Fire District? Why do you need a career staff? Where are all the volunteers? What are our elected officials doing?
The Board of Fire Commissioners, volunteers and career personnel each and every day continue (exhaustingly) to find ways to help solve the problems facing the Fairview Fire District. We continually meet with elected officials on local, county, state and federal level, have lobbied for legislation in Albany, discuss consolidation with other departments, and so much more.
The Fairview Fire District will be holding a special meeting and public forum with elected officials on April 24th 2008 and invite everyone to attend. The meeting will take place at the Violet Avenue School and start at 7 p.m.
On behalf of the Fairview Fire District, thank you again for your support. Please contact me for additional and accurate information. 
Sincerely,
Tory G. Gallante, Chief
Fairview Fire District
258 Violet Avenue
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 452-7453 – Office
(845) 452-0552 – Fax
tgallante@fairviewfd.net
www.iaff2623.org
www.fairviewfd.net
Legislature to weigh DCCdorm proposal (Pok. Journal 3/9/08)
Legislature to weigh DCCdorm proposal
Poughkeepsie Journal (NY) - March 9, 2008
Author: STAFF ; Jenny Lee
The Dutchess County Legislature will discuss Monday the controversial issue of supporting a ground lease agreement with Dutchess Community College, so it can build dorms on the property.
The college wants to build dorms on 25 acres of county-owned land off Cottage Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie and open them in fall 2009. About 500 to 800 students could live in the halls. Construction would cost $30 million, college spokeswoman Ann Winfield said.
Officials from the Town of Poughkeepsie and the Fairview Fire District, town residents and others want the project to slow down because they're concerned about increased traffic, crossroads safety for the students and whether the fire district has the resources to provide services to the dorms .
Legislators will talk about the issue at a Committee of the Whole meeting Monday, and then vote on the resolution Wednesday.
"Once that vote is taken, we have no control over what happens in that area" where the property is located, said Assistant Majority Leader Margaret Fettes, D-Millbrook, who is leaning toward not doing the lease until concerns are addressed.
Fire District Chief Tory Gallante said he hoped the issue would be tabled or legislators would explore all the issues.
The fire district is understaffed already with 18 employees, and would need eight more firefighters to handle calls at the new dorms and the college, Gallante said. Salaries for the eight firefighters would cost about $860,000, he said.
DCC President David Conklin said he spoke with fire district officials.
"We made an offer to help mitigate any action," he said.
Conklin wouldn't say what the offer was.
"We had a study conducted in 2005 that showed there was a need and desire for dorms in this area," Winfield said.
"We will do everything in our power to make sure we work with the community to address their concerns," she said.
Legislator James Doxsey, C-Town of Poughkeepsie, said he set up small meetings between Conklin and legislators, fire district officials and town officials.
Doxsey said he is worried Cottage Road is unsafe for students to cross to get to campus because it curves.
"The solution is to fix the impact on the road," Doxsey said.
Town of Poughkeepsie Supervisor Patricia Myers said she believed the project should go through the town Planning Board because the town is the proper venue to review the dorms ' design and construction.
Meeting Monday
The Dutchess County Legislature will have a Committee of the Whole meeting at 4 p.m. Monday to discuss a solution that approves a ground lease for the Dutchess Community College Association to build dorms . The Legislature will have a regular board meetingThe Legislature's Budget, Finance and Personnel Committee will discuss the dorms issue at 5 p.m. Wednesday, and the Legislature will have a special board meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday to vote on the matter.
All meetings are held on the 6th floor of the County Office Building, 22 Market St., Poughkeepsie.
Section: MID-HUDSONThe college wants to build dorms on 25 acres of county-owned land off Cottage Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie and open them in fall 2009. About 500 to 800 students could live in the halls. Construction would cost $30 million, college spokeswoman Ann Winfield said.
Officials from the Town of Poughkeepsie and the Fairview Fire District, town residents and others want the project to slow down because they're concerned about increased traffic, crossroads safety for the students and whether the fire district has the resources to provide services to the dorms .
Legislators will talk about the issue at a Committee of the Whole meeting Monday, and then vote on the resolution Wednesday.
"Once that vote is taken, we have no control over what happens in that area" where the property is located, said Assistant Majority Leader Margaret Fettes, D-Millbrook, who is leaning toward not doing the lease until concerns are addressed.
Fire District Chief Tory Gallante said he hoped the issue would be tabled or legislators would explore all the issues.
The fire district is understaffed already with 18 employees, and would need eight more firefighters to handle calls at the new dorms and the college, Gallante said. Salaries for the eight firefighters would cost about $860,000, he said.
DCC President David Conklin said he spoke with fire district officials.
"We made an offer to help mitigate any action," he said.
Conklin wouldn't say what the offer was.
"We had a study conducted in 2005 that showed there was a need and desire for dorms in this area," Winfield said.
"We will do everything in our power to make sure we work with the community to address their concerns," she said.
Legislator James Doxsey, C-Town of Poughkeepsie, said he set up small meetings between Conklin and legislators, fire district officials and town officials.
Doxsey said he is worried Cottage Road is unsafe for students to cross to get to campus because it curves.
"The solution is to fix the impact on the road," Doxsey said.
Town of Poughkeepsie Supervisor Patricia Myers said she believed the project should go through the town Planning Board because the town is the proper venue to review the dorms ' design and construction.
Meeting Monday
The Dutchess County Legislature will have a Committee of the Whole meeting at 4 p.m. Monday to discuss a solution that approves a ground lease for the Dutchess Community College Association to build dorms . The Legislature will have a regular board meetingThe Legislature's Budget, Finance and Personnel Committee will discuss the dorms issue at 5 p.m. Wednesday, and the Legislature will have a special board meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday to vote on the matter.
All meetings are held on the 6th floor of the County Office Building, 22 Market St., Poughkeepsie.
Page: 1B
Record Number: pgh44593643
Copyright (c) Poughkeepsie Journal. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
Panel pulls DCCdorm resolution (Pok. Journal 2/8/08)
Panel pulls DCCdorm resolution
Poughkeepsie Journal (NY) - February 8, 2008
Author: STAFF ; Jenny Lee
At the request of Dutchess Community College, a county Legislature committee pulled a resolution regarding lease of land to the school to build dorms for students.
The Budget, Finance and Personnel Committee decided Thursday not to forward a resolution that would have authorized the county to enter into a long-term ground lease with the Dutchess Community College Association to build the dorms .
After the Legislature heard from about a dozen people, almost all of whom were against the dorms , the college requested the resolution be pulled.
DCC President David Conklin told the committee, "We recommend this resolution be brought back to you in March."
He said the college still wants to move forward with the lease, so officials can open the dorms in fall 2009.
But first, he'd wants to talk with Fairview Fire District officials who are concerned they don't have the resources to handle an increase in emergency calls if the residence halls are built.
800 residents possible
The dorms would be built on 25 acres of county-owned land off Creek Road near Cottage Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie. The dorms could have between 500 and 800 students. At least 450 students would need to live at the residence halls to pay for operations.
The fire district has 16 firefighters and would need eight to 10 more to handle calls from the dorms , said John E. Anspach, Fairview Fire District chairman of the board of fire commissioners.
Residents who spoke at the meeting pointed out 80 percent of the district is tax-exempt, so a larger-than-usual portion of fire district taxes falls on them.
Legislator James Doxsey, C-Town of Poughkeepsie, proposed putting a charge into the rent of a dorm room that would go toward the fire district to pay for services.
He estimated the fees would raise a total of $352,000, to go toward the fire district.
City of Poughkeepsie officials also oppose the school's plan because they feel the city would be a better location for students to live.
The Common Council approved this week resolutions that outlined its position and urged the county Legislature to delay voting on the lease.
The resolutions said DCC 's plan would have a negative economic impact on the city and college. It urged officials to think of alternative student housing proposals within the city.
Town of Poughkeepsie Supervisor Patricia Myers said she's opposed to the campus dorms as well, because she's concerned about residents' taxes, public safety and other issues.
The town board approved a resolution this week voicing concerns about pedestrian safety.
Staff writer Michael Valkys contributed to this report. Reach Jenny Lee at leeja@poughkeepsiejournal.com or 845-437-4835.
Section: MID-HUDSONThe Budget, Finance and Personnel Committee decided Thursday not to forward a resolution that would have authorized the county to enter into a long-term ground lease with the Dutchess Community College Association to build the dorms .
After the Legislature heard from about a dozen people, almost all of whom were against the dorms , the college requested the resolution be pulled.
DCC President David Conklin told the committee, "We recommend this resolution be brought back to you in March."
He said the college still wants to move forward with the lease, so officials can open the dorms in fall 2009.
But first, he'd wants to talk with Fairview Fire District officials who are concerned they don't have the resources to handle an increase in emergency calls if the residence halls are built.
800 residents possible
The dorms would be built on 25 acres of county-owned land off Creek Road near Cottage Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie. The dorms could have between 500 and 800 students. At least 450 students would need to live at the residence halls to pay for operations.
The fire district has 16 firefighters and would need eight to 10 more to handle calls from the dorms , said John E. Anspach, Fairview Fire District chairman of the board of fire commissioners.
Residents who spoke at the meeting pointed out 80 percent of the district is tax-exempt, so a larger-than-usual portion of fire district taxes falls on them.
Legislator James Doxsey, C-Town of Poughkeepsie, proposed putting a charge into the rent of a dorm room that would go toward the fire district to pay for services.
He estimated the fees would raise a total of $352,000, to go toward the fire district.
City of Poughkeepsie officials also oppose the school's plan because they feel the city would be a better location for students to live.
The Common Council approved this week resolutions that outlined its position and urged the county Legislature to delay voting on the lease.
The resolutions said DCC 's plan would have a negative economic impact on the city and college. It urged officials to think of alternative student housing proposals within the city.
Town of Poughkeepsie Supervisor Patricia Myers said she's opposed to the campus dorms as well, because she's concerned about residents' taxes, public safety and other issues.
The town board approved a resolution this week voicing concerns about pedestrian safety.
Staff writer Michael Valkys contributed to this report. Reach Jenny Lee at leeja@poughkeepsiejournal.com or 845-437-4835.
Page: 1B
Record Number: pgh43312665
Copyright (c) Poughkeepsie Journal. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
Town to urge no action on dorms (Pok. Journal 2/7/08)
Town to urge no action on dorms
Poughkeepsie Journal (NY) - February 7, 2008
Author: STAFF ; Christine Pizzuti
The Poughkeepsie town board will send a letter to the Dutchess County Legislature today, asking members not to consider Dutchess Community College's request for a land lease to construct dorms on 25 acres of county-owned land in the Fairview Fire District.
Taxpayers, fire district members and college representatives addressed the town board at a meeting Wednesday night.
DCC President David Conklin said more than half the community colleges in the state have residence halls, or are constructing them, and the dorms would boost the local economy.
"All the colleges (with dorms ) visited found that the students in their service area have been better served," Conklin said. "If students didn't want to live in housing, there would be no reason to provide it."
DCC maintains the plans are only in the beginning stages but some town board members believed things might be further along because the plan is up for discussion in a Legislature committee tonight.
Board member Michael Cifone, who represents the 4th Ward where the college is located, predicted a burden to the taxpayers and worried about the safety of the students who would have to cross Cottage Street to get home.
Resource drain cited
Fairview firefighter and district union President Tim O'Connor said the dorms would be an extreme drain on resources, adding the district is already operating at levels below every government standard.
While Conklin tried to reassure them safety would not be an issue due to campus security, fire Chief Tory Gallante said the district responded to two calls on the campus that day, leaving only two volunteers to man the station and the rest of the district. Bringing more tax- exempt properties into the mix would worsen a situation that is already shaky at best, he said.
"The Fairview Fire District is up to 80 percent tax-exempt properties," in its coverage area Gallante said. "That's insane ... this needs to be addressed before any more tax exemption can take place."
Reach Christine Pizzuti at cpizzuti@poughkeepsiejournal.com or 845-437-4882.
Section: MID-HUDSONTaxpayers, fire district members and college representatives addressed the town board at a meeting Wednesday night.
DCC President David Conklin said more than half the community colleges in the state have residence halls, or are constructing them, and the dorms would boost the local economy.
"All the colleges (with dorms ) visited found that the students in their service area have been better served," Conklin said. "If students didn't want to live in housing, there would be no reason to provide it."
DCC maintains the plans are only in the beginning stages but some town board members believed things might be further along because the plan is up for discussion in a Legislature committee tonight.
Board member Michael Cifone, who represents the 4th Ward where the college is located, predicted a burden to the taxpayers and worried about the safety of the students who would have to cross Cottage Street to get home.
Resource drain cited
Fairview firefighter and district union President Tim O'Connor said the dorms would be an extreme drain on resources, adding the district is already operating at levels below every government standard.
While Conklin tried to reassure them safety would not be an issue due to campus security, fire Chief Tory Gallante said the district responded to two calls on the campus that day, leaving only two volunteers to man the station and the rest of the district. Bringing more tax- exempt properties into the mix would worsen a situation that is already shaky at best, he said.
"The Fairview Fire District is up to 80 percent tax-exempt properties," in its coverage area Gallante said. "That's insane ... this needs to be addressed before any more tax exemption can take place."
Reach Christine Pizzuti at cpizzuti@poughkeepsiejournal.com or 845-437-4882.
Page: 1B
Record Number: pgh43097079
Copyright (c) Poughkeepsie Journal. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
City, town both frown on DCCdorm plan (Pok. Journal 2/7/08)
City, town both frown on DCCdorm plan
Poughkeepsie Journal (NY) - February 7, 2008
Author: STAFF ; Michael Valkys
City of Poughkeepsie leaders are opposing Dutchess Community College's plan to construct dormitories near its campus, claiming the city just might be a better place for students to live.
Town of Poughkeepsie leaders also oppose the college's plan, but for different reasons.
For now, it remains unclear whether the opposition will delay the dorm plan, still in its early stages.
"I think it's a great opportunity for the college," county Legislature Chairman Roger Higgins, D-New Hamburg, said of the school's plan to construct dorms on a 25-acre county-owned parcel off Creek Road near Cottage Road and adjacent to DCC 's town campus.
The city Common Council this week approved a pair of resolutions opposing the dormitory plan. The measures urge the county Legislature to delay approving a lease agreement with the college for the land so school leaders can review using alternative housing options in the city.
The Legislature's Budget, Finance and Personnel Committee is expected to discuss the lease proposal today and the matter could go to the full body for a vote Monday.
The council resolutions, approved Monday night, claim DCC 's plans "would have a negative economic impact" on the city and its residents. The council also voted to have Mayor John Tkazyik "immediately enlist the assistance" of city business leaders and college officials to develop an alternative student housing proposal within city limits.
Council Chairman Brian Doyle, D-4th Ward, said the city has numerous private apartments above businesses along the Main Street corridor and elsewhere. Several property owners spoke at Monday night's council meeting in favor of bringing students to live in the city.
Doyle said Wednesday the council was essentially asking college and county leaders to "please take a pause and have a conversation with us on how we can address the needs you've identified" regarding housing.
President holds firm
But college Board of Trustees Chairman Thomas LeGrand said while he understands the city's desire to attract students and revitalize downtown, the school has no plans to abandon its housing proposal.
LeGrand said having dorms adjacent to campus would allow students to walk to class, cutting down on traffic in the area.
He said the college also wants to ensure students live in safe and code-compliant units, something the school could not guarantee if student housing were provided by private property owners.
"We can make sure we create a safe, secure environment," LeGrand said.
He said other community colleges in New York have dorms constructed on or close to campus.
"The formula that's had the best success is contiguous to the main campus," LeGrand said.
Higgins agreed with LeGrand's points and said while he, too, understands where city leaders are coming from on the issue, their opposition "doesn't change" his support of the college's plan.
Town leaders also have concerns about the project.
The town board Wednesday night approved a resolution objecting to the development plan, citing concerns over student pedestrian safety if the dorms are built and increased calls for emergency services to the Fairview Fire District, where residents already pay some of the highest fire taxes in the state because of the many properties off the tax rolls.
But Supervisor Patricia Myers said the town could reconsider its opposition if the college addresses pedestrian safety with better crossing locations and makes some kind of payment in lieu of taxes to the Fairview district.
Long lease sought
The college has asked county leaders to approve a 99-year lease on the land it needs to build the dorms . Specifics on the type of dorms and how many students they could house have not been determined, although estimates of between 500 and 800 students have been mentioned.
A 2005 study commissioned by the Dutchess Community College Association reported a need for affordable on-campus housing at the school. The report also found that at least 450 students would be required to live in the dorm if the facility is to be self-supporting.
Dutchess, like many community colleges across New York, does not have dormitories. But community schools across the state are adding on-campus housing in an effort to attract students.
"They want that total college experience," LeGrand said.
The dorms would also allow students on the edges of the geographically large county in communities such as Pawling and Tivoli to live closer to campus. Dutchess has more than 8,000 students, full and part time.
Marist and Vassar colleges also are located in the town and some students from each school live in private off-campus apartments.
Their presence has prompted noise and other complaints from some neighbors over the years, but both schools have worked with town and city leaders to promote better understanding between the two groups.
LeGrand said details of DCC 's dorm plan will be developed once the lease deal is approved.
"I want to make sure we have a place to build them," LeGrand said.
Reach Michael Valkys at mvalkys@poughkeepsiejournal.com or 845-437-4816.
A Dutchess County Legislature committee is set to discuss a lease agreement with Dutchess Community College that could allow dorm construction off Creek Road. The committee meets today at 5:15 p.m. on the sixth floor of the county office building at 22 Market St. in Poughkeepsie. Visit www.dutchessny.gov for more information.
Section: NEWSTown of Poughkeepsie leaders also oppose the college's plan, but for different reasons.
For now, it remains unclear whether the opposition will delay the dorm plan, still in its early stages.
"I think it's a great opportunity for the college," county Legislature Chairman Roger Higgins, D-New Hamburg, said of the school's plan to construct dorms on a 25-acre county-owned parcel off Creek Road near Cottage Road and adjacent to DCC 's town campus.
The city Common Council this week approved a pair of resolutions opposing the dormitory plan. The measures urge the county Legislature to delay approving a lease agreement with the college for the land so school leaders can review using alternative housing options in the city.
The Legislature's Budget, Finance and Personnel Committee is expected to discuss the lease proposal today and the matter could go to the full body for a vote Monday.
The council resolutions, approved Monday night, claim DCC 's plans "would have a negative economic impact" on the city and its residents. The council also voted to have Mayor John Tkazyik "immediately enlist the assistance" of city business leaders and college officials to develop an alternative student housing proposal within city limits.
Council Chairman Brian Doyle, D-4th Ward, said the city has numerous private apartments above businesses along the Main Street corridor and elsewhere. Several property owners spoke at Monday night's council meeting in favor of bringing students to live in the city.
Doyle said Wednesday the council was essentially asking college and county leaders to "please take a pause and have a conversation with us on how we can address the needs you've identified" regarding housing.
President holds firm
But college Board of Trustees Chairman Thomas LeGrand said while he understands the city's desire to attract students and revitalize downtown, the school has no plans to abandon its housing proposal.
LeGrand said having dorms adjacent to campus would allow students to walk to class, cutting down on traffic in the area.
He said the college also wants to ensure students live in safe and code-compliant units, something the school could not guarantee if student housing were provided by private property owners.
"We can make sure we create a safe, secure environment," LeGrand said.
He said other community colleges in New York have dorms constructed on or close to campus.
"The formula that's had the best success is contiguous to the main campus," LeGrand said.
Higgins agreed with LeGrand's points and said while he, too, understands where city leaders are coming from on the issue, their opposition "doesn't change" his support of the college's plan.
Town leaders also have concerns about the project.
The town board Wednesday night approved a resolution objecting to the development plan, citing concerns over student pedestrian safety if the dorms are built and increased calls for emergency services to the Fairview Fire District, where residents already pay some of the highest fire taxes in the state because of the many properties off the tax rolls.
But Supervisor Patricia Myers said the town could reconsider its opposition if the college addresses pedestrian safety with better crossing locations and makes some kind of payment in lieu of taxes to the Fairview district.
Long lease sought
The college has asked county leaders to approve a 99-year lease on the land it needs to build the dorms . Specifics on the type of dorms and how many students they could house have not been determined, although estimates of between 500 and 800 students have been mentioned.
A 2005 study commissioned by the Dutchess Community College Association reported a need for affordable on-campus housing at the school. The report also found that at least 450 students would be required to live in the dorm if the facility is to be self-supporting.
Dutchess, like many community colleges across New York, does not have dormitories. But community schools across the state are adding on-campus housing in an effort to attract students.
"They want that total college experience," LeGrand said.
The dorms would also allow students on the edges of the geographically large county in communities such as Pawling and Tivoli to live closer to campus. Dutchess has more than 8,000 students, full and part time.
Marist and Vassar colleges also are located in the town and some students from each school live in private off-campus apartments.
Their presence has prompted noise and other complaints from some neighbors over the years, but both schools have worked with town and city leaders to promote better understanding between the two groups.
LeGrand said details of DCC 's dorm plan will be developed once the lease deal is approved.
"I want to make sure we have a place to build them," LeGrand said.
Reach Michael Valkys at mvalkys@poughkeepsiejournal.com or 845-437-4816.
A Dutchess County Legislature committee is set to discuss a lease agreement with Dutchess Community College that could allow dorm construction off Creek Road. The committee meets today at 5:15 p.m. on the sixth floor of the county office building at 22 Market St. in Poughkeepsie. Visit www.dutchessny.gov for more information.
Page: 1A
Record Number: pgh43096664
Copyright (c) Poughkeepsie Journal. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
Some Of My Basement Flooding Pictures
Click picture for a larger image. This was taken before we had a water mitigation system installed. We live downhill from Dutchess Community College. I am convinced that some of the flooding we had comes from the runoff from the College. The bottom picture shows we had water coming in from both walls. We joked that it was our indoor fountain. After a while, it was no longer a joke.
Meeting at Fairview Firehouse Confirmed!
Good Evening!
Yes, there will be a meeting Monday, March 17th, @ 7:00 p.m at the Fairview Firehouse to discuss the DCC dorms in regard to an offer they have made to us The meeting is open to the public and hope you can attend. Please contact me if you have any additional questions.
Sincerely,
Tory G. Gallante, Chief
Fairview Fire District
258 Violet Avenue
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 452-7453 - Office
(845) 452-8770 - Station
(845) 452-0552 - Fax
E-Mail Address & Updates
I have set up an E-Mail address for anyone who is interested in being added to the petition or who would like to get additional information. The address is nodccdorms@yahoo.com
While canvassing my neighborhood today for signatures, I was informed by a neighbor that there will be a meeting at the Fairview Firehouse this Monday, March 17th at 7:00 p.m. I have E-Mailed the Fairview Fire Chief to confirm this information. As I understand it, there will be representatives from the college, the county legislature, and the fire district present. If this is indeed the case, I will post it to this website as well as E-Mail it to anyone who is interested.
While canvassing my neighborhood today for signatures, I was informed by a neighbor that there will be a meeting at the Fairview Firehouse this Monday, March 17th at 7:00 p.m. I have E-Mailed the Fairview Fire Chief to confirm this information. As I understand it, there will be representatives from the college, the county legislature, and the fire district present. If this is indeed the case, I will post it to this website as well as E-Mail it to anyone who is interested.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
What is the land lease about and why I am against it
Dutchess Community College is in the process of negotiating with Dutchess County to lease land off of Cottage Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie. The college plans on building dormitories for students on this property. According to the college, a study was done in 2005 which showed that dormitories were wanted by students and needed. Funny how the college never bothered to ask their neighbors how they felt about these dormitories.
Why do I care about the dorms? I live across the street from Dutchess Community College and I do not want this in my backyard, literally. When I bought my house 4 years ago, my husband and I bought it because it was within our price range and it was a fairly quiet neighborhood. Another perk for me was that I was a student (still am as a matter of fact) at Dutchess Community College. We knew that our house was a bit of a fixer upper but we were in for more than what we bargained for. Lesson #1, don't always believe your home inspector. Lesson #2, don't always believe the people you are buying the property from.
After being in our home for a short time, we found that after a moderate to heavy rainfall that we would be blessed with an indoor swimming pool. O.K., so it wasn't deep enough for us to go swimming, but it was enough for us to spend many sleepless nights dealing with our flooding basement. In the end, we were forced to buy a water mitigation system to deal with the flooding. We just keep our fingers crossed that the power doesn't go out otherwise it's back to the ole' swimming hole. Now I can't say for a fact that the flooding is caused by the runoff from the college. But since the water is literally running down the hill of the college & into the yards of my neighbors as well as my own, one has to wonder that it is a possibility.
Let us now look at safety issues. Anyone who has tried to turn onto Cottage Road from Creek Road knows that you basically take you life into your hands. Between the blind curve in front of you and the person behind you who thinks the 25 mph speed limit does not apply to them, putting dormitories on that corner would make it even worse. Imagine the increase in traffic going through there. Also, for those of you who have never traveled on Cottage Road, it is a very curvy road which has 2 separate entry/exit drives to the college. For those students who would actually consider walking to the campus, they would risk getting hit by a car. Now James Doxsey, the legislator for my district stated that the solution would be to fix the impact on the road. What is unknown is what the fix will be & who's going to pay for it. Would it be DCC or the taxpayer? There would be a SIGNIFICANT increase of traffic on Cottage Road between the students who drive from the dorms to campus as well as any visitors that they may have.
As I understand it, DCC plans on more than one phase of these dormitories. You have to wonder what impact this will have on the environment & wildlife in the area. I know that when I pull into my driveway at night, I have to watch that I don't hit a deer as it is. If 25 acres of woods are clearcut for dorms, I can guarantee that we'll have more deer in our neighborhood as well as another visit from the Town Police to put down a deer who gets tangled up in another fence or hit by a car.
One of the biggest safety issues is the fact that the Fairview Fire Department is already understaffed and is unable to provide the fire coverage that is needed without hiring more firefighters. Anyone who lives within this fire district can tell you that we pay the most in fire taxes as 80% of the properties in this district are tax exempt. Now Dr. Conklin, the President of Dutchess Community College, will tell you that they are negotiating with the fire district to help offset the costs to pay to hire additional firefighters to provide coverage. However, what he won't tell you is how much because they are still "negotiating" this. I received my tax bill today. My fire taxes went up 15%. I can't afford another increase. I know that other people in this fire district can't afford it either.
The amount of noise that will be generated from the increased traffic as well as "dorm life" will have a negative impact on the neighborhoods surrounding it. The last thing I need are these dormitories bringing down my property value. Let's face it, no one wants to live & deal with dorm life.
Dutchess Community College is still running ads on the radio touting how they have the lowest tuition of any community college. One has to wonder just how much longer that will be considering they are planning on passing some of the cost of building these dormitories onto the students at the college. It's bad enough that they force their students to pay for "accident insurance" and a foundation fee which they claim is a charitable gift which you can request to be returned to you if you go to the college & fill out paperwork for it.
In closing, the dorm proposal is a bad idea. There are too many issues which haven't been resolved and to allow the land lease to go through without resolving these issues would be a travesty. If these kids want the "college experience", then they should go away to a 4 year college that already has dorms so they can get away from their parents & party. If they were in the homeowner's shoes, I'm sure that they would feel the same way.
Why do I care about the dorms? I live across the street from Dutchess Community College and I do not want this in my backyard, literally. When I bought my house 4 years ago, my husband and I bought it because it was within our price range and it was a fairly quiet neighborhood. Another perk for me was that I was a student (still am as a matter of fact) at Dutchess Community College. We knew that our house was a bit of a fixer upper but we were in for more than what we bargained for. Lesson #1, don't always believe your home inspector. Lesson #2, don't always believe the people you are buying the property from.
After being in our home for a short time, we found that after a moderate to heavy rainfall that we would be blessed with an indoor swimming pool. O.K., so it wasn't deep enough for us to go swimming, but it was enough for us to spend many sleepless nights dealing with our flooding basement. In the end, we were forced to buy a water mitigation system to deal with the flooding. We just keep our fingers crossed that the power doesn't go out otherwise it's back to the ole' swimming hole. Now I can't say for a fact that the flooding is caused by the runoff from the college. But since the water is literally running down the hill of the college & into the yards of my neighbors as well as my own, one has to wonder that it is a possibility.
Let us now look at safety issues. Anyone who has tried to turn onto Cottage Road from Creek Road knows that you basically take you life into your hands. Between the blind curve in front of you and the person behind you who thinks the 25 mph speed limit does not apply to them, putting dormitories on that corner would make it even worse. Imagine the increase in traffic going through there. Also, for those of you who have never traveled on Cottage Road, it is a very curvy road which has 2 separate entry/exit drives to the college. For those students who would actually consider walking to the campus, they would risk getting hit by a car. Now James Doxsey, the legislator for my district stated that the solution would be to fix the impact on the road. What is unknown is what the fix will be & who's going to pay for it. Would it be DCC or the taxpayer? There would be a SIGNIFICANT increase of traffic on Cottage Road between the students who drive from the dorms to campus as well as any visitors that they may have.
As I understand it, DCC plans on more than one phase of these dormitories. You have to wonder what impact this will have on the environment & wildlife in the area. I know that when I pull into my driveway at night, I have to watch that I don't hit a deer as it is. If 25 acres of woods are clearcut for dorms, I can guarantee that we'll have more deer in our neighborhood as well as another visit from the Town Police to put down a deer who gets tangled up in another fence or hit by a car.
One of the biggest safety issues is the fact that the Fairview Fire Department is already understaffed and is unable to provide the fire coverage that is needed without hiring more firefighters. Anyone who lives within this fire district can tell you that we pay the most in fire taxes as 80% of the properties in this district are tax exempt. Now Dr. Conklin, the President of Dutchess Community College, will tell you that they are negotiating with the fire district to help offset the costs to pay to hire additional firefighters to provide coverage. However, what he won't tell you is how much because they are still "negotiating" this. I received my tax bill today. My fire taxes went up 15%. I can't afford another increase. I know that other people in this fire district can't afford it either.
The amount of noise that will be generated from the increased traffic as well as "dorm life" will have a negative impact on the neighborhoods surrounding it. The last thing I need are these dormitories bringing down my property value. Let's face it, no one wants to live & deal with dorm life.
Dutchess Community College is still running ads on the radio touting how they have the lowest tuition of any community college. One has to wonder just how much longer that will be considering they are planning on passing some of the cost of building these dormitories onto the students at the college. It's bad enough that they force their students to pay for "accident insurance" and a foundation fee which they claim is a charitable gift which you can request to be returned to you if you go to the college & fill out paperwork for it.
In closing, the dorm proposal is a bad idea. There are too many issues which haven't been resolved and to allow the land lease to go through without resolving these issues would be a travesty. If these kids want the "college experience", then they should go away to a 4 year college that already has dorms so they can get away from their parents & party. If they were in the homeowner's shoes, I'm sure that they would feel the same way.
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