HUDSON — A resolution opposing the use of 11 Warren St. for county offices was introduced to the Hudson Common Council at its informal meeting Wednesday.
Purchase of the building from the Galvan Foundation was approved by the Columbia County Board of Supervisors in August 2023 for $3.5 million.
Columbia County Engineering Commissioner Raymond Jurkowski said at a public hearing in January the building will be used to house offices for the county Board of Elections, and store equipment for the department.
The building will also house the county’s Probation Department, Public Defender’s Office, and District Attorney’s Office.
Common Council President Tom DePietro said he was disappointed the county did most of the purchasing and planning of the 11 Warren St. building without consulting with the city.
“I can’t speak for everyone, but I think the majority would like for them to reconsider the purchase and use of 11 Warren St., which we find unsuitable for their purposes,” DePietro said.
The building is located within the city’s Downtown Revitalization District, and the use of the building by the county is inconsistent with the city’s plans for the area, which includes mixed-use commercial and residential development, according to the resolution.
Hudson’s 1st Ward Councilmember Gary Purnhagen said he was opposed to the plan for 11 Warren St.
“When you step back, it’s just not a good use at all,” he said.
There is a better use for the building than office space, Purnhagen added.
“The property is very valuable and underutilized,” he said. “We could do so much more. I would like to see a development that is supported by all stakeholders, that supports meaningful retail that makes sense, and that is welcoming and provides a community use similar to what the clubhouse was doing.”
The property in its current state is also uninviting for people visiting the city, Pernhagen said.
“I see so many tourists that stop at 1st Street, they see 11 Warren St. and turn around,” Pernhagen. “It’s disinviting. It sort of says ‘here’s the end of what’s available to you.’”
The building is zoned central commercial for professional, governmental or business use. Constructed in 1985, the property contains 18,622 square feet with room for 30 parked cars.
The property was previously used as offices for the Galvan Foundation, Bard College and Coarc. The Hudson Youth Clubhouse also inhabited the property for a year.
Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Murell, R-Stockport, said the county was going to continue with its plans for the site.
“The building has been purchased by us at a substantial amount of taxpayer money, and our plan is to stay the course,” Murell said.
The Common Council will vote on the resolution at its Feb. 20 meeting.