2025 Referendum Vote

Oct 17, 2025 | District

Voters Approve Sale of Former John L. Edwards School

We are thrilled to announce that the referendum regarding the proposed sale of the former John L. Edwards School has officially PASSED! This marks a monumental step forward for our community and the revitalization of a cherished, but currently vacant, landmark. We want to extend our sincerest gratitude to every resident who took the time to cast their ballot. Your participation and engagement are the cornerstones of our democracy and a true testament to our community’s commitment to a brighter future.

⏭ What Happens Next?

Over the coming months, we will work closely with Pennrose NY Developer LLC to finalize the necessary steps and begin the development process. We are excited about the positive impact this project will have on our local economy and the quality of life for our senior residents. Stay tuned to our official website and social media channels for updates on the project timeline and milestones. Thank you again for making your voice heard!

 

Special District Vote: Proposed Sale of John L. Edwards School

In 2018, John L. Edwards Elementary School was closed. Grades Pre-K through 3 moved to M.C. Smith Middle School, and grade 6 moved to Hudson Junior High School. M.C. Smith Middle School was renamed M.C. Smith Elementary School. The John L. Edwards building has been vacant since that time.

On Thursday, November 13, 2025, Hudson City School District voters will decide whether to approve the sale of the former John L. Edwards Elementary School, located at 360 State Street, Hudson, to Pennrose NY Developer LLC (or its assignee). Pennrose has proposed to purchase the property for $2,150,000 and convert the school building into affordable housing and community space.

This vote is being held pursuant to a Board of Education resolution adopted on April 22, 2025, authorizing acceptance of the purchase contract from Pennrose NY Developer LLC.

Referendum Question

Shall the sale by the City School District of the City of Hudson to Pennrose NY Developer LLC (or its assignee) of the premises and improvements known as the John L. Edwards School Building situated at 360 State Street on a 5.3-acre parcel, for the sum of $2,150,000, be approved?

Voting Information

Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Voting Locations:

  • Hudson City Central Fire Station – 77 North 7th Street, Hudson, NY

  • Greenport Community Center – 500 Town Hall Road, Greenport, NY

  • A.B. Shaw Firehouse – 67 State Route 23, Claverack, NY

Voter Registration

Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Time: 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Hudson Junior/Senior High School Cafeteria, 215 Harry Howard Avenue (enter through the event entrance)
Please bring proof of primary residency.

Only voters who are not already registered through the Board of Elections or who have not voted in a school election within the past four years need to register.

Absentee, Early Mail, and Military Ballots

  • Applications for absentee and early mail ballots are available at the District Clerk’s Office, 215 Harry Howard Avenue, Hudson, NY.

  • To receive a ballot by mail, applications must be received by November 6, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.

  • Applications for in-person ballot pickup must be received by November 12, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.

  • Completed ballots must be returned to the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on November 13, 2025.

Military voters may register and request ballots by contacting the District Clerk at (518) 828-4360 ext. 2101 or by email at hcsdboardclerk@hudsoncsd.org
The deadline to apply for military voter registration is October 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

JLE Referendum Q&A

 

Q = Why is the Hudson City School District selling John L. Edwards School (JLE)?

A = Due to the ongoing decline of student enrollment in Hudson City Schools the JLE was closed in 2018, following a capital improvement project that consolidated elementary grades into M.C. Smith Elementary School.

Q = Property is valuable in the city of Hudson. Why sell the school now and to this company?

A = JLE has been vacant since 2018, yet still requires regular maintenance and supervision by the district. The Hudson Board of Education partnered with CBRE Commercial Real Estate to advertise the sale of the property for an asking price of $3,950,000. After being listed since 2019, the district received some offers, but none progressed as far as the offer with Pennros, whose offer was accepted by the Board of Education in April of 2025, with the stipulation that the sale be accepted by the voters in a public referendum. 

Q = What is Pennrose proposing to do with the JLE property?

A = Pennrose intends to build 65 studio and one-bedroom units for adults aged 55 and older. Here is a copy of their complete October 2025 presentation on their proposal. 

Q = What will happen to the proceeds of the sale of JLE?

A = The revenue from the sale will pay off the remaining debt on JLE, which will leave between $900,000 and $1.1 million that will be placed in a Reserve for Tax Reduction (ED § 1604 [36]) (ED § 1709 [37]). This reserve is for the gradual use of the proceeds of the sale of school district real property where such proceeds are not required to be placed in a mandatory reserve for debt service. Specifically, the district is permitted to retain the proceeds of the sale for a period not to exceed ten years and to use them during that period for tax reduction. This reserve is accounted in the General Fund. (A 891)

Q = What else will happen as a result of this sale?

A = As a school building, it has generated no tax income for the city or school district since becoming a school in 1964. The Hudson Industrial Development Agency has worked with the proposed buyer, Pennrose, to develop a Payment In Lieu of Taxes plan (PILOT) that will yield over $1.5 million in tax revenue over the next 32 years.

 


District Clerk:
Leslie Coons
Hudson City School District
215 Harry Howard Avenue, Hudson, NY
Dated: October 17, 2025