NEWS & UPDATES
Public Invited to Enjoy the New “Marcus J. Molinaro Northside Line” Dutchess County’s urban trail connecting community assets in City and Town of Poughkeepsie now open for 24/7/365 use
The first phase of Dutchess County’s urban trail project in the City and Town of Poughkeepsie is open for public use and touting a new official name – the Marcus J. Molinaro Northside Line (MJM Northside Line) – honoring Dutchess County’s seventh County Executive for his commitment to Dutchess County Parks and his service to the County.
NEWS RELEASE 2/18/2022: "Work to Begin on Much-Anticipated Northside Line Project"
Construction of the first phase of the Urban Trail network will begin this spring with an initial 0.55 mile stretch from West Cedar Street in the Town of Poughkeepsie to the Dutchess Rail Trail at Parker Avenue (State Route 9G) in the City of Poughkeepsie. Completion of this section is anticipated by the end of this year.
For more information, read the latest news release:
Legislature to Hear Presentation on Dutchess County Urban Trail Project
Tonight, members of the Legislature’s Public Works & Capital Projects Committee will hear an update on the Dutchess County Urban Trail project in the city and town of Poughkeepsie, including the extensive public outreach process that informed the final design and an anticipated construction timeline for the project. The Legislature will vote on an $11 million bond authorization to fund the first phase of construction at its December 2nd board meeting.
Dutchess County to Host Open House Event for Urban Trail Project
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro invites the public to learn more about Dutchess County’s Urban Trail Project and share feedback about the development and design at an Open House event on Wednesday, August 18th from 6:30pm and 8:30pm at the Family Partnership Center Cafeteria, located at 29 North Hamilton Street in Poughkeepsie. The public will have the opportunity to view suggested ideas and design components through interactive display board and public comment is welcome and encouraged.
Public Input Sought for Dutchess County’s Urban Trail Project Website and Survey Launched
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro today announced public outreach efforts are currently underway for the design and development of the County’s Urban Trail project, part of Dutchess County’s historic investment in the County Park System. As part of the public engagement efforts, a new website, www.dutchesscountyurbantrail.com, and survey have been launched. The public is encouraged to visit the new website to learn more about the project and share their feedback through the survey about project design, as well as their personal trail use experience to assist in the final design concepts.
Dutchess County, Scenic Hudson Partner to Create Urban Trail Network New trails on former CSX Rail Line in City and Town of Poughkeepsie will link to Dutchess Rail Trail and Poughkeepsie Waterfront
In collaboration with Scenic Hudson, Dutchess County is proposing an urban trail system, utilizing CSX rail line property in the City and Town of Poughkeepsie. It will link to the popular William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail as well as provide connections to the Poughkeepsie waterfront, parks, local businesses, restaurants, educational institutions, major development projects (including Hudson Heritage) and tourism destinations such as Walkway Over the Hudson.
YOUTH OUTREACH
Youth outreach is an important part of public engagement because it gives the project team an insight into the unique wants, needs, and ideas of young people who live in Poughkeepsie. Because so many children and teenagers travel either by walking or riding a bicycle, ensuring that the Urban Trail meets their needs warrants special attention.
For this reason, Susan G. Blickstein, LLC (SGB) conducted youth engagement with the MADLab summer program at the Poughkeepsie Trolley Barn. SGB gave a presentation about the project and conducted an interactive activity to find out what students are most excited and concerned about the Trail, as well as the types of amenities they want to see. Following the group activity, students filled out the online survey and were given flyers to bring home to friends and family.
Source: Susan G. Blickstein, LLC
General takeaways
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Excited to use the trail to get around and as a destination to socialize
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Concerned about safety and littering
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Want to see security features and trail amenities, such as bathrooms, water fountains, places to sit, charging stations, play/workout equipment, and art
Source: Susan G. Blickstein, LLC
INTERCEPT OUTREACH & POP-UP EVENTS
The project team has been going to a number of community events and conducted intercept outreach to engage with the public about the project and to promote the online survey, public meeting, and open house.
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Arlington Farmers' Market. Source: Susan G. Blickstein, LLC
Dutchess Outreach Fresh Market. Source: Susan G. Blickstein, LLC