County Legislature Receives Update on YOU Project
The YOU continues to move forward with plans having undergone months of design, value-engineering and re-design by world-renowned, Poughkeepsie-based MASS Design Group and its associates.
The Dutchess County Legislature was updated on this transformative project last week by the County Executive’s Office at the Public Works and Capital Projects Committee meeting with details regarding the YOU’s scope, amenities and estimated cost, as well as the County’s plan to raise funds for the critical project.
“The YOU will provide a holistic approach that encompasses the entire spectrum of a child’s life; bringing together nutrition and wellness, family learning, and social interactions with neighbors and the community at large. This comprehensive focus will positively impact individual and collective community youth development,” said Dutchess County Executive William F.X. O’Neil.
After a months-long review, the YOU is estimated to cost just under $70 million in total. In 2021, Dutchess County pledged $25 million toward the project, including approximately $5.5 million for demolition of the former YMCA building and site remediation – the County demolished the deteriorating and unsafe structure in 2022 – as well as $3 million toward design services for the YOU. In April, the County received formal support from Rep. Pat Ryan, who is recommending $3 million in federal funds for this critical project through the Congressionally Directed Spending program for FY 2024. Last week, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer demonstrated similar support for the project, including $10 million for the YOU amongst his requests to the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
A fundraising effort is currently in development, in partnership with the Dyson Foundation, to raise approximately $40-50 million for the remainder of the project, as the County cannot solicit donations on its own. The County expects to launch the fundraising drive with the goal of obtaining funding commitments – $10-$15 million in other government/public funding and $25-35 million in philanthropic contributions.
