Poughkeepsie won't move forward with development proposals for DeLaval site
POUGHKEEPSIE - City officials announced Thursday they have decided not to move forward with either of two development proposals for a prominent waterfront site.
The DeLaval site is the last parcel with undeveloped acres on the city waterfront.
It takes its name from the former owner and operator of the site, the DeLaval Separator Company.
"After careful consideration, we believe it is best to wait and provide an opportunity to allow the next administration to proceed with the project in a manner they deem most appropriate," said Poughkeepsie Mayor Marc Nelson, who will leave office at the end of the year.
In addition to the mayor's position, the nine seats on the Common Council are also on the ballot in November.
Temple Park: This NY playground's soil was tested for lead contamination. Here are the results
Two proposals had been submitted for the 14-acre site in response to the city's request.
Joseph A. Bonura, managing partner for Southern Waterfront Development LLC, proposed a waterfront promenade, a mix of commercial space and market-rate apartments to the north, and park space that's split by a six-story residential building.
Police shooting: His sister was shot, killed by Hyde Park police. Why he says it shouldn't have happened
Chai Developers LLC, led by Bernard "Berry" Kohn, proposed a city-owned park and a paved pathway running the full length of the shore, which would be bookended by a 12-story hotel and conference center to the south and a market hall, boathouse, shops and offices to the north.
Nelson did express the hope that the next administration would arrive at the overarching goal of creating an anchor on the southern waterfront, providing public spaces and water-related uses, driving tourism to bolster the local economy, and complementing existing waterfront assets such as Waryas Park and the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park.
Mike Randall covers breaking news for the Times Herald-Record, Poughkeepsie Journal and The Journal News/lohud. Reach him at mrandall@th-record.com or on Twitter @mikerandall845.
This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Poughkeepsie not moving forward with plans to develop waterfront site
