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The City of Poughkeepsie is holding a rally tonight to oppose Dutchess County's proposal for the Oakley Street homeless shelter. The county plans to provide supportive housing for single men and women, but the city prefers the shelter to accommodate only single women and families. The rally will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Warring Elementary School.
City leaders, including Common Council Chairperson Da’Ron Wilson and City Chamberlain Jamar Cummings, will speak at the event. According to the Poughkeepsie Journal, Mayor Yvonne Flowers emphasized the city's commitment to supporting vulnerable populations but expressed disappointment in the county's deviation from a previously negotiated agreement.
The city had initially reached an understanding with the county to limit the shelter to families and single women. However, County Executive Susan Serino announced that the county legislature would not support this plan due to concerns about housing single men and the long-term costs associated with finding another site.
As reported by the City of Poughkeepsie, the Common Council is considering legal action against the county to seek a more equitable solution. Residents and business leaders are expected to voice their concerns at the rally, with some fearing the shelter could disrupt community progress.