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The city of Poughkeepsie has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Dutchess County and County Executive Sue Serino over plans to build a 99-bed homeless shelter on Oakley Street. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday (September 16) in U.S. District Court, claims the shelter would reinforce racial segregation and place an undue burden on neighborhoods already hosting many social services.
The city, joined by residents Gladys Lyles and Lisa Cummings, argues that the county's plan violates the Fair Housing Act, New York State Executive Law, and local zoning rules. The lawsuit seeks an injunction to halt the shelter's construction, citing concerns about exacerbating racial segregation and diminishing property values in the predominantly Black community.
Poughkeepsie officials have expressed frustration over the county's decision to revert to the original plan after a compromise was reached earlier this year to use the site for families and single women. According to Times Union, the county insists the $13 million state grant for the shelter is tied to the Oakley Street location, making alternative sites financially unfeasible.
City leaders, including Mayor Yvonne Flowers, have criticized the county's actions as disregarding the needs of disadvantaged individuals. Flowers stated, "For years, the City of Poughkeepsie has been used as a site to handle the county’s most challenging issues." Poughkeepsie Journal reports that the lawsuit also calls for the county to cover legal fees and costs.
County Executive Sue Serino maintains that the shelter will provide essential services, including mental health care and job training, to help individuals transition to stable housing. She emphasized the importance of the project, stating, "Walking away from Oakley Street would mean walking away from neighbors who need stability and support."
As the legal battle unfolds, the county's commitment to addressing homelessness remains firm, with Serino stating her focus is on serving the community and ensuring the project's success.