Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino has proposed building a $26.1 million Youth Opportunity Union (YOU) facility in Poughkeepsie, scaled back from the $150M facility that was proposed but not constructed for a lot at 35 Montgomery St. in Poughkeepsie where a YMCA once stood.
The previous plan was developed while Marc Molinaro and his successor William F.X. O’Neil served as Dutchess County Executive but was not funded. Serino believes that the new plan can be brought to fruition because it is for a smaller facility that will cost a lot less.
“When I served on the County Legislature, I heard from kids who said all they wanted was a safe place to go – somewhere they could be themselves, have fun, and know they belonged,” Serino said. “The YOU will be that place – a space that’s alive with energy, where learning and laughter happen side-by-side, and where kids, families, and seniors alike, can find opportunity and connection.”
According to Serino’s office, the estimated total cost for the project is $26.1 million. The county has $6 million in funding for the project that includes $1.5 million set aside in the Community Benefit Fund and $1 million in opioid settlement funds that the legislature could appropriate. Congressman Pat Ryan previously secured $1 million grant for the project. Dutchess County is pursuing additional grants, including a $15 million request submitted through the New York Bricks Grant program. Any remaining funding, not covered by grants or donations, will need to be approved by the County Legislature.
Features of the new YOU design include: a Licensed Child Care Wing to expand affordable, quality care for working families; a Youth Empowerment Center for mental health wellness, mentorship, and positive youth engagement; a Teaching Kitchen for hands-on culinary and wellness education; Multi-Purpose Rooms for tutoring, workshops, and community events; a gymnasium with full-court basketball, as well as pickleball conversion, to promote active living; and outdoor areas for recreation.
A swimming pool will not be part of the project, due to high annual operating costs.
Serino has held discussions with Poughkeepsie Mayor Yvonne Flowers and other community stakeholders about how to deliver a project that is financially responsible and a valuable community resource.
The YOU facility would be operated by the county under the direction of a facility director. Programming would include: afterschool and weekend activities for youth, including sports and events; mental health and wellness workshops; culinary skills classes and healthy cooking demonstrations; career readiness and skill-building programs, including computer tech and vocational programs, such as medical arts; senior fitness, arts, and social events; and community celebrations, cultural festivals, and holiday gatherings.
“This is all about getting the YOU built and making sure it’s here for generations to come,” Serino said. “It’s focused, it’s flexible, and it’s financially responsible.”
