- The former Schatz site on Fairview Avenue in Poughkeepsie, abandoned since the 1980s, has a potential vision for redevelopment into a mixed-use development.
- Dutchess County is seeking comment on the proposed plans, and feedback is welcomed through Oct. 31.There are two meetings scheduled on the topic.
- Feedback on the project plan can also be submitted online.
Dutchess County is looking for community input on the Schatz Brownfield Opportunity Area Nomination Study Report, specifically its vision for the site’s future redevelopment.
The former Schatz Manufacturing Company site, once a metal parts and ball bearing manufacturing facility in the early 1900s, is located within the town and city of Poughkeepsie. It is made up of three parcels totaling 19.8 acres at 60 and 68-70 Fairview Ave.
The two northernmost parcels are within the Town of Poughkeepsie, and the smallest southern parcel is within the City of Poughkeepsie.
Once the Federal Bearing Company filed for bankruptcy in 1981, the site took a turn.
Over time, it has amassed over $23 million in unpaid taxes, according to the report, and the abandoned factory buildings have significantly deteriorated from structural decay, multiple fires, unauthorized occupation and illegal dumping, becoming an unofficial waste disposal area.
In 2018, Dutchess County received a joint-venture proposal response from Kearney Realty and Development Group, an affordable housing developer; and the Rural Ulster Preservation Company, a non-profit housing services provider and another affordable housing developer.
The report states all three parcels within the site are privately owned, by separate entities.
In February 2019, the county initiated foreclosure proceedings, but the COVID-19 pandemic put those on pause. The hope is property transfer will occur by the end of 2025 to Kearney Realty and Development Group.
According to the project website, there are many entities working on this site revitalization, and the partners include Dutchess County, RUPCO, the BOA Advisory Committee, New York State Department of State and a consultant team — Colliers Engineering and Design, Lu Engineers, Camoin, Allieway Marketing, LandArt Studio, Ravi Engineering and Site Surveying.
What is the proposed plan for the site?
The Kearney Realty Group, in collaboration with RUPCO, is in the process of developing initial concepts to transform the former Schatz site into a mixed-use development.
The vision, through adaptive reuse, would play into the site’s history, preserving historic structures, while embracing a new life.
The redevelopment would offer diverse housing options, with up to 250 units of affordable and market-rate housing, including apartments and town homes, along with areas for the public to enjoy.
Proposed community areas include open green space and outdoor areas like a community garden, dog park, playground and sports courts, as well as access to the Marcus J. Molinaro Northside line, other trails and the broader community.
A commercial plaza with local businesses is an envisioned alternative for the AT&T facility on the Schatz property, including restaurants, retail, services and flexible workspaces, to stimulate economic growth.
How to weigh in on Schatz mixed-use plan
The report, by the county’s Department of Planning and Development, outlines potential plans for a mixed-use neighborhood, including new affordable units, public green spaces and local businesses.
As many of the redeveloped areas will be open to the public, Dutchess County wants to hear what residents think.
“The vision outlined in this study would transform an abandoned property into a dynamic, mixed-use destination — one that adds new housing options, retail and workspace opportunities while stimulating economic growth for the local community,” Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said in a statement. “We encourage residents to take a look at the plan and share their thoughts.”
The county is seeking community engagement, and there are two meetings coming up when county staff and consultants will present key findings and recommendations:
- Oct. 22, Town of Poughkeepsie Town Board: 7 p.m. meeting at 1 Overocker Road in Poughkeepsie.
- Nov. 6, Dutchess County Legislature: 5:30 p.m. meeting at 22 Market St., 6th floor, in Poughkeepsie.
Community feedback on the report can also be shared online under “Share Your Comments,” at revitalizeschatz.com/comments, until Oct. 31.
How much will the project cost? Where is funding coming from?
While the report does not state the estimated total cost of the project, associated estimated costs are at the sole discretion of the Kearney Realty and Development team.
The Kearney Realty and Development team did not respond to a request for comment on an estimated total cost for the project.
Dutchess County Government said the nomination study will be submitted to the New York Department of State, with the goal of getting formal BOA designation, to acquire additional funding, technical assistance and redevelopment opportunities.
The designation makes projects within the area more competitive for public and private funding as well, according to the county.
However, according to the report, there are potentially seven grants and three tax credits which could be utilized as funding sources:
Here are the seven Schatz BOA Nomination Study Report’s possible grant funding opportunities:
- NYS Department of State’s Brownfield Opportunity Area Program: Awards could cover up to 90% of total eligible project costs.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfield Cleanup Program: Applicants can request up to $500,000 in awards and in limited instances up to $2 million, but requires a local funding match of 20% of the total costs.
- NYS Empire State Development’s Economic Development Fund: Awards vary.
- NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation’s Green Innovation Grant Program: Awards vary, requires a local funding match of 10%-60%.
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, NYS Homes & Community Renewal’s HOME Program: Award could include housing rehabilitation, assistance to renters and homebuyers or new construction of housing for low- and very-low-income families.
- Federal Highway Administration, NYS Department of Transportation, regional transportation council’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Program: Awards vary, local funding match is required.
- NYS Empire State Development’s Restore NY: Awards vary, local funding match of 10% is required.
Here are the three Schatz BOA Nomination Study Report’s possible tax credit opportunities:
- NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s Brownfield Redevelopment Tax Credit: Award for non-manufacturing use is up to $35 million and award for manufacturing use is up to $45 million.
- NYS Homes & Community Renewal’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit: Award varies by project.
- NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s New York State Historic Preservation Tax Credit for Income Producing Properties: Owners can receive an additional state credit of 20% or 30% of the qualified rehabilitation expenditure, up to $5 million.
What are the next steps?
Kearney Realty and Development first presented draft zoning language to the Poughkeepsie Town Board in 2023, and in 2024 and 2025, the project has been in the environmental review process.
Before redevelopment can even begin, the immediate next steps include zoning approval — rezoning is required for the two Town of Poughkeepsie parcels to accommodate residential and mixed-use development.
Next, a site plan approval is needed with the Town of Poughkeepsie Planning Board, to address zoning requirements, environmental considerations and design standards.
Following this, the property transfer to Kearney Realty and Development Group is required, and then the report suggested the group pursue all possible grants and funding opportunities.
Lastly, the report suggested a more in-depth environmental assessment of the property should be done, to fully understand the environmental challenges of the site.
For more information, visit the project website at revitalizeschatz.com.
Contact reporter Nickie Hayes:NHayes@poughkee.gannett.com, 845-863-3518 and@nickieehayess on Instagram.
