City of Poughkeepsie may charge developers rec fees

The City of Poughkeepsie is proposing to require developers of future residential projects pay a fee if they are unable to set aside land for recreational purposes.

Poughkeepsie Common Council Chairman Robert Mallory, D-3rd Ward, has introduced an ordinance establishing the recreation fees, which he said would provide the city a fund of money to improve its 17 parks and, if need be, purchase more parkland.

"Our city parks are our assets and we need to do everything we can to enhance them," he said.

Neighboring municipalities have for years required developers to pay recreation fees in lieu of parkland reservations. The Town of Hyde Park charges developers who are subdividing land $5,000 per lot. The Town of Poughkeepsie charges $5,000 per lot or $5,000 per dwelling unit, whichever is greater.

The city's proposed ordinance would, based on the planning board's determination, require a residential developer to set aside land for a public park, playground or other recreational purposes.

"If the developer cannot locate the parkland on the site, he (or she) would be required to pay a recreation fee in lieu of the parkland," said city Corporation Counsel Paul Ackermann.

Mallory, sponsor of the resolution, is suggesting the city charge residential developers $1,000 for each one-bedroom unit or studio, $2,500 for each two-bedroom unit and $5,000 for each three-bedroom unit or greater units.

"I thought there should be some flexibility in the size of the units and what we are charging," Mallory said.

Mark Pagano, 36, of Marian Avenue, said having to pay recreation fees could discourage developers from investing in the city.

"It seems to me that's going to deter anybody who wants to build," he said.

But Harvey Flad, 74, of Academy Street, said the proposed ordinance has merit.

"The general idea is a good one," he said. "Our parks are one of the city's most important assets. Anything that can help maintain them for our youth is always going to be a positive thing."

Mayor John Tkazyik said the parks are in need of repairs and upgrades, which the recreation fees could fund without costing the taxpayers.

"This is long overdue," he said. "It's just a way for the city to enhance and maintain the parks."

Mallory said the fees could be used to repair and purchase benches and playground equipment in the parks, as well as acquire more parkland.

"As we encourage development, we want to maintain green open space," he said.

John Davis: jpdavis@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4807, Twitter: @JohnDavisPJ

PUBLIC HEARING

A public hearing on the proposed ordinance establishing a recreation fee takes place at 6 p.m. Sept. 18 in Poughkeepsie City Hall at 62 Civic Center Plaza. For more information call 845-451-4072.