The City of Poughkeepsie is planning to transform the Liberty Street Parking Lot into a visually appealing, environmentally friendly space for motorists, bikers and walkers and businesses in the area.
The $1.4 million project will vastly improve the pavement and drainage of the public parking lot and reduce the impacts of flooding during strong weather events. Outdated stormwater management methods will be replaced by “green Infrastructure,” including concentrate pavers that will enable water to soak into ground sources reducing runoff and flooding.
The City held two public meetings on this project – one in the lobby at 40 Cannon St. in December, and another in the Common Council Chambers in January.
The Liberty lot project is expected to begin in the spring and also will help combat the impacts of water runoff that can overwhelm the city’s sewer system, causing “combined sewer overflows” or CSOs. While Poughkeepsie is in compliance with all New York State regulations, the City is working to mitigate these overflows, and this project is part of that strategy. Permeable pavers also can reduce the need for de-icing chemicals while providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing surface.
As part of the project, dozens of trees will be planted and pedestrian scaled lighting will be added throughout the parking lot to enhance the area.
The project is being funded through the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation’s Green Innovation Grant Program.