Share This On FacebookA low-cost financing deal was approved today to help Dutchess Community College build its first dormitory, but not without a dissent.
The Dutchess County Local Development Corp. voted to help the college by issuing up to $32 million in bonds that are tax-exempt to the buyers. A form of private borrowing, the bond approach helps lower the costs of the project to the sponsor, which is technically the Dutchess Community College Association.
The college plans to add to its Town of Poughkeepsie campus by building a 474-bed dormitory on a 23-acre parcel it owns on Cottage Road, a spot currently used for the soccer field.
The plan has been controversial and the vote was 5-1, with board member Angela Flesland dissenting. She has also opposed the project in her capacity as a Dutchess County legislator, along with County Legislator James R. Doxsey where the College is located as Doxsey represents that District which is Legislative District I.
“I don’t think that the long-term costs to the town and the county have been addressed,” she said after the meeting.
As a tax-exempt public entity, the college does not pay property taxes but does use services. The Fairview Fire District has a large burden of property to protect that does not have to pay property taxes, and that has been a bone of contention all along.
Charles Daniels, another member of the agency board, said other similar projects have been aided in the past. The cost issues have to be worked out, he said, adding, “I don’t think that falls within our purview.”
David Conklin, president of the college, said groundbreaking is set for June 7 and the target for opening is July, 2012.
Reach Craig Wolf at
cwolf@poughkeepsiejournal.com or 845-437-4815.
Town of Poughkeepsie Democrats
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Well its finally coming to an end. Never have I seen such dis-respect for a Community College as what is being done to the people in the Fairview Fire Distict. Dr. David Conklin still has not met and worked ANY issues since this has begun in 2008. 3 Years later and still no plans to help out Fairview.
Now we also know the bed count. 274 was never ever mentioned, it was always 260 then 265, now the fine Dr. David Conklin pushed and here we have it- 274….
I can’t wait for the dorms to be built!!! We live in Dutchess County and over 45 minutes away from the college. I love this school. I went there, my mother went there, my sisters went there – and my children will be and are going there. The commute is difficult – especially in the winter – the roads are treacherous in bad weather – and the school 99% of the time does not close for snow/ice. I for one welcome the dorms and say “It’s about time!”
Thank you Thank you Thank you!
’93 DCC alumni