Local community projects to benefit $1M county grant

Ten different community projects throughout Dutchess County are expected to benefit from nearly $1 million in funding through the Dutchess County Community Development Block Grant program, according to County Executive Marc Molinaro.

The purpose of the funding, which would benefit a total of 11 Dutchess County municipalities, is to support community development projects in low- and moderate-income communities, Molinaro said. A preliminary total of $924,000 has been earmarked for the grants.

“Many of the applications, and projects awarded, embrace that spirit and will improve access to facilities and resources that make Dutchess County a special place to live and raise a family,” Molinaro said.

The funding for the program is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which looks to address locally identified community development needs. Awards will be final upon completion of the public comment period and approval by HUD.

Stringham Park in the LaGrange is expected to receive $100,000 from the grant for the expansion and renovation of the park’s existing playground. The project will include a new swing set with therapeutic swing seats, a raised sandbox designed for wheelchair access, interactive sensory panels and a new rubber surface.

Four intersections on Route 9D in the Village of Wappingers Falls will be enhanced to increase access for the elderly and disabled with a planned $75,000. The project will involve installation of handicapped-accessible ramps, crosswalks and curbs where Route 9D intersects with Mill Street, Market Street, Church Avenue and Givans Avenue.

The eight other projects slated to receive funding include:

• City of Beacon — recreation center pavilion and playground, $60,000
• City of Beacon — road rehabilitation, $100,000
• Town of Clinton — Fran Mark Park basketball court and handicapped accessible bathrooms, $100,00
• Village of Millbrook — handicapped-access crosswalks, $44,000
• Village of Millerton — rail trail bathrooms, $75,000
• Town and Village of Pawling — Lakeside Park accessibility improvements, $150,000
• Village of Tivoli — Pine Street improvement project, $120,000
• Town of Washington — town hall handicapped access improvements, $100,000

Abbott Brant: abrant@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4809; Twitter: @AbbottBrantPoJo