Last week City of Poughkeepsie officials lifted a year-long stop-work order on renovations taking place at the Luckey Platt site on the corner of Academy and Main streets. The order was issued in March 2007, when the site’s developers, Queens-based Alma Realty, completed work which exceeded the scope of their original permit without supplying some of the necessary documentation.
According to Fire Chief Ken Boyd, stop-work orders generally last anywhere from one month to three months. Alma Realty had been given a list of deficiencies that needed to be addressed, and had failed to supply the necessary paperwork within a timely manner.
“A year is on the long side; the length of time is dependant on the construction company,” said Boyd.
Minimal progress has been made at the 165-year-old landmark since the stop-work order was issued. The building, formerly a department store and financial linchpin for the city, was purchased by Alma Realty for $1 in 2006. It is slated to become a multi-use facility with 35 apartments and floors of community spacing for stores and community venues.
According the Boyd, Alma Realty has provided 90 percent of the missing documentation – enough to lift the stop-work order.
“We issued the stop-work order to say, ‘Hey, let’s catch up before it goes too far,’ and now that it’s lifted, we’re going to be there at least once a week – more often if it warrants it,” said Boyd.
“We are committed to setting a timeline for success. The building is going to be a key anchor for downtown re-development,” said Mayor John Tkazyik.
According to Tkazyik, Alma Realty still has a number of improvements to make on the project, including planning board issues that have yet to be addressed.
The project was under way when Tkayzik took office this January, but he said he is committed to seeing the project through.
Work crews returned to the site this week, and the project may be completed as soon as June.