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“Responding to the need for enhanced access to higher education in the southernmost part of the county,” the college will open a 47,000-square-foot satellite at the intersection of Route 9 and I-84 in Fishkill.
The state-of-the-art satellite site is scheduled to open in August 2020, with registration for classes beginning in March.
According to the college, analysis determined that relocating the DCC South from Myers Corners Road in Wappingers Falls to the busier Fishkill crossroads would better accommodate the needs of Dutchess and Putnam residents.
Officials noted that the new facility will be 25 percent larger than its current space, and will be “designed to foster teacher and learning innovation and offer ample parking.”
The College signed a 15-year lease with Robert and Rob Hebron of Ingram & Hebron Realty for space in the building, which is owned by JW Mays Corp. An additional 150,000-square-feet of space is available for occupation by retail, dining or other tenants.
The new satellite site will occupy the majority of the top floor of the two-story building, complete with 18 classrooms. There will be biology, physical sciences and computer laboratories; library facilities; student services offices; study areas and a lounge.
All of the courses currently available at the Wappingers Falls location will be still be available, and there will be new classes and programs “that align with regional workforce development initiatives.”
“Faculty, staff and I share with our board of trustees and county leaders a commitment to increase local access to public higher education,” Dutchess Community College President Pamela Edington said. “The new facilities, academic offerings and convenient location in Fishkill will better serve those currently attending classes at our 30-year-old Wappingers site, while expanding opportunities for others previously unable to take advantage of a DCC education.”
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