Hello and thank you,

We are coming together to preserve and protect Vassar College, its heritage, a beloved landscape and its treasures. 

The ANA is raising money to appeal the decision to demolish four special iconic buildings and destroy a living, central green space and its beauty.  

Vassar College plans to build a hotel, restaurant, conference center and parking lots can be developed successfully if located well. They do not require the destruction of landmarks and beautiful green space at the heart of the community. 

We support this development if correctly located across the street or at any of the many suitable locations available.

These buildings and their unique and rare features were designed by Hunt and Hunt, the firm who designed the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the landscape was first designed by the Olmsted Brothers, the firm who designed Central Park. 

The buildings were created one century ago by and for women scholars as the first independent housing for women professionals during the suffrage movement.

Multiple local, regional, state and national organizations have asserted the significance of this place and advocated for its preservation. This includes eligibility for listing in the National Historic Registry, recognition by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, "Where Women Made History"", support of the New York State Preservation League, as well as many experts and leaders.

Current law was changed to allow for a commercial project of this kind in the Institutional Zone surrounded by a residential area. 

Details are available at www.arlington12603.org.

We believe this project, if located here will

  ·   Permanently destroy the architectural and living history of Vassar College and the Town of Poughkeepsie

   ·   Betray the values of the College including community orientation, tradition and positive impact in the world

   ·  Disrupt the character, continuity and community nature of the area

   ·  Increase traffic and congestion along Raymond & College Avenues

   ·  Increase risk to pedestrians and children

   ·  Eliminate accessible green space and beautiful, historic homes 

   ·  Cause environmental damage from loss of woods, trees, and habitat

Here are easy ways to help:

1. Donate to the ANA fund to continue to protect this special place.

You can donate here  

or send a check to the ANA P.O. Box 3011 Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.

For instructions on how to make a tax deductible donation, please email us at [email redacted].

2.  Contact the Vassar College administration and trustees by postal or e-mail.

We would love to hear from you.

Thank you for your shared concern.

Best,

Jenn, Joanne, Neal

Arlington Neighborhood Association

email: [email redacted] . phone: 845.293.0124 . www.arlington12603.org