The proposed renovations to Dutchess Stadium have sparked controversy in the community, with many expressing discontent over the use of $25 million from the county’s $120 million fund balance to finance the project. Dutchess County Legislator Yvette Valdés Smith has voiced the concerns of her constituents, stating, “While we all have a fondness for the stadium, the cost of funding it is excessively high.” The renovations, which include a new clubhouse for the Hudson Valley Renegades baseball team and additional seating and event space, have been met with mixed reactions. While some are excited for the updates, others believe the money could be better spent elsewhere. It remains to be seen how the issue will be resolved.
The proposed renovations to Dutchess Stadium have been a source of controversy in the community, with many expressing discontent over the use of $25 million from the county’s fund balance to finance the project. The renovations, which include a new clubhouse for the Hudson Valley Renegades baseball team and additional seating and event space, have been met with mixed reactions. While some are excited for the updates, others believe the money could be better spent elsewhere.
Dutchess County Legislator Yvette Valdés Smith has voiced the concerns of her constituents, stating, “Many of my constituents have reached out to me expressing their concerns about the allocation of $25 million towards Dutchess Stadium renovations, especially given the numerous other needs in the county.” Valdés Smith, a Democrat, characterized the amendment on the county’s 2023 budget as a surprise.
The decision to allocate funds for the stadium renovations has faced additional scrutiny due to the fact that the county had originally intended to use American Rescue Plan funds for the upgrades. However, following public outcry, the county decided to use the funds for affordable housing instead, aligning with the original purpose of the funds.
Dutchess Legislature Chair A. Gregg Pulver, a Republican, insists that the decision to fund the renovations was not a surprise and had been under discussion for two years. “We have been discussing the plans for Dutchess Stadium renovations for the past two years and made it known to the relevant parties that we were considering this course of action at least two weeks before the decision was made.” he said.
It remains to be seen how the issue will be resolved and whether the renovations at Dutchess Stadium will move forward as planned.
According to Pulver, the addition of event space to the county park stadium, which is home to the New York Yankees affiliate team the Renegades, will increase the revenue and use of the facility. The event space will cost $3.5 million, but Pulver believes it is a worthwhile investment.
The funding for the project was approved by the legislature, with most lawmakers voting along party lines. Valdés Smith, however, wanted to delay the process and allow for more public input through hearings. She also wished to have more documentation and information available, including the results of the request for proposal (RFP) process, before moving forward with the project. County Department of Public Works officials anticipate starting construction on the project in March 2023, after the bids have been received.