LWVMHR Observer Jane Simkin Smith begins her coverage of the August Dutchess County Legislature Meeting –
“Once again, the dominant issue addressed at this session – by the public and the legislators — was Resolution 132, authorizing acceptance of a state grant in order to construct an emergency homeless shelter at 26 Oakley Street in the City of Poughkeepsie, and to amend the county budget in order to fund, design, and manage construction of the project. 20 members of the public (including five members of the Poughkeepsie Common Council) addressed the resolution before and after it was voted upon; all except one were residents of the City of Poughkeepsie and all but one voiced strong opposition. As in previous sessions, the objections were to the location in an already blighted neighborhood, to the failure of legislators to listen to stakeholders, answer their questions, or to even visit the location, to the financial burden, to bullying, racism, a lack of trust and a lack of communication.”
Read more about this and other discussions on our League Website!
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